• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, February 18, 2026

CFP Board Weighs Breaking Away from the NCAA

  • Discussions are in the early stages, and no restructuring is imminent.
  • A restructure would provide autonomy for rule-making decisions in college football.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The landscape of college sports may change once again as the College Football Playoff’s board of managers considers restructuring how the sport is governed, according to ESPN.

The board, which consists of 11 college presidents and chancellors, is weighing the option for major college football not only to be governed outside the NCAA  which doesn’t oversee any portion of the sport’s postseason — but by the CFP itself.

  • Discussions are in the early stages, and no restructuring is imminent. 
  • A restructure would provide autonomy for rule-making decisions in college football.
  • It would allow smaller-budgeted schools to avoid conforming to decisions made by larger universities.

The board of managers has also considered changes to the CFP, which annually sees four teams play in two semifinal games, with the winner of each playing for a national championship title.

A new CFP format could be in place by the end of its current contract, which expires after the 2025 season.

Money Maker

Now more than ever, college football provides a lucrative opportunity for the NCAA, its member institutions, and conferences. 

On Thursday, the Big Ten secured the largest-ever media rights contract in college sports with a deal worth at least $7 billion, sources confirmed to Front Office Sports. 

The Big Ten plans to “dominate” Saturday football, according to the conference.

The deal, which includes all sports, will have rights shared between FOX, CBS, NBC, and Peacock. The expensive pact runs from July 1, 2023, through the end of the 2029-30 season.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss returns to his seat after testifying during the hearing in his lawsuit against the NCAA at Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro, Miss., on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Chambliss is looking for a temporary injunction and a permanent injunction against the NCAA for one more year of eligibility.

Mississippi Judge Rules Trinidad Chambliss Can Play Another Year at Ole Miss

It’s the latest result in a flood of NCAA eligibility lawsuits.
Feb 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack JROTC does the National Anthem before dribbles the first half of the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lenovo Center.

NCAA Refuses Settlement Talks in Athlete Employment Lawsuit

The NCAA and defendant schools have tried several times to get the case thrown out.
Dec 20, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; The mascot of the Nebraska Cornhuskers performs during a break in the game against the Queens Royals in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
exclusive

Nebraska Is Second Known School With Athletes Investigated Over NIL Deals

The CSC has launched several inquiries into potential NIL rules violations.

Featured Today

Max Valverde by Ron Winsett

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.
Feb 11, 2026; Milan, Italy; Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States skate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena.
February 13, 2026

Olympic Figure Skaters Pay Out of Pocket for $9,000 Costumes

For four minutes on ice, stakes are high—and prices even higher.
February 11, 2026

Epstein Emails Show His F1 Ties Ran Deep

The sex trafficker’s circles included many of the biggest names in F1.

Kansas State Tries to Use Rant to Avoid Paying Coach $18M Buyout

Tang’s contract says he’s entitled to a $18.7 million buyout.
February 10, 2026

Kansas Says ‘No Inside Information’ After Odd Darryn Peterson Scratch

Kansas knocked off No. 1 Arizona without Peterson on Monday.
Sep 16, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Sacramento State Hornets running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver (25) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium
February 15, 2026

Sacramento State Will Pay $20M+ to Join MAC in FBS

The Hornets have been pushing hard for an FBS invitation.
Sponsored

From MLS to AUSL: Jon Patricof on Building Sports Leagues

Jon Patricof on athlete equity, fan-first strategy, and how women’s sports can reshape the future of league building.
Oct 9, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Pittsburgh head coach Tory Verdi during ACC Media Days at The Hilton Charlotte Uptown.
February 10, 2026

Former Players Sue Pitt, Women’s Basketball Coach, Alleging Abuse

Six individual suits allege a pattern of “emotional and psychological abuse.”
February 9, 2026

Judge Rules Against Charles Bediako, Leaving Ex-Pro Ineligible Again

Bediako played five games for Alabama this year.
North Dakota State Bison wide receiver Jackson Williams (18) gets tackled on the sideline while playing against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota.
February 9, 2026

North Dakota State to Join Mountain West As Football Member in 2026

The Bison have finalized a deal to jump to the FBS level.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna (72) warms up before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mullett Arena.
February 6, 2026

Penn State Hockey Star Gavin McKenna Dodges Felony Assault Charge

The top 2026 NHL draft prospect was charged earlier this week.