Big Ten Proposes 16-Team College Football Playoff Expansion

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti has proposed expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) to 16 teams, guaranteeing four bids each for the Big Ten and SEC, two each for the Big 12 and ACC, one for the highest-ranked non-power conference champion, and three at-large bids. While this plan has strong support within the Big Ten, including from its football coaches and athletic directors, it has been widely criticized outside the conference as potentially diminishing the regular season's importance and turning marquee nonconference games into exhibitions. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey remains noncommittal on the proposal, and other Power Five conferences, like the ACC and Big 12, have suggested alternative models such as a 5 plus 11 team format. Meanwhile, Notre Dame faces challenges in securing a playoff spot, with concerns over the lack of a clear starting quarterback and a tough early schedule including games against Miami and Texas A&M. In the ACC, the presence of multiple former NFL head coaches, including Bill Belichick coaching North Carolina, adds a professional dimension to the conference's competitiveness. Additionally, Kansas State is unexpectedly favored to win the Big 12 this season, reflecting confidence in their consistent coaching and returning key players despite a middling conference finish last year.