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Experts criticize potential 24-team college football playoff format

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 15, 2026, 8:17 PM

Last updated Oct 15, 2026

Experts criticize potential 24-team college football playoff format

Summary

Critics express concerns about a proposed 24-team College Football Playoff, arguing it undermines the significance of the regular season. The expanded format may lead to the elimination of conference championship games and allow teams with poorer records, such as 8-4 Iowa, to qualify. Analysts suggest this change caters to donors at the expense of the sport's integrity. The financial implications of such a playoff structure are unclear, with potential losses from canceling championship games. Previous playoff formats maintained competitive integrity, creating meaningful postseason races.

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CBS Sports

By the Numbers

•A 24-team playoff could diminish the importance of the regular season.
•Critics cite potential inclusion of mediocre teams like 8-4 Iowa.
•Conference championship games may be canceled under new format.
•Financial benefits of the expansion are uncertain for conferences.
•Expansion aims to satisfy donor expectations despite potential quality decline.

Latest Updates

8:17 PMCBS Sports — Guess who wins with a 24-team College Football Playoff? Spoiler alert: It's not the fans

What they're saying

"
Scrapping conference title games and letting four-loss teams crash the field only cheapens the regular season to pacify boosters lighting money on fire
— CBS Sportsby Shehan Jeyarajah

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