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ESPN College GameDay discusses College Football Playoff expansion plans

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 18, 2026, 12:00 AM

Last updated Oct 18, 2026

ESPN College GameDay discusses College Football Playoff expansion plans

Summary

ESPN reported plans for the College Football Playoff to expand from 12 to 24 teams, beginning in the 2027 season. Host Rece Davis led a discussion involving commentators including Kirk Herbstreit and Nick Saban, who expressed concerns about the potential dilution of regular-season significance and player workload. The expansion is part of a new deal where ESPN will pay approximately $345 million annually while maintaining exclusive broadcasting rights. The move has generated mixed reactions, with some administrators and fans voicing their apprehensions about these changes impacting the sport's traditions. The conversation took place ahead of the BYU-Notre Dame game.

Source Links

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Key Details

•College Football Playoff set to expand to 24 teams in 2027
•ESPN will pay $345 million annually for broadcasting rights
•Concerns raised about increased game count for players
•Commentators express fears over significance of regular season
•Discussion occurred during College GameDay before BYU-Notre Dame matchup

Latest Updates

12:00 AMYahoo Sports — ‘College GameDay’ crew debates controversial College Football Playoff expansion

What they're saying

"
Somewhere, Nicolas Cage is tipping his cap to the levels of meta ESPN achieved this week. On Thursday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported the College Football Playoff “nearing a deal to expand to 24 teams” next season. Subsequently, Thamel reported that ESPN would pay an average $345 million annually over the next five years in addition…
— Yahoo Sports

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