Story perspectives

Big Ten Unveils Bold 24-Team College Football Playoff Plan

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Big Ten proposes a 24-team College Football Playoff, per an internal document, eliminating conference championship games and expanding on-campus playoff games.
The plan would expand to 16 teams by 2027-2028, then 24 teams by 2029.
The field would include the 23 highest-ranked teams and one Group of Six slot, with the top eight byes.
The change aims to boost postseason opportunities and keep late-season relevance amid ongoing playoff discussions.

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Story summary

The Big Ten proposes a 24-team College Football Playoff, per an internal document, eliminating conference championship games and expanding on-campus playoff games.
The plan would expand to 16 teams by 2027-2028, then 24 teams by 2029.
The field would include the 23 highest-ranked teams and one Group of Six slot, with the top eight byes.
The change aims to boost postseason opportunities and keep late-season relevance amid ongoing playoff discussions.