24-Team College Football Playoff Expected Next Season

A historic weekend of college football upsets intensified debate over expanding the College Football Playoff from 12 to 24 teams, with the larger field now expected next season rather than in 2027. ESPN is expected to pay an additional average of $345 million annually to retain broadcast rights. Under the proposal, seeds 1–8 would receive first-round byes and host second-round games, while seeds 9–24 would play first-round games on campus; the field would include the four Power Four champions, the highest-ranked Group of Six champion and 19 at-large teams. Supporters argue expansion would broaden access and increase revenue, while critics warn it could weaken regular-season stakes, increase player workloads and alienate fans. Scheduling, revenue sharing, bowl games and the status of conference championship games remain unresolved.