CFP Eyes 16-Team Expansion, Seeding Overhaul by 2026

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is moving toward expanding its format from 12 to 16 teams, with major support from the SEC and Big Ten and implementation likely by the 2026 season. Decision-makers are also close to agreeing on a revised seeding process that would grant first-round byes to the four highest-ranked teams, regardless of conference champion status, rather than to conference champions exclusively. Although there is reported unanimous agreement among committee members on the seeding overhaul, internal politics have delayed a formal vote. Recent conference realignments and scheduling deals, such as Notre Dame’s long-term agreement with Clemson, are influencing both playoff access and the future landscape. Final decisions on the expansion and seeding changes are expected in the coming months. These changes are anticipated to increase the influence of the SEC and Big Ten within college football.