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CFP Expansion Talks Stall: 12-Team Format Likely to Stay

11/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Mark Keenum, president of Mississippi State and College Football Playoff (CFP) board chair, doubts expanding the playoff from 12 to 16 teams next season.
The Southeastern Conference prefers a model without automatic qualifiers.
Negotiations have stalled, with a Dec. 1 deadline approaching.
The Big Ten proposed automatic bids, but the SEC remains at an impasse.
If no agreement is reached, the 12-team format will continue for the 2026 season.

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Story summary

Mark Keenum, president of Mississippi State and College Football Playoff (CFP) board chair, doubts expanding the playoff from 12 to 16 teams next season.
The Southeastern Conference prefers a model without automatic qualifiers.
Negotiations have stalled, with a Dec. 1 deadline approaching.
The Big Ten proposed automatic bids, but the SEC remains at an impasse.
If no agreement is reached, the 12-team format will continue for the 2026 season.