College Football Playoff to Expand to 24 Teams Starting Next Season
The College Football Playoff is set to expand to 24 teams, with the new format beginning next season, as announced by college leaders.
Tyler Longview, TX, November 9, 2026 — The College Football Playoff (CFP) is undergoing a significant expansion, set to grow to 24 teams. This change in format was announced by college leaders and is scheduled to take effect starting next season.
The decision to increase the number of participating teams from the current four marks a substantial shift for the postseason collegiate football tournament. The new 24-team structure will represent a broader group of teams competing for the national championship.
Details regarding the specific format of the expanded playoff, such as the seeding process, automatic qualifiers, and the schedule for the additional games, were not immediately available following the announcement. The exact timeline for when the new format will officially commence is confirmed to be next season.
The announcement was made by representatives described as ‘college leaders,’ indicating a consensus among the governing bodies overseeing collegiate athletics. The specific individuals or committees making the announcement were not detailed in the provided information.
This expansion is anticipated to bring more teams into contention for the national title, potentially altering the traditional dynamics of the college football season and its postseason. Further information on the implementation and structure of the 24-team playoff is expected to be released by college leaders as the start of next season approaches.
Story summarized from the original created by EDDIE PELLS, Associated Press on www.ketk.com, see more information here.
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