Story perspectives

AFCA Recommends 24-Team Playoff, Trump Backs Expansion.

5/6/2026

Summary

AFCA Recommends Playoff

The American Football Coaches Association board voted to recommend a 24-team playoff, ending by the second week of January with a six-day gap between games.
It proposes a 14-week 2027 season, keeps the Army–Navy Game’s date, and grants automatic bids to ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC and Notre Dame if Notre Dame finishes top 12.
U.S. President Donald Trump and coaches Kirby Smart and Josh Heupel supported the expansion.

Summary

Sankey Opposes Expansion

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey opposes the 24-team plan and backs a 16-team playoff.
ESPN executives say their guaranteed rights cover only a 14-team format, while Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks and Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti back the 24-team expansion for Fox’s broadcast agenda.
Army coach Jeff Monken proposes moving the Army-Navy game to Thanksgiving week.
Service-academy officials warn the December slot would clash with the new playoff schedule.

Summary

Bohl Demands Revenue

AFCA director Craig Bohl said any college-football playoff expansion must first secure revenue.
He cited Jan 2-Jan 16 transfer-portal window as a reason to finish the season earlier for players.
Bohl noted conference championship games began in the SEC (1992), Big 12 (1996), ACC (2005) and Big Ten (2011).
He cited Indiana’s 27-day gap from the Big Ten title to the Rose Bowl quarterfinal and a 10-day wait to the semifinal as evidence of downtime.

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AFCA Recommends Playoff

The American Football Coaches Association board voted to recommend a 24-team playoff, ending by the second week of January with a six-day gap between games.
It proposes a 14-week 2027 season, keeps the Army–Navy Game’s date, and grants automatic bids to ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC and Notre Dame if Notre Dame finishes top 12.
U.S. President Donald Trump and coaches Kirby Smart and Josh Heupel supported the expansion.

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