College Football Playoff expansion deadline expected to be extended

Conference commissioners are anticipating an extension on the deadline for deciding on the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) for 2026 and beyond. ESPN has agreed to extend this deadline to January 23, following the national championship game. The CFP's 10 conference commissioners and Notre Dame's athletics director are currently in a stalemate over the playoff format, which could expand from 12 to potentially 24 teams.

The main issue lies between the Big Ten and SEC conferences. The Big Ten is advocating for multiple automatic qualifiers, while the SEC favors more at-large spots. Both conferences hold significant decision-making power and must reach an agreement on the format. There is a prevailing expectation that the playoff will remain at 12 teams for the 2026-27 season, although the extended deadline provides an opportunity to reconsider the format based on data from the 12-team structure.

The CFP's management committee will meet virtually on December 2, and the season's wrap-up meeting is set for