Report: College Football Playoff Considering Further Expansion in 2026

The College Football Playoff might eventually expand further. According to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel, a 14-team model has been discussed among officials, and could be adopted as early as 2026.

We haven't even seen what the College Football Playoff looks like with 12 teams yet and already there's talk of further expansion. ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on Wednesday that we could see even more teams in the field by the time 2026 rolls around.

Beginning next season, the College Football Playoff will make the switch from a four-team bracket to a 12-team field. It's a highly-anticipated change, but it sounds like higher-ups are still tinkering with the right number.

"Sources: The idea of a 14-team College Football Playoff was discussed by the CFP management committee at meetings in the Dallas area today," Thamel reported. "If that happened, it would begin in 2026. Nothing is imminent, but it's significant this idea was discussed."

Earlier in the week, the College Football Playoff finalized the format for the 2024 event. This year's playoff will feature the five highest-ranked conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams, as determined by the selection committee.

It was a slight shift from the original plan. Initially, the field was going to include the six highest-ranked conference champions and the next six highest-ranked teams.

“This is a very logical adjustment for the College Football Playoff based on the evolution of our conference structures since the board first adopted this new format in September 2022,” said Dr. Mark Keenum, President of Mississippi State University and Chair of the College Football Playoff Board of Managers.

 “I know this change will also be well received by student-athletes, coaches and fans. We all will be pleased to see this new format come to life on the field this postseason.”

So, while everyone is going to enjoy seeing more teams in an expanded playoff, more changes could be coming down the pipeline. It's an interesting note to keep an eye on moving forward.

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