Big Ten stands firm on CFP expansion. Will SEC get on board?
The Big Ten showed a united front, pushing for a 24 team College Football Playoff, and it won't change its stance for the SEC.
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — On the edge of the Southern California cliffside with an expansive view of the Pacific Ocean, the Big Ten had a picturesque backdrop for its annual spring meetings. Inside the Terranea Resort, the league believes it has crafted just as perfect of a scene for the College Football Playoff. It’s just not everyone finds it just as lovely.
Of the 90-plus university administrators and coaches that huddled into the luxury resort to discuss a wide range of topics on college sports – NIL, transfer portal, as well as eligibility and rule changes – the most prevalent topic emerging is what the football playoff system will look like after next season. The 2026-27 season is locked in for 12 teams for the third consecutive year. After that, expansion is on the table.
The two biggest stakeholders of the future are the behemoths in the Big Ten and SEC. The Big Ten wants 24 teams, and it’s become unanimous in its desire to do so. What was originally seen as an out-of-this-world proposition – and still may be for some – has gained support from the Big 12 and ACC.
"We focused on the fact that we believe 24 is the right number," said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel. The SEC? Still not entirely on board.
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