A 24-Team CFP Field? Breaking Down The Debate About The College Football Playoff Format

The College Football Playoff has already expanded within the last few years. But discussions about further expansion are continuing. 

A 24-team playoff is being openly discussed by all sorts of decision-makers in the sport including conference leaders and coaching groups.

Here’s a breakdown of what a 24-team CFP could look like, how the field might be composed, how it impacts the Group of Six, and how it would reshape the sport as we know it:

Current 2026 CFP Format vs. Expansion 

The CFP expanded to 12 teams beginning in 2024. The current structure includes first-round games on campus sites, while the quarterfinals and semifinals feature traditional bowl games. 

However, as leaders in the sport seek new ways to make money, that format may not last long.

• The American Football Coaches Association has reportedly voted to support expanding the CFP to as many as 24 teams. Therefore, it also supports the nixing of conference championships.
• The Big Ten has pushed for 24-team models. But the SEC has wanted fewer teams, like 16, in hopes of preserving conference title games. That stalemate is a big reason why the field hasn’t expanded further. The field won’t change until they agree on this.
• Critics worry about player health, regular-season value, and scheduling conflicts like how to handle conference championships.

The momentum is evident, but feelings on it aren’t unanimous. And we can’t forget a format would have to be solidified once the number of teams is decided upon.

What A 24-Team College Football Playoff Schedule & Field Could Look Like

Only At-Large Bids Based On CFP Rankings

A 24-team structure isn’t finalized. And there’s a lot of ways it could look. One common idea features:

• The top 24 teams being selected based on CFP Selection Committee rankings. They would all be at-large bids.
• No automatic bids for Power Four conference champions. 
• At least one spot reserved for a Group of Six team.

All 10 Conference Champions

I’m in favor of all conference champions receiving a berth in a 24-team CFP, similar to the FCS playoffs.

Now, a 24-team field would mean conference championship week would likely be logistically impossible. So the conference champion would have to be decided by some combination of regular season standings, head-to-head tiebreakers, and rankings of some kind. But I think it would only be fair if at least one team from each of the 10 FBS leagues made the field.

What A 24-Team CFP Field Means

An Expanded CFP Would Change The Sport

• Power Four teams with three losses would still be CFP contenders, which means the regular season loses some urgency.
• The teams that have constantly been on the bubble of the top 25 rankings suddenly have a shot.

Potential CFP Structure 

• Top eight teams earn first-round byes.
• Teams ranked Nos. 9-24 play first-round games at the campuses of the higher-seeded teams.
• Later rounds could still use traditional New Year’s Six bowls.

How A 24-Team CFP Would Impact The College Football Schedule

More Games And A Longer Season

A 24-team playoff would add just one round despite having double the teams of the 12-team format. While this would mean more games and therefore more revenue, it would also lead to more logistical issues.

Some worry about the physical wear and tear for players. It could also create issues as far as the academic calendar.

Conference Championship Games Would Go Away

Eliminating conference championship games entirely would be one of the biggest changes. You would likely have to do so in order to create enough time for the 24-team field. 

Earlier Season Start

You would also likely have to start the season at what is now considered “Week 0” if you want a 12-game regular season. Since some teams already play on Week 0, I personally don’t see that as a drastic change.

Bowl Season Could Look Different

Would an expanded CFP lead to less bowl games? That’s a possibility.

The NY6 bowls are already part of the CFP. But with these games going on, they could lead to conflicts with bowl games that include teams which don’t make the CFP.

CFP’s Conflict With Army-Navy

The Army-Navy game has already gained the attention of a lot of people, including the president, as it pertains to the conversation around an expanded CFP.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order that no college football postseason game will conflict with the Army-Navy game. The AFCA reportedly voted to preserve the time window for one of the most historic rivalries in college football, but it also was open to playing games on that day, just at other times.

When Could a 24-Team College Football Playoff Happen?

The CFP will remain in a 12-team format for at least this season. But beyond that, we’ll have to see.