The College Football Playoffs will stay at 12 teams next season. Leaders failed to reach agreement on a larger field. The decision followed weeks of stalled talks.
Executives framed the move as a pause for further evaluation. Rich Clark said conferences needed more time to study future changes.
Notre Dame Gains a Clear Path Into the Field
The committee approved two notable adjustments. Notre Dame now earns a guaranteed spot if it finishes inside the top 12. Power Four champions also receive automatic bids for the playoffs.
These changes follow last season’s controversy. Duke won the ACC but missed the bracket. Notre Dame finished 11th but was passed by Miami. Tulane and James Madison earned spots as higher‑ranked G6 champions.
Expansion Talks Collapse Over Format Disputes
The SEC pushed for a 16‑team field with more at‑large bids. Most leagues supported that idea. The Big Ten wanted 24 or more teams with many automatic qualifiers. That plan would reduce the value of title games.
Neither side moved. Under the CFP agreement, the SEC and Big Ten control the process. Their stalemate kept the playoff at 12 teams.
ESPN’s new six‑year, $7.8 billion deal begins next season. The network will launch the contract with the same format used the past two years.
Format and Game Sites Remain the Same for 2026
The structure of the playoff stays unchanged. Seeds five through twelve will host opening‑round games on campus. The final three rounds will be played at bowl sites.
The 2027 title game will be held in Las Vegas on Jan. 25.
This season highlighted travel concerns. Oregon logged more than 11,500 miles during its playoff run.
Debate Over Campus Quarterfinals Continues
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said leaders must study campus quarterfinals. He noted the strong atmospheres in early‑round games. No agreement was reached.
Notre Dame Emerges as the Biggest Winner
Notre Dame benefits most from the new rules. Miami’s late jump in the rankings pushed the Irish out last season. Pete Bevacqua argued the ACC’s lobbying created an unfair situation.
The ACC gained a small win. Its champion now receives an automatic berth regardless of ranking.
G6 teams lose ground. Tulane and James Madison hurt their case with two lopsided playoff losses.
Conferences Prepare for Nine‑Game Schedules
The changes give leagues time to study strength‑of‑schedule effects. The SEC, Big 12 and most ACC teams will move to nine league games in 2026. The Big Ten already plays nine.
