The possible expansion of the college football playoff to 24 teams is causing unease, particularly after its recent move to 12 teams. There are questions being asked whether this is an attempt to fix something that was not broken.
The Special Nature of College Football Under Threat
What sets college football apart, and makes it superior to the NFL for some fans, is the significance of big games. The shorter regular season, the smaller playoff field, historic rivalries and the organisation of teams into conferences all contribute to this.
Non-conference games between historic programmes are essential viewing. This is not only because of what is at stake, but also because fan bases and conferences depend on the results.
The unfortunate reality is that big non-conference games are becoming less common. This is the opposite of what most college football fans want.
Scheduling Changes Driven by Playoff Expansion
The 12-team College Football Playoff has already created incentives for easier schedules. Notre Dame is perhaps the best example of this.
Historically, the Irish have never avoided tough games, despite being an independent programme. But a new arrangement with the College Football Playoff committee has guaranteed them a spot in the tournament should they finish in the top 12.
Their schedule in 2026 reflects that reality. It is set up to win 10-11 games and be in the top 12 come December. Compare it to Texas, whose head coach Steve Sarkisian was so frustrated at missing the 2025-26 playoff field at 9-3 that he essentially threatened to stop scheduling top non-conference teams like Ohio State moving forward.
Coaches Association Favours Further Expansion
The American Football Coaches Association has come out in favour of expanding the field to 24. This would further limit the incentive to schedule tough games.
- Why put yourself at risk of losing that fourth game when a 3-0 non-conference run and 6-3 in-conference record in the Big Ten or SEC would likely be enough to reach the field?
The sport is trying to fix something that wasn’t broken.