ESPN and the College Football Playoff (CFP) have entered the final review stage in their bid to expand the playoff field to 24 teams, according to reports on November 7, 2026.
The proposed expansion would significantly increase the number of teams competing for the national championship, up from the current 12-team format that began in the 2024 season. The CFP's management committee and ESPN, the playoff's media rights holder, are evaluating the financial, logistical, and competitive implications of the larger bracket.
A file photo from the first round of the 2025 playoff shows a game official crossing the CFP logo at Kyle Field during the Miami vs. Texas A&M matchup on December 20, 2025. The final decision on the 24-team model is expected after the review concludes.
