ESPN presents 20-team College Football Playoff format with play-in games
Sports Illustrated • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 10, 2026, 7:48 PM
Last updated Aug 10, 2026
ESPN has proposed a 20-team College Football Playoff for the 202627 season, featuring four play-in games. While this expansion moves toward the Big Ten's desire for 24 teams, the Big Ten reportedly does not support the new format. The current playoff system is set to expand to 12 teams, marking the first major update in the FBS playoffs. The tournament structure's finalization is pending, with discussions continuing among the major conferences and stakeholders.
- •Proposed format includes four play-in games for the 20-team playoff.
- •Big Ten reportedly opposes the proposed expansion format.
- •Current playoff system is set to expand to 12 teams for the upcoming season.
- •Debate continues among conferences on the future of the playoff format.
- 7:48 PMSports Illustrated — ESPN Floats 20-Team College Football Playoff With Four Play-in Games. Here’s How It Might Look. - Sports Illustrated
"The Big Ten reportedly doesn’t support the format, but it would push closer to the league’s desire for 24 teams.
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