Big Ten, SEC Discuss 16-Team College Football Playoff Expansion

College football's playoff system is undergoing significant debate as the College Football Playoff (CFP) is expected to expand to 16 teams starting in 2026. The Big Ten and SEC propose a model granting automatic bids primarily to their leagues, while the Big 12 and ACC advocate for a fairer '5+11' format that includes five automatic bids for conference champions and 11 at-large bids to maintain open competition. A key sticking point is the SEC's current eight-game conference schedule compared to the Big Ten's nine-game schedule, with the Big Ten demanding the SEC increase its games to ensure competitive balance before agreeing to a new playoff format. Discussions also include a potential scheduling partnership between the SEC and Big Ten, contingent on the SEC adopting a nine-game conference schedule. These negotiations are complicated by ongoing legal and organizational challenges, including a federal judge's rulings on player compensation and roster limitations. Meanwhile, basketball coaches in the Big 12 are also showing support for expanding their NCAA Tournament, reflecting broader trends of postseason expansion in college sports.