Nick Saban critiques CFP's 24-team playoff format as profit-driven
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 6, 2026, 11:34 PM
Last updated Nov 6, 2026
In a recent episode of the podcast New Heights, Nick Saban expressed strong disapproval of the College Football Playoff's upcoming expansion to 24 teams. He argued that this format prioritizes revenue over tradition and competitiveness, stating, "There’s not 24 teams in the country that can win the national championship." Saban highlighted that the new format would eliminate conference championship games, diminishing their significance. The expansion is part of a deal with ESPN, set to take effect in 2027, which is projected to yield an additional $350 million for the networks, despite an anticipated revenue loss from the absence of conference title games. Saban previously indicated a preference for a 16-team playoff as a compromise.
- •Saban calls the 24-team playoff expansion 'about the money.'
- •New format eliminates conference championship games.
- •ESPN's deal could raise an additional $350 million.
- •Saban favors a 16-team playoff instead of 24.
- •The expanded playoff is set to begin in December 2027.
- 11:34 PMYahoo Sports — Nick Saban says 24-team College Football Playoff is ‘about the money’
"Nick Saban was asked about the College Football Playoff’s planned move to 24 teams on this week’s episode of New Heights, the podcast hosted by brothers Jason and Travis Kelce. The seven-time national champion coach, now an analyst on ESPN’s College GameDay, did not need long to answer. “Too many. There’s not 24 teams in […] The post Nick Saban says 24-team College Football Playoff is ‘about the money’ appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
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