College Playoff Expansion Talks Feature SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big 12 Models

The 2025 college football season is shaping up with significant developments in the Mountain West and Big 12 conferences, alongside growing anticipation for programs like Hawaii, Utah, Boise State, and Wyoming. Discussions around playoff bids are ongoing, with the SEC and Big Ten proposing a model that grants their conferences more automatic bids, while the ACC and Big 12 suggest a more balanced approach maintaining five auto-bids and eleven at-large spots, sparking conference disagreements. Hawaii aims to improve its offense with quarterback Micah Alejado and returning players after some below-average seasons, while Utah, after a disappointing transition to the Big 12, has retooled its offense and looks to contend for the conference title under revised coaching and roster changes. Boise State, recognized among the top college football programs of the 2000s for its winning percentage and Fiesta Bowl successes, has continued its strong performance under coach Spencer Danielson, recently making its first College Football Playoff appearance and joining the Pac-12 in 2026 alongside other Mountain West teams. Wyoming is focusing on offensive consistency and defensive solidity, with quarterback John Michael Gyllenborg and wide receiver Latrell Caples as key players, although challenges remain in depth at running back and secondary positions. Across these programs, improvements in offense, coaching adjustments, and strategic recruitment highlight the competitive landscape as teams prepare for the upcoming season.