• Loading stock data...
Monday, September 29, 2025

Big Ten Moves CFP Expansion Goalposts Up to 28

With pushback rising about different types of a 16-team College Football Playoff, the Big Ten is already thinking far larger.

The Columbus Dispatch

The already chaotic world of college football is still digesting the highly complex logistics of how to expand the College Football Playoff from 12 to 16 teams. Now, a much more radical notion for the sport’s top event is making the rounds. 

The Big Ten, led by commissioner Tony Petitti, is considering a far larger CFP expansion to 24 or 28 teams, according to multiple reports. While still very much just an idea, and not something that’s been formally proposed, the concept was almost simultaneously disseminated Saturday afternoon by several top college football reporters, and with similar phrasing, signaling the conference’s keen interest in an even larger CFP format. 

In a 28-team CFP model, the Big Ten and SEC would each receive seven automatic bids, while the ACC and Big 12 would each get five, with two automatic bids for non-Power 4 conferences and two additional at-large berths. 

The enlarged structure, in addition to deepening the already massive power of the Big Ten and SEC, would see as many as 20 of the games played on college campuses—significantly enlarging the element of the tournament that debuted last year. 

A potential elimination of conference title games would help accommodate the additional CFP games from a timing and scheduling standpoint. Discussion of the far larger format arrives as negotiations between Power Four conferences and the rest of college football on a 16-team structure have stalled, in part from disagreement on how to allocate automatic bids.

Initial reaction to the latest concept, however, was harsh in many corners, with complaints ranging from the impact on prominent football independents such as Notre Dame to rewarding non-elite teams.

“Can someone go unplug the Big Ten and plug it back in please?” posted ESPN’s Bill Connelly on social media. “They’re trying to make ’16 teams with autobids’ seem rational and acceptable, and it sucks so much.”

Postseason expansion, however, is not a new concept for Petitti. While at MLB for more than a decade, ultimately as deputy commissioner, he was part of a leadership team that introduced several changes to that league’s playoffs, including a new wild-card format. 

This year’s CFP will again be a 12-team format, and there is a Dec. 1 deadline to finalize the format for 2026. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Cam Hart (20) breaks up a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Nabers was carted off the field with an injury after the play.

Malik Nabers’s Torn ACL Rekindles NFL’s Grass vs. Turf Debate

The Giants star tore his ACL on MetLife Stadium’s artificial surface.
Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans co-founder and former owner Janice McNair (left) sits with Texans chief executive officer Cal McNair and wife Hannah McNair in front of family members of Texans former player Andre Johnson (not pictured) during a ceremony at halftime of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium.

NFL Sued for $100M Over Efforts to ‘Silence’ Brother of Texans Owner

Robert Cary McNair Jr. says the NFL helped remove him from roles.
Louisville’s Miller Moss and several of his teammates stopped by Olympus Gaming Lounge to play EA Sports College Football 26 with fans for a meet and greet. July 11, 2025

Saudis, Silver Lake, Jared Kushner Take EA Private in $55B Deal

Electronic Arts makes Madden, EA Sports College Football, and more.

Bad Bunny Headlining 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show

Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 performance averaged 133.5 million viewers.

Featured Today

Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Cameron Young of Team USA hits his tee shot on the third hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup Practice Round at Bethpage State Park on Monday, September 22, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 23, 2025

U.S. Ryder Cup Players Will Be Paid. Not Everyone Is Pleased

Americans are receiving a $200,000 stipend, and not everyone is pleased.

MLB National TV Ratings Rise by Double Digits in 2025

The league posts audience increases across national and local television.
September 29, 2025

PGA of America in Crosshairs After Ryder Cup Issues On, Off Course

The organization is responsible for the logistics of the event in the U.S.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) in action with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz (8) during the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.
September 29, 2025

Global Soccer Union Says Players Need More Rest Time

The Club World Cup shortened many teams’ offseason windows.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
September 29, 2025

Paramount+, CBS Land Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing in 5-Year Deal

The CBS Sports parent company expands its relationship with TKO Group Holdings.
September 28, 2025

MLB Tops 71.4 Million Fans, First 3-Year Growth Run Since 2007

Even with several club-related issues, there’s more growth at the gates.
September 28, 2025

Low-Budget Teams Crash MLB Playoffs As Mets and Astros Stumble

The low-budget Reds and Guardians claim playoff spots.
September 28, 2025

Ryder Cup Chaos: Europe Holds On for Win Amid U.S. Fan Ugliness

Fan taunts and palpable tensions mark the high-profile event.