Major changes are coming to college football as announcements reveal plans for a significant tournament expansion. Reports indicate that the College Football Playoff will grow to include 24 teams beginning with the 2027-28 season.
New Format and Schedule Challenges
With a 24-team playoff format now established, athletic conferences and administrators face the immediate task of restructuring future football schedules to accommodate the expanded postseason structure. Specific details regarding the new scheduling formats and qualification criteria are still developing as organizers begin the transition work.
Broadcasting and Media Rights
Alongside the tournament expansion, the organization announced an exclusive media rights agreement with ESPN. The network will televise the new playoff games through the 2031-32 season, securing broadcast coverage for the expanded postseason matchups.
Sources: College Football Playoff, The New York Times, Forbes, Onward State
Image: Marek Ślusarczyk (Tupungato) Photo portfolio / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
