Tony Petitti supports 24-team CFP despite fan poll results

During Big Ten Media Days on July 28, 2026, Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti addressed fan dissatisfaction regarding the proposed 24-team College Football Playoff format. A recent On3 social media poll indicated that 79 percent of fans prefer the current 12-team format or an expansion to 16 teams, with only nine percent in favor of 24 teams. Despite the survey results, Petitti remained confident that playoff games would attract large audiences and fill stadiums. The discussion surrounding playoff expansion is intensified by the ongoing competition between networks for broadcast rights, particularly between ESPN and Fox. Any shift in playoff structure requires cooperation from both the Big Ten and SEC, where opinions differ on the best format for postseason play.

• 12:30 PMYahoo Sports — Tony Petitti dismisses ‘polls’ suggesting fan backlash to 24-team CFP