CFP expansion: Big Ten floats temporary 16-team field as stopgap amid stalemate with SEC

The ongoing conflict between the Big Ten and SEC over the future of the College Football Playoff (CFP) remains unresolved as executives prepare for a key meeting in Miami. The Big Ten is proposing a compromise for a 24-team playoff but is open to temporarily accepting a 16-team format if there is a commitment to expand to 24 teams within three years. This proposal aims to address issues surrounding conference championship games and media rights agreements.

The CFP management committee, comprising 10 FBS commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director, is scheduled to discuss this and other proposals. Currently, the ACC, Big 12, and SEC support a 16-team "5+11" playoff format, ensuring automatic bids for the top five conference champions. The Big Ten’s alternative 24-team proposal includes one automatic qualifier for the highest-ranked Group of Six champion, with the other 23 teams seeded by CFP Rankings, potentially appealing to the SEC.

The discussions are critical as the January 23 deadline approaches,