Big Ten, SEC Convene for CFP Governance Discussions

Leaders from the SEC and Big Ten are meeting in New Orleans to discuss the future of the College Football Playoff (CFP), focusing on potential expansions to a 14 or 16-team format that could allocate four automatic bids each to both conferences. This follows tensions regarding the CFP's structure, which have intensified since the SEC's expansion in 2021. Administrators argue that the current 12-team setup is outdated due to recent conference realignments, prompting discussions for a more favorable playoff model for the two dominant conferences. Critics warn that such changes may compromise the integrity of college football by favoring the SEC and Big Ten, turning the playoffs into a predictable cycle of rematches and sidelining other conferences. The outcome of these discussions could reshape college athletics and its competitive landscape for years to come. While no major agreements are expected immediately, the tone of these meetings could signal significant shifts in the governance of college sports.