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CFP Committee Explores 16-Team Playoff Options as SEC and Big Ten Diverge

Commissioners enlisted a Google mathematician to overhaul strength-of-schedule metrics ahead of a December deadline

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Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Detailed view of a Nike logo on an official NCAA football during the Clemson Tigers game against the Texas Longhorns in the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • At meetings in Asheville, CFP executive director Rich Clark said all scenarios remain under consideration and the current 12-team field could stay in place if no consensus emerges
  • The SEC is pressing for a 5+11 model that guarantees five conference champions entry and elevates strength-of-schedule criteria before agreeing to a nine-game league slate
  • The Big Ten favors an NFL-style structure with more automatic qualifiers based on conference standings and wants all leagues to adopt a nine-game conference schedule
  • The ACC and Big 12 have thrown their weight behind the 5+11 proposal to secure greater at-large opportunities in an expanded playoff
  • The committee has refreshed its selection framework with input from a Google mathematician and aims to finalize the format by the December 1 deadline