Big Ten Reportedly Proposed 24-28 Team College Football Playoff Bracket Format

The Big Ten reportedly has suggested a major change to the College Football Playoff format.

Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, the conference "has begun populating an expanded College Football Playoff idea" that would include 24 or 28 teams, rather than the current format that includes just 12 teams.

According to Thamel, the new model proposed by the Big Ten suggests eliminating conference title games and awarding more auto bids for the four power conferences. In a 28-team playoff, the Big Ten and SEC would receive seven auto bids each, while the ACC and Big 12 would get five auto bids each, per Thamel.

There would also be two at-large teams, as well as two bids for two leagues outside of the Power 4 conferences.

Thamel noted that Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti proposed the idea to his own league on Wednesday, and it has since gained traction among others. The proposed expanded playoff "is an evolved idea from play-in games," according to Thamel.

The proposed new format would include 20 playoff games played on campus, and the CFP Committee would choose the at-large teams and seed the rest of the field.

Though the idea has seemingly gained traction in recent days, Thamel noted that it is still in the "very early stages." Thamel added that the Big Ten proposed the new format with the hope of "keeping the conferences races meaningful and making November regular season football meaningful across the leagues."

The College Football Playoff included just four teams from its inception in 2014 until last season, when it expanded to 12 teams. While a playoff format including 24 or 28 teams is likely still several years away, expansion could be coming as early as next season.

Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reported in February that a 14 or 16-team playoff was gaining "momentum" among the SEC and Big Ten, and Thamel reported in May that a 16-team format "is becoming more preferred."

As for the 2025 season, the College Football Playoff will remain at just 12 teams.