Overview
- Conference commissioners are set to meet in Miami before the title game under a process that gives Sankey and Petitti the decisive say on the next format.
- The SEC is pushing a 16-team field using a 5+11 model with five automatic qualifiers and 11 at-large bids, a plan backed by ACC and Big 12 leaders.
- The Big Ten is advocating for a 24-team bracket or a phased path that accepts 16 in the near term with a firm move to 24 within three years, according to multiple reports.
- Absent an agreement by Jan. 23, reporting indicates the College Football Playoff is expected to remain at 12 teams for the 2026 season.
- Financial upside for ESPN and stakeholders and operational hurdles such as media-rights, scheduling, on-campus rounds and the future of league title games are driving the talks.