Monday, November 2, 2026

CFP Meetings End With No Major Changes to 12-Team Playoff—for Now

The College Football Playoff is exploring potential format changes for next season, as well as 2026 and beyond. However, nothing has been agreed to yet.

Jan 21, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; College Football Playoff executive director Rich Clark speaks during the CFP National Championship Host Committee handoff press conference at The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Savannah Ballroom.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The College Football Playoff’s annual spring meetings concluded without any major decisions about changing the format of the expanded, 12-team postseason bracket.

The CFP management committee—made up of FBS conference commissioners and Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua—met in Dallas Tuesday afternoon through Thursday morning to discuss standard logistical and financial operations for the upcoming season, as well as ideas about how the Playoff could further evolve.

However, no big changes were agreed to this week, CFP executive director Rich Clark told reporters in Dallas on Thursday afternoon.

One idea that has seemingly had momentum this offseason is shifting to straight seeding, as opposed to the inaugural bracket, which gave the top four seeds (that come with first-round byes) to the highest-ranked conference champions. This past season, No. 9 Boise State received the third seed, and No. 12 Arizona State got the fourth seed.

That change and any other could still be made ahead of the 2025 season, as the CFP leaders are set to meet again in June. 

Ahead of this week’s meeting, a source told Front Office Sports that they expected things to remain status quo this year, before big changes come in 2026, since the CFP format for that season and beyond has not yet been set.

Other potential format changes in future years include more automatic qualifiers for the Big Ten and SEC, expanding to 14 or 16 teams, and more on-campus home games.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

College Basketball Returns to the Court After Chaotic Offseason

The Tigers were at the center of NCAA eligibility drama.

Vikings Loss Reinforces NFL’s Parity-Driven Business Model

The NFL hasn’t had an undefeated team since the 1972 Dolphins.

Tom Brady Curses on Air—Again

The FCC can issue fines or warnings for profanity on live television.

Florida State’s Norvell Fired With $50M Left on Contract

It’s the third-highest buyout in college football history.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/2/26 – Valkyries’ Billion-Dollar Title, FSU’s $50M Firing, Ernie on Inside’s Future

0:00

Featured Today

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.

Geno Auriemma Laments Explosion of Sports Gambling

Auriemma has won 12 national championships with the Huskies.
October 31, 2026

Robert Griffin III Says He’s Spoken With Baylor About Coaching Job

The former Heisman winner says college coaching is about being a CEO.
November 1, 2026

Miami Tops Last AP Poll Before Initial CFP Rankings

The ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12 each have one undefeated team.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
October 30, 2026

Big 12 Commish: Multiple CFP Bids ‘Deserved’ As Rankings Loom

The Big 12 is the only Power conference without a multi-bid season.
October 30, 2026

Florida-Georgia Rivalry Takes $18M Detour Through Atlanta

Tickets, which were split equally between fan bases, are sold out.
Online allegations that a Somali immigrant-run nonprofit registered 40 day care providers on the same day are unfounded, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said during a news conference Jan. 5, 2025.
October 30, 2026

Ohio Supreme Court Allows Players Fifth Year of Eligibility

The NCAA denounced the decision and vowed to continue fighting in court.
October 30, 2026

Brett Yormark to Step Down As Big 12 Commissioner

Yormark stabilized the conference through realignment and secured major deals.