League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Breaking News

Whitman supports 24-team format for college football playoffs

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 2:47 PM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

College Sports

Summary

Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman reaffirmed his preference for expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) to 24 teams during a roundtable discussion on June 26 in Champaign. Whitman believes a 24-team field would improve postseason access and enhance the competitiveness of the regular season. He noted that a larger playoff would maintain engagement among multiple fan bases and enable meaningful games in November. Whitman expressed optimism about achieving this expansion soon, emphasizing the need for the bowl system to adapt alongside any changes in the playoff structure.

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By the Numbers

•Josh Whitman held a roundtable discussion on June 26 in Champaign.
•Whitman advocates for a 24-team CFP format to enhance competition.
•He argues that more teams would engage fan bases throughout the season.
•Whitman discussed ensuring the bowl system adapts to playoff changes.
•Illinois may have benefited from a 24-team format in recent seasons.

Latest Updates

2:47 PMYahoo Sports — Whitman reiterates preference for 24-team CFP field

What they're saying

"
Jun. 26—CHAMPAIGN — The debate continues in college football with no clear-cut indication which way it will go. At issue: How many teams should make the playoffs? The answer depends on who you ask. On Thursday during the annual Josh Whitman roundtable, I put the question to the decade-long Illinois athletic director. Knowing his bread is buttered in the Big Ten, Whitman went with the number ...
— Yahoo Sports

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