ESPN personalities express concerns over 24-team College Football Playoff
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 17, 2026, 9:10 PM
Last updated Oct 17, 2026

ESPN's 'College GameDay' featured a discussion on the impending 24-team College Football Playoff, with several prominent figures expressing skepticism about the expansion. Nick Saban raised concerns about the increased number of games for players, while Kirk Herbstreit cautioned about devaluing the regular season. Desmond Howard likened the changes to an NFL schedule, suggesting a shift in the college football. Rece Davis, a vocal critic of the expansion, voiced strong opposition to the new format. The dialogue underscores the mixed feelings within the sport's community about this significant shift in playoff structure.
- •Nick Saban questions the increased number of games for players.
- •Kirk Herbstreit fears the regular season will lose its significance.
- •Desmond Howard sees parallels to NFL scheduling.
- •Rece Davis strongly opposes the playoff expansion.
- •Overall, ESPN personalities share mixed feelings on the new format.
- 9:10 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN personalities criticize 24-team College Football Playoff on rightsholder's platform
"Nick Saban, Kirk Herbstreit and ESPN's biggest stars aren't sold on a 24-team College Football Playoff. Their warnings are hard to ignore.
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