College Football Playoffs 24-team expansion hits unexpected, major obstacle
The college football offseason has brought significant change. Among the biggest developments, the AFCA and NCAA have agreed to explore expanding the College Football Playoff. The proposal would expand the field to 24 teams while eliminating conference championship games.
The AFCA, which represents college coaches, has already approved the scheduling framework tied to the idea. However, one major and unexpected obstacle has emerged: ESPN. The sport’s top broadcasting partner is reportedly pushing back against a 24-team expansion.
MORE: College football & basketball are expanding, but is more really better for college sports? That does not mean ESPN opposes expansion entirely. Reports indicate the network prefers a 14- or 16-team playoff format instead.
A detailed view of the College Football Playoff logo on the pylon during the game between the Miami Hurricanes and Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The tension largely stems from the sport’s most powerful decision-makers. Conference commissioners have publicly shared their views, and four commissioners strongly support expanding the field to 24 teams.
In a surprising development, the sport’s most influential commissioner appears aligned with ESPN’s stance. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey made his position on expansion clear. “That focus hasn’t changed,” Sankey said.