College Football Playoff leaders discuss 24-team option but face resistance from SEC favoring 16 teams

College Football Playoff leaders met Wednesday in Denver to examine a possible expansion to a 24-team field beginning in 2027. Executive director Rich Clark told ESPN that the majority of the discussion focused on the 24-team option rather than 16 teams. Clark said media consultants attended the session but did not examine revenue projections for the larger field.

One central question was whether added playoff revenue could offset the loss of conference championship games that would likely be eliminated under a 24-team format. The group reviewed scheduling options but did not place any dates on the 2027 calendar.

Clark said each answer generated two or three additional questions, leaving staff with a list of items to resolve before commissioners can decide.

The Big Ten initiated the idea of a 24-team field. Clark noted that the Big Ten has supplied some answers, while other conferences approach the proposal from different perspectives and hold separate concerns. A decision on any format change for the 2027 season must be reached by December.

The Big Ten and SEC hold the bulk of control; if those two conferences cannot agree, the playoff will remain at 12 teams. At the SEC spring meetings last month, commissioner Greg Sankey said he was not opposed to a 24-team field but that the SEC still favors 16 teams.

The next scheduled CFP meeting is in September, though an additional session could be added in August if staff gathers more information.

Clark said the CFP is also considering changes to its recusal policy and some adjustments to its metrics, though he did not provide specifics. The organization will continue discussions on improving ESPN's selection show.