When will the College Football Playoff decide its 2026 format?

The deadline to decide the College Football Playoff format for 2026 has been extended to January 23, 2026.

What are the main points of discussion for the College Football Playoff expansion?

Discussions revolve around potential playoff models, scheduling, media rights, and the number of teams and selection criteria for at-large bids.

Will the College Football Playoff expand beyond 12 teams in 2026?

It's uncertain. While there's speculation about a 16-team playoff, consensus among conferences has not yet been reached.

Home / Sports / College Football Playoff Expansion Deadline Extended

College Football Playoff Expansion Deadline Extended

25 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Playoff format decision deadline pushed to January 23, 2026.
Discussions focus on playoff models, scheduling, and media.
Consensus on expansion size and at-large selections remains elusive.

College Football Playoff Expansion Deadline Extended

The College Football Playoff (CFP) and ESPN have jointly agreed to postpone the decision on the playoff format for 2026. The deadline has been moved from December 1 to January 23, 2026, to accommodate continued deliberations on potential future playoff models, scheduling, media considerations, and overall long-term strategy.

This extension provides crucial additional time for the CFP Management Committee to evaluate the current 12-team format and ensure any proposed modifications are thoroughly considered. The expansion to 12 teams is already in place for the 2024 season, but significant debate persists regarding further expansion, with speculation about a 16-team field.

Disagreements among conferences, particularly regarding automatic bids and at-large selections, have complicated consensus-building. The Jan. 23 deadline, set after the national championship game, gives stakeholders nearly two months to reach an agreement, otherwise the playoff may remain at 12 teams.