ESPN 'socializing' a 16-team CFP format with four play-in games
ESPN is proposing a new 20-team College Football Playoff format that includes 16 teams with four additional play-in games. The proposal faces resistance from the Big Ten conference, which prefers a 24-team structure.
Why it matters
The format of the College Football Playoff has significant financial and competitive implications for major university athletic programs and media rights holders.
College Football Playoff stakeholders are meeting virtually today to further discuss expansion and the second- and third-order effects that come along with it. And while much of the discussion over the past year and change has centered on whether the playoff should expand to 16 or 24 teams, it appears ESPN is floating yet another format for consideration.
According to a report from Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, ESPN is “socializing” a College Football Playoff format that includes 16 teams in the main draw but includes four play-in games for seeds 13-16, effectively expanding the field to 20 teams.
ESPN – the rights-holder of the playoff – is socializing with CFP leaders a 16-team format with four play-in games for the final four spots into the field (seeds 13-16). There is an expectation that it will be discussed during today’s meeting. https://t.co/QXBUJRY8PL
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) August 10, 2026
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