The College Football Playoff appears poised to expand beyond its current 12-team format, but uncertainty remains around the timeline and exact number of teams that would qualify.
One prominent proposal under consideration is a 16-team playoff featuring five automatic qualifiers for conference champions and 11 at-large bids.
Discussions between the Big Ten and SEC have focused heavily on this potential structure.
However, the Big Ten has made it clear there’s a major sticking point before it can endorse the plan: the current discrepancy in conference scheduling between the two leagues.
While Big Ten teams play nine conference games annually, SEC teams only play eight, putting the Big Ten at a perceived disadvantage.
Big Ten athletic directors are reluctant to support an expanded CFP model unless the SEC aligns its schedule to nine conference games.
“During a call earlier today, Big Ten ADs discussed the 5 AQ + 11 At-large CFP model under consideration in the SEC, sources tell @YahooSports,” Ross Dellenger reported.
“Many ADs say they would not support such a model if the SEC remains at eight conference games. The Big Ten plays nine conference games.”
The scheduling discrepancy has also sparked talks of a potential scheduling partnership between the two conferences.
SEC coaches reportedly favor an arrangement where each SEC team plays one Big Ten opponent annually as a non-conference game. Yet, the Big Ten’s willingness to participate hinges on the SEC first increasing its conference schedule to nine games.
“LSU’s Brian Kelly says SEC coaches favor a scheduling partnership w/Big Ten giving the 2 leagues 1 non-conference game annually against each other. Big Ten in favor only if/when SEC adds 9th league game,” Brett McMurphy reported on X.
Currently, the SEC holds a scheduling advantage by playing fewer conference games, which arguably benefits their teams’ playoff resumes.
Some analysts suggest the SEC’s edge may be even greater now than it would be in a 16-team playoff format, given the limited number of spots available under the current 12-team system.
With further CFP expansion on the horizon, college football could be on the brink of significant change. Power conferences may soon align on equal conference game counts, leveling the playing field in the minds of many.
What are your thoughts on the whole entire issue???
