More CFP Expansion? Officials Discuss 14-Team Playoff Format by 2026

In Dallas, College Football Playoff officials discuss expanding to a 14-team playoff format by 2026.

During College Football Playoff meetings in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, discussions revolved around the prospect of implementing a 14-team College Football Playoff for the 2026 season. 

While CFP executive director Bill Hancock confirmed these discussions, he declined to provide specific details, stating "There's still work to be done."

With the recent addition of head coach Mike Elko and a successful offseason recruiting, does this enhance Texas A&M's postseason chances heading into 2026?

Clutch Points

In a 14-team playoff format, top-ranked conference champions might secure a bye, amplifying the significance of league title games, akin to the new 12-team playoff structure.

ESPN recently detailed Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti's discourse on playoff expansion during a fall meeting. The rationale behind this move is evident: the Big Ten will expand to 18 teams next season, including USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington, while the SEC will encompass 16 teams with thr arrival fo Oklahoma and Texas beginning July 1. 

Earlier this month, both leagues announced the establishment of a joint advisory group comprising university leaders and athletic directors. Their objective is to tackle the challenges confronting college sports and explore potential solutions.

Talk of a 14-team playoff starting in 2026 was the buzz of CFP meetings on Thursday. The model and different options were heavily discussed, per sources, and official left the room with a sense of momentum and optimism. Story with ⁦@CFBHeather⁩ https://t.co/eXzmvDefVd

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 22, 2024

The 14-team move could be a positive for the Aggies. The 2024 season marks a new beginning with Elko bringing a sense of optimism without external pressures. A favorable schedule, coupled with the transition to a 12-team format, could create some momentum for 2026. 

Elko has his sights on building a legacy with the Aggies and going all the way, "We want to win it all. If we’re going to win it all, you have to have a roster of 17 or 18 NFL players on it.”

'We Want to Win it All!' Mike Elko Reveals 'NFL' Approach to Recruiting

As CFP officials strive to finalize a television contract for the next eight years, three key concerns persist access, financial distribution, and governance. Hancock emphasized the urgency of resolving these matters within the coming month.

Officials are still deliberating how automatic bids would be allocated in a potential 14-team playoff, such as whether the Big Ten and SEC could each secure up to four bids. 

Financially, the Big Ten and SEC are seeking a more favorable deal than the current arrangement, where 80 percent of the funds are evenly distributed among the Power 5 conferences. 

With four power conferences now in play and a total of 34 teams between the Big Ten and SEC, negotiations hold significant importance.