Discussions on Expanding the College Football Playoff Format

May 14, 2026, 16:22
USSports

Introduction

College football officials are currently considering whether to expand the College Football Playoff (CFP) from 12 teams to either 16 or 24 teams.

Main Body

There are different opinions among the main groups regarding this expansion. The Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, and Notre Dame prefer a 24-team bracket because they want to ensure more competitive teams are included and increase their income through more television games. On the other hand, the SEC and its commissioner, Greg Sankey, argue that a 16-team model is better because it ensures that only the strongest teams qualify based on their schedules. Financial and logistical issues also make this decision difficult. ESPN, the main media partner, reportedly dislikes the 24-team plan due to contract limits. Since their current agreement only covers up to 14 teams, any further expansion would require a new bidding process for the extra games. Furthermore, a 24-team format might force the removal of conference championship games to prevent the season from lasting too long into January, which would be a significant financial risk. Industry experts warn that expanding the playoff could reduce the quality of the regular season. For example, if teams with three or four losses can still enter the playoffs, they may stop playing difficult opponents. Additionally, there are concerns about player health, as a 24-team bracket could increase the season to 17 games, which is a professional workload without professional recovery resources.

Conclusion

The future of the CFP depends on whether the groups can find a balance between the desire for more revenue and the contractual and structural preferences of the SEC and ESPN.

Learning

🚀 The 'B2 Bridge': Mastering Contrast & Conflict

At the A2 level, you likely say "The Big Ten likes 24 teams. The SEC likes 16 teams." To reach B2, you need to weave these opposite ideas together using Connectors of Contrast. This makes your English sound professional and fluid rather than like a list of facts.

🛠️ The Power Tools from the Text

Look at how the article handles a disagreement. Instead of two simple sentences, it uses these high-impact phrases:

  1. "On the other hand..."

    • What it does: It signals a complete switch to an opposing perspective.
    • B2 Upgrade: Use this when you have two distinct sides of an argument.

  2. "Furthermore..."

    • What it does: It doesn't just add information; it adds weight to the previous point. It says, "And here is another serious reason why this is a problem."

  3. "...whether [X] or [Y]"

    • What it does: This creates a 'choice' structure. It's more sophisticated than saying "They want 16 or 24 teams."

💡 Logic Shift: From 'Fact' to 'Implication'

Notice this sentence: "If teams with three or four losses can still enter the playoffs, they may stop playing difficult opponents."

The B2 Secret: A2 students describe what is. B2 students describe what might happen because of something else. This is called Conditional Logic.

  • A2 style: "Some teams have losses. They don't play hard teams."
  • B2 style: "If [this happens], they may [do this]."

🎯 Quick Transformation Guide

A2 Simple PatternB2 Bridge PatternExample from the Text
But / AndOn the other hand / FurthermoreOn the other hand, the SEC...
Maybe / OrWhether... or......whether to expand... to 16 or 24 teams.
It is...If... may...If teams... can still enter... they may stop...

Vocabulary Learning

expanding
Increasing in size, scope, or number
Example:The league is expanding to include more teams.
considering
Thinking about or taking into account
Example:They are considering a new schedule for the playoffs.
expansion
The act of becoming larger or adding more components
Example:The expansion of the playoffs will add extra games.
groups
Collections of people or organizations with a common interest
Example:Different groups have different opinions on the format.
prefer
To like one thing more than another
Example:They prefer a larger bracket to increase revenue.
ensure
To make certain that something happens
Example:The plan aims to ensure fairness for all teams.
competitive
Capable of or willing to compete with others
Example:The teams in the league are highly competitive.
included
Added as part of a whole
Example:All eligible teams will be included in the new format.
increase
To become larger or greater in amount or size
Example:The new format will increase revenue from television rights.
income
Money earned from work or business
Example:The income from TV deals will rise with more games.
television
The medium of broadcasting visual content
Example:Television coverage will reach a wider audience.
argue
To present reasons for or against something
Example:They argue that a 16‑team model is more competitive.
model
A system or structure used as an example
Example:The 16‑team model is the current playoff format.
strongest
Having the greatest power or ability
Example:Only the strongest teams will qualify for the postseason.
qualify
To meet the necessary requirements to participate
Example:Teams must qualify based on their win–loss record.
financial
Relating to money or economics
Example:Financial concerns are a major factor in the decision.
logistical
Relating to the organization of details and resources
Example:Logistical challenges include scheduling and travel.
dislikes
To have an aversion or negative opinion about something
Example:ESPN dislikes the 24‑team plan because of contract limits.
contract
A written agreement between parties
Example:The contract limits the number of teams that can participate.
limits
Boundaries or restrictions that prevent expansion
Example:The limits in the agreement restrict the playoff to 14 teams.
agreement
A negotiated understanding between parties
Example:The agreement covers up to 14 teams for televised games.
covers
To include or encompass within a scope
Example:The contract covers all games broadcast on the network.
bidding
The act of making offers to secure something
Example:A new bidding process will be required for the extra games.
removal
The act of taking something away
Example:Removal of championship games could shorten the season.
championship
A competition to determine the best team or individual
Example:The conference championship will be affected by the new format.
prevent
To stop something from happening
Example:The plan aims to prevent a season that lasts too long.
lasting
Continuing for a long time or duration
Example:The season would last until late January if expanded.
significant
Important or notable in effect or consequence
Example:The risk of financial loss is significant.
risk
The possibility of danger, loss, or harm
Example:There is a risk that the league will lose viewers.
industry
A field of economic activity or business
Example:Industry experts warn that quality could decline.
warn
To advise of potential danger or problem
Example:Experts warn that the regular season might suffer.
reduce
To make smaller or less in amount
Example:Expansion could reduce the overall quality of the season.
quality
The standard or level of excellence
Example:The quality of play is a major concern for fans.
regular
Occurring at fixed intervals or usual schedule
Example:The regular season will still happen before the playoffs.
example
A particular instance that illustrates a point
Example:For example, teams with losses may still qualify.
losses
Defeats or failures in competition
Example:Teams with three or four losses could still enter the playoffs.
opponents
Competitors or teams facing each other in a game
Example:They might stop playing difficult opponents to avoid injuries.
concerns
Worries or issues that need attention
Example:There are concerns about player health and safety.
player
An individual who participates in a sport
Example:Player safety is a top priority for the league.
health
Physical condition and well‑being
Example:Health risks include injuries from repeated play.
professional
Relating to a profession or paid work
Example:The season would be a professional workload for athletes.
workload
The amount of work or tasks to be completed
Example:The workload would increase with more games.
recovery
The process of regaining health after injury or fatigue
Example:Recovery resources are essential for player safety.
future
Time that will come after the present
Example:The future of the playoff depends on stakeholder agreements.
balance
A state of equilibrium between opposing forces
Example:They need to find a balance between revenue and competition.
desire
A strong wish or longing for something
Example:There is a desire for more revenue from television deals.
revenue
Income generated from business activities
Example:Revenue will increase if more games are televised.
contractual
Relating to the terms of a contract
Example:Contractual preferences influence the playoff structure.
structural
Relating to the arrangement or organization of parts
Example:Structural preferences also affect how the league operates.
preferences
Choices or inclinations toward certain options
Example:Preferences differ among the groups involved in the decision.