College Football Playoff Meetings End Without Expansion Decision

College Football Playoff (CFP) executives concluded meetings without deciding on expanding the postseason for the 2026-27 season. The CFP Management Committee, including 10 FBS commissioners and Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua, holds the power to expand. However, Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey must both agree for any new format to advance. Petitti favors a 24-team model, while Sankey supports a 16-team model, and consensus has not been reached.

Expansion is supported by fans and administrators, including Indiana's Scott Dolson and Miami's Dan Radakovich, with financial incentives highlighted by a $7.8 billion television contract for the existing 12-team playoff. ESPN has set a January 23 deadline for a decision on expansion for the next season, with no further extensions planned. If not resolved, the following deadline is December 1, 2026, per CFP Executive Director Rich Clark.

Additionally, former President Donald Trump announced