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yesterday

Power Conferences Deadlocked Over College Football Playoff Expansion

With the expansion decision due in July, SEC–Big Ten leaders are insisting on reserved slots despite warnings from smaller conferences that only a merit-based field can safeguard futures.

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Overview

  • Negotiations have stalled less than three months before the College Football Playoff management committee must finalize the format for the 2026 season.
  • Under a memorandum of understanding, SEC and Big Ten wield veto authority and are pushing for four automatic berths apiece in a proposed 16-team bracket.
  • ACC commissioner Jim Phillips warns that limiting his league to two playoff spots per season would pose an existential threat, a stance bolstered by Notre Dame’s support.
  • American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti advocates a purely merit-based model with automatic bids for the top five champions and the remainder of the field open to at-large qualifiers.
  • SEC officials have indicated they could retain the existing 12-team structure if power conferences fail to reach an agreement by the July deadline.