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sports10h ago
Big Ten, SEC still deadlocked on College Football Playoff format
Espn.com and 2 more
- The Big Ten and SEC remain at odds over CFP expansion decisions as they enter another round of talks, signaling negotiations rather than a finalized plan.
- Officials indicate continued discussions with Tony Petitti noting 'Still more work to do' as the 12-team vs expanded formats remain under consideration.
- A 16-team CFP is viewed by many as a potential start by 2026, but the SEC hesitates to commit without a longer-term 24-team framework agreement with responses from the Big Ten.
- There is consensus that a 24-team field would require eliminating conference championship games, a move the SEC values but which complicates the schedule and revenue model.
- Expanding the CFP could boost television revenue and fan engagement, though concerns linger about diluting traditional rivalries and season stakes.
- Removing conference championship games could trigger financial consequences by replacing a tentpole matchup, creating new hurdles in the expansion dialogue.
- Analysts suggest a 24-team format might have changed past CFP outcomes, hinting at different teams potentially reaching the playoff under expanded rules.
- Experts warn against an overly large field, arguing that expanding too far could undermine the CFP’s 'golden goose' status and erode regular-season meaning.
- There is a clear split between the Big Ten and SEC on postseason scope, with each conference steering the direction but not yet aligned on a final format.
- CFP leadership stressed ongoing discussions rather than a finalized plan, with expectations that talks will stretch into the following days.
- ESPN's rights-holder role adds urgency to a timely decision, as the playoff format stands at 12 teams unless an agreement is reached by an ESPN-imposed deadline.
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