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2w ago

5+11 16-Team Playoff Model Gains Traction as SEC and Big Ten Remain Divided on Automatic Bids

Big 12 officials endorse the structure to increase on-field access, prompting SEC athletic directors to link a nine-game schedule to guaranteed CFP qualifications

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel on Oct. 16, 2024.
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Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin waves to fans after his team's defeat of Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2022.

Overview

  • The 16-team 5+11 model would award five automatic bids to conference champions and reserve 11 at-large selections.
  • Big Ten leaders continue to push for guaranteed automatic qualifiers for their conference heavyweights.
  • SEC athletic directors are split over supporting the 5+11 proposal unless a move to nine league games secures at least four CFP berths.
  • Conference commissioners and Notre Dame AD will reconvene on June 18 to advance playoff format decisions before the December 1 deadline.
  • Calls for clearer strength-of-schedule criteria are intensifying as conferences seek to understand how selections will be determined.