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2h ago

CFP Expansion Talks Stall as Big Ten, SEC Split Over 24 vs. 16-Team Field

ESPN's Friday cutoff now frames whether any change from the current 12-team model can be approved.

Jul 17, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; SEC commissioner Greg Sankey talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Hyatt. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
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Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Jul 22, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said there is still more work to do and he did not expect a decision on Sunday after meetings in Miami Beach.
  • CFP director Rich Clark indicated the Jan. 23 deadline will not be extended, setting a firm timetable for any format change.
  • The Big Ten continues to press for a path to a 24-team bracket, including a temporary 16-team phase, while the SEC favors a 16-team field backed by ACC and Big 12 support for a 5+11 model.
  • Operational hurdles persist, including media-rights ties to conference championship games and resistance to moving the Army–Navy game.
  • President Donald Trump said he plans to issue an executive order protecting a four-hour exclusive window for Army–Navy, and officials note the playoff stays at 12 teams if the Big Ten and SEC cannot align.