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Kirby Smart Advocates for Expanded College Football Playoff

10/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Kirby Smart, Georgia head coach, urged expanding the College Football Playoff beyond its current 12-team format on The Pat McAfee Show.
He argued more playoff teams would boost fan engagement.
He said expansion could mirror the NFL’s system and yield more competitive games.
He proposed an annual SEC vs. Big Ten event to foster cross-conference competition.
Some fans fear the regular season's significance would diminish.

History

Historical Context

Established in 2014, the College Football Playoff (CFP) replaced the controversial Bowl Championship Series (BCS), which had been criticized for its exclusionary selection process. The CFP began with four teams, selected by a committee, and aimed to enhance competition. Kirby Smart's recent proposal for a 12-team expansion reflects ongoing debates about inclusivity and the potential for increased viewership and revenue in college football.

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Story summary

Kirby Smart, Georgia head coach, urged expanding the College Football Playoff beyond its current 12-team format on The Pat McAfee Show.
He argued more playoff teams would boost fan engagement.
He said expansion could mirror the NFL’s system and yield more competitive games.
He proposed an annual SEC vs. Big Ten event to foster cross-conference competition.
Some fans fear the regular season's significance would diminish.

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