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yesterday

Big 12 Endorses 5+11 Model as CFP Approaches Vote on 16-Team Playoff

Scheduled for June 18, the vote comes as conference leaders navigate power shifts, TV contract deadlines, revenue pressures, calls for on-field merit, legal settlements

FILE - Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark stands on the sideline before an NCAA college basketball game between Texas Tech and Houston Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Justin Rex, File)
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Overview

  • The College Football Playoff is set to expand from 12 to 16 teams for 2026, with a final format decision due at the CFP board meeting on June 18, 2025.
  • Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has backed the 5+11 structure that awards five automatic berths to conference champions and leaves 11 spots to be earned through at-large committee rankings.
  • Under a new six-year CFP governance deal, the Big Ten and SEC hold primary control over format negotiations and are pushing for more guaranteed qualifiers.
  • Alternative proposals facing pushback include a model guaranteeing four automatic spots each for the SEC and Big Ten plus fixed allocations for the Big 12, ACC and Group of 6.
  • Expiring ESPN broadcast rights and a looming multibillion-dollar lawsuit settlement are intensifying financial urgency around the playoff expansion talks.