Debate over College Football Playoff expansion heads to OT

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is undergoing discussions for potential format changes, with CFP and ESPN executives extending the deadline to decide on the 2026 season's structure to January 23. The discussions focus on whether to maintain the current 12-team format or expand to 16 or 24 teams. A 24-team proposal, primarily driven by the Big Ten, would allocate automatic bids to Power Four conferences and offer at-large berths. However, the SEC opposes this expansion, preferring a 16-team model with more at-large bids.

The CFP's future format is crucial as it affects postseason arrangements, including the potential elimination of conference championships. The 24-team format, if approved, could only be implemented after 2026 due to logistical challenges. The ongoing negotiations underscore the complex dynamics between the power conferences and their influence over the CFP's future.

Meanwhile, the postseason outlook for former Pac-12 teams includes Oregon potentially securing a CFP spot if they win against Washington and