SEC Commish Sankey Responds to 2026 CFP Bracket Format, Conference Expansion Questions

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey discussed the 2026 College Football Playoff format when speaking to reporters on Monday.

"Take the top 12, I was an advocate for that," Sankey said (0:01 mark). "In fact, went back through with colleagues this spring. I could take the top 14, top 16."

"I think last week there was some misunderstanding communicated about a memorandum of understanding," he added. "So in that memorandum of understanding, the top 5 conference champions have a role."

The commissioner also discussed potential expansion.

"I think there's this notion that there has to be this magic moment and something has to happen with expansion and it has to be forced, no," Sankey said (5:30 mark). "I think, when you're given authority, you want to be responsible in using that authority. I think both of us are prepared to do so."

The 2025 season will contain a 12-team CFP format, although the top four seeds will no longer be given to the four highest-rated conference champions. Instead, the top four teams in the selection committee's final rankings will receive first-round byes.

The seven highest-ranked teams remaining will round out the rest of the CFP picture.

The CFP format beyond the 2025 season hasn't been decided, although Sankey appears to be open to adding as many as four more teams to the playoff.

On May 22, Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reported that the Big Ten and SEC supported a 16-team format that would give both conferences four automatic qualifiers each, with the Big 12 and ACC receiving two automatic qualifiers each. One spot would also go to the highest-ranked Group of Six conference winner, with three other at-large selections.

Sankey revealed Monday that the SEC developed a different view on allocations than the Big Ten following meetings in May, though.

"We had a different view coming out of Destin around the notion of allocations, if you will, and I think you'll probably hear that again from our coaches," Sankey said (5:06 mark). "The Big Ten has a different view. That's fine. We have a 12-team playoff, five conference champions. That could stay if we can't agree."

While discussions will continue surrounding a potential 16-team CFP format, the amount of teams eligible to qualify for the playoff can also remain the same if an agreement isn't reached.