Story perspectives

SEC Commissioner Rejects 24-Team Playoff, Favors 16

5/26/2026

Summary

Sankey Rejects 24-Team

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey told reporters in Destin, Fla., the conference has not made a College Football Playoff decision.
Sankey said the SEC is not backing a 24-team playoff, reminded members of Dec. 1 deadline for 24-team format in 2027-28, and prefers a 16-team model.
A CBS Sports survey shows SEC coaches and athletic directors are split, with three favoring 24 teams and seven open to discussion.

Summary

Sankey Rejects Backlash

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said fan backlash to a possible playoff expansion should not be the primary source of information.
He recalled that college basketball fans previously opposed the NCAA tournament’s move to a 76-team field.
Sankey called the reaction unscientific, saying it lacks data-driven evidence.
The committee will review concepts and decide whether to keep the playoff at 12 teams or expand it.

Summary

Petitti Limits

Tony Petitti, Big Ten commissioner, said the league will only consider a 12-team playoff or a 24-team expansion, rejecting 16 teams.
Greg Sankey, SEC commissioner, affirmed the SEC Championship Game remains under contract and the league is committed to keeping it.
University of Georgia president Jere Morehead called a 24-team playoff “a mistake,” while Tennessee athletic director Danny White publicly backed a 24-team model, showing divergent university opinions.

Summary

ESPN Opposes Expansion

ESPN warned that expanding the playoff beyond 16 teams could be untenable, noting 138 of the 200 games aired on ABC or ESPN.
SEC officials will give member schools a cost-benefit analysis of any expansion at the Sandestin spring meetings.
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips confirmed ESPN’s opposition to a 16-team format as SEC said no funding source exists for a 24-team playoff and is evaluating whether fees would cover expenses.

History

Historical Context

In 1985 the NCAA grew its men’s basketball tournament to 64 teams, up from 53, producing a 63-game field that ended at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Villanova’s eighth-seed win over Georgetown proved a lower seed could capture the title, illustrating the excitement a larger bracket can generate. That success underpins today’s discussions to expand the 12-team college football playoff.

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Sankey Rejects 24-Team

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey told reporters in Destin, Fla., the conference has not made a College Football Playoff decision.
Sankey said the SEC is not backing a 24-team playoff, reminded members of Dec. 1 deadline for 24-team format in 2027-28, and prefers a 16-team model.
A CBS Sports survey shows SEC coaches and athletic directors are split, with three favoring 24 teams and seven open to discussion.

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