College Football Playoff expansion, explained: How a 24-team format will work starting in 2027

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports the College Football Playoff is nearing a deal to expand to 24 teams, likely starting in 2027—meaning the 12-team format would be the last year of its three-season run. The article explains how the sport arrived at the current structure, noting the CFP replaced the Bowl Championship Series in 2014 and moved to 12 teams in 2024. It also outlines what a 24-team field could mean: it would double participation and likely include the four Power 4 champions, the highest Group of 6 schools (not finalized), and 19 at-large teams, with conference championship games potentially eliminated. It references support from Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and others.