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2d ago

SEC, Big Ten Push for 16-Team Playoff Format with Four Automatic Bids Each

SEC, Big Ten leaders debate playoff expansion with equal automatic berths following CFP committee approval of straight seeding for next season.

Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey defended his league as discussions begin about changes to football playoff.
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Overview

  • SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said interest in a 16-team playoff has surged among league leaders but emphasized that no format is locked in.
  • Last week the CFP committee won unanimous conference support to eliminate first-round byes and use straight seeding for the 12-team field in 2025.
  • SEC and Big Ten commissioners are advocating for four automatic qualifiers each in a future expanded bracket, a proposal opposed by ACC and Big 12 officials.
  • The SEC is exploring the possibility of replacing its traditional conference title game with play-in matchups to determine automatic playoff berths.
  • Talks are influenced by a looming House v. NCAA settlement with financial implications and by power conferences’ push for greater autonomy within the NCAA framework.