Overview
- The College Football Playoff and ESPN formally moved the format decision deadline from Dec. 1, 2025 to Jan. 23, 2026, four days after the Jan. 19 national title game in Miami.
- CFP executive director Rich Clark said the extra time is to fully evaluate the second year of the 12‑team field and carefully vet any changes in the interests of athletes, schools and fans.
- Conference leaders say the Big Ten is pressing for models with multiple automatic qualifiers, including a 24‑team option, while the SEC prefers a smaller expansion emphasizing at‑large bids, and commissioner Greg Sankey has reiterated opposition to automatic qualifiers.
- Under the 2026-era governance, the Big Ten and SEC must both approve any new format before it advances, giving the two leagues decisive control over changes.
- If no agreement is reached by the new date, the playoff remains at 12 teams for 2026–27; ESPN’s new six-year, roughly $7.8 billion rights deal beginning in 2026 set the original deadline and heightens scheduling and commercial considerations.