College Football Playoff projections are raising questions about whether the Big Ten and SEC conferences might combine for only six berths in the expanded 12-team field, according to analysis published Monday.
Senior writer Nick Bromberg examined the latest projections for the 12-team playoff format, which is set to debut in the 2026 season. The analysis suggests that despite the two conferences' historical dominance, current team performances and scheduling could limit their combined representation to half the field.
The projections come as the college football landscape continues to shift with conference realignment and the new playoff structure. The 12-team format includes six conference champions and six at-large selections, creating a more complex path for traditional powerhouses.
