Deadlock Over College Football Playoff Expansion: Big Ten and SEC at an Impasse

As the College Football Playoff (CFP) management committee convened in Miami, Florida, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference (SEC) remain at a stalemate regarding the future format of the playoff. With a deadline set by ESPN for January 23, 2026, the two conferences are under pressure to reach an agreement on whether to expand the playoff from its current 12-team format to either 16 or 24 teams. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti acknowledged the ongoing discussions, stating, "Still more work to do," as he exited the meeting.

College Football Playoff expansion stalemate remains as deadline loomsOutKickCFP expansion: ‘No agreement’ reached amid SEC and B1G stalemate, per reportsESPN

The SEC, led by commissioner Greg Sankey, has expressed a preference for a 16-team playoff format, while the Big Ten is advocating for a 24-team model. This disagreement is significant, as the two conferences hold substantial influence over the playoff's future due to a memorandum of understanding signed by the 10 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) commissioners and Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua. If no consensus is reached by the deadline, the playoff will remain at 12 teams for at least another year.

ESPNCFP expansion: ‘No agreement’ reached amid SEC and B1G stalemate, per reportsCollege Football Playoff expansion stalemate remains as deadline loomsOutKick

The push for a 24-team playoff by the Big Ten is contingent upon an agreement that would allow for a transition to this larger format within a few years. However, the SEC's reluctance to commit to a 24-team field raises concerns about the impact on regular-season games and the value of conference championship games. Mississippi State president Mark Keenum, who chairs the CFP's board of managers, noted that the SEC is not inclined to abandon its championship games, which are considered valuable assets.

ESPN

CFP chair Rich Clark emphasized that ESPN would not grant any further extensions beyond the January 23 deadline, making it imperative for the Big Ten and SEC to finalize their discussions promptly. American Athletic Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti remarked, "That’s up to two people in the room," referring to Sankey and Petitti, to resolve the impasse.

ESPN

Some stakeholders within the college football community have expressed skepticism about the necessity of expanding the playoff format. Critics argue that maintaining the current 12-team structure may be preferable, as a jump to 24 teams could be seen as excessive and potentially detrimental to the integrity of the regular season.

College Football Playoff expansion stalemate remains as deadline looms

As the January 23 deadline approaches, the focus remains on whether the Big Ten and SEC can reconcile their differences. If an agreement is not reached, the playoff format will remain unchanged for the 2026 season, with future discussions anticipated to continue beyond this deadline.

College Football Playoff expansion stalemate remains as deadline looms

• "Still more work to do." — Tony Petitti, Big Ten Commissioner

ESPN

• "That’s up to two people in the room." — Tim Pernetti, American Athletic Conference Commissioner

ESPN

• "We’re only in Year 2 of our 12-team format." — Mark Keenum, CFP Board Chair

OutKick

The outcome of these discussions will significantly shape the landscape of college football in the coming years, making it a critical moment for the sport.

CFP expansion: ‘No agreement’ reached amid SEC and B1G stalemate, per reports