Power Conference Commissioners Remain Split on CFP Expansion

CHARLOTTE and LAS VEGAS — Power 4 commissioners still can’t agree on the makeup of an expanded College Football Playoff.

At ACC and Big Ten media days, both of which kicked off Tuesday, commissioners of the two conferences offered opposing viewpoints on how the CFP should grow beyond its current 12 teams. 

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti’s input was particularly important given that the FBS leagues signed a memorandum in 2024 granting power to the SEC and Big Ten to have the final decision on Playoff expansion. The commissioners have until Dec. 1 to decide on an expansion model if they want to expand by 2026 (a deadline given to them by ESPN).

How Many and Who?

The main debate centers on a 16-team Playoff. Petitti has endorsed a model of “4+4+2+2+1”, giving four automatic qualifiers each to the SEC and Big Ten, two to the ACC and Big 12, one to the top-ranked Group of 6 school, and offering three more at-large bids. Other commissioners, however, are mostly in favor of a 5+11 model, which would award an automatic qualifying bid to each of the conference champions in the Power 4 and top-ranked Group of 6 program, and at-large bids for the rest.

Petitti did not specifically reference the “4+4+2+2+1” model in his opening remarks, but he did reference aspects of it, including the potential for a play-in weekend that he thinks fans would like. He also reiterated that he was against the 5+11 model because it would require more CFP selection committee input. “Formats that increase the discretion and role of the CFP selection committee will have a difficult time getting support from the Big Ten,” he said.

Last week, however, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said he wouldn’t commit to supporting a singular format for an expanded CFP, but he admitted the Big Ten “has a different view.” If they can’t even agree, there’s no chance a 16-team Playoff would be on the table. 

“Obviously, we’re not in the same place on these discussions,” Petitti said.

Power 4’s Other Half

While the ACC and Big 12 don’t have the ultimate power to decide on expansion, their voices still carry major weight.

Earlier Tuesday, ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, like Sankey, didn’t specifically endorse a singular format but said he is open to 5+9 and 5+11 models. “I’ve always believed in rewarding conference champions,” Phillips said several hours before Petitti spoke.

Phillips does not have the same concerns that Petitti has about expanded CFP models that would give the selection committee more responsibilities. “I have faith and great confidence in those committee members,” he said. “I’ve served on men’s basketball selection, women’s basketball selection committees. I know how difficult that is. These are honorable, honest individuals with great integrity.”

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said earlier this month that he was “doubling down” on the 5+11 format. 

Phillips called on college football’s leaders to work together to forge the best path for the sport moving forward. “We may not always agree, and at certain points we have had some strong disagreements, but we all recognize the importance of coming together to find a solution that is truly best for all of college football,” he said.