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

Power Conference Commissioners Remain Split on CFP Expansion

The Big Ten’s Tony Petitti continues to endorse a 16-team format that would give his conference four automatic qualifiers. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips disagrees.

Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

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.

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.

MLB National TV Ratings Rise by Double Digits in 2025

The league posts audience increases across national and local television.
exclusive

Chris Haynes, Marcus Thompson Join Amazon Prime NBA Team

Haynes is an NBA insider, while Thompson is a reporter and columnist

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.
Ole Miss defensive end Kam Franklin (5) and defensive lineman Will Echoles (52) hold up the Magnolia Bowl trophy after a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. Ole Miss defeated LSU 24-19.

Weekend of CFB Upsets Demonstrates Parity in Rev-Share Era

The question is whether one of these teams can make a postseason run.
September 25, 2025

CFP Expansion Talks Stall As Consensus Eludes Commissioners

The Power 4 conferences remain at odds on a future tournament structure.
September 28, 2025

CFB Playoff Race Blown Wide Open As Six Top-25 Teams Fall in..

A weekend of on-field chaos leaves a different look to the rankings.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
Montana State
exclusive
September 24, 2025

PE Firm Pitches Taking FCS Football Playoff Private

Sequence Equity presented FCS commissioners a plan for a new postseason.
Santa Clara
September 24, 2025

How a G League Player Was Able to Go Back to College..

Thierry Darlan will have two seasons of eligibility at Santa Clara. 
Belichick
September 24, 2025

Lawsuit Alleges UNC Illegally Hired Bill Belichick Behind Closed Doors

The former UNC provost cites three closed sessions related to sports.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates after defeating Georgia State 70-21 at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
September 23, 2025

Vanderbilt Keeps Winning While Its Players Sue the NCAA

Diego Pavia and other players challenged NCAA rules in court.