Big Ten Commish Talks CFP Bracket Expansion Update, Latest Rumors on Format Change

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said there's "still more work to do" before an expanded College Football Playoff format is tentatively in place.

Petitti told reporters Sunday the CFP's management committee is "not done working" and that he doesn't expect a firm decision by the end of the day.

Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reported the Big Ten and SEC remain divided over the extent to which the postseason will grow:

American commissioner Tim Pernetti indicated those two conferences are pretty much steering the ship right now.

Friday's deadline to make any changes will not be extended, CFP director Rich Clark told Dellenger.

Heather Dinich of ESPN provided more context behind the Big Ten and SEC split. The former prefers laying the groundwork for a 24-team bracket, while the latter wants a move to 16 teams:

"Some CFP leaders have become more open to the idea of a 24-team field — it's not something people vehemently oppose — but there is a sense among many of them that it's too significant of a leap to make at this point. The Big Ten's perspective, according to sources, is that three years with 16 teams would give conference commissioners time to eliminate their conference championship games and restructure the postseason to accommodate play-in games or whatever path to the playoff they might favor."

More CFP games means more revenue from television partners and cash associated with the events themselves. Fan engagement could hold firmer from start to finish as well because more programs would be in the title mix.

However, Dinich pointed out that eliminating conference championships would mean sacrificing a different tentpole contest, creating financial consequences of its own.

There's also the danger of killing the proverbial golden goose.

Alabama got into the College Football Playoff this year despite losing three games. Widening the field to 16 teams means even more teams can suffer multiple defeats and still qualify. A 24-team tournament would've carved a path for 8-4 Iowa to earn a CFP berth.

Viewership for the 2025 regular season remained strong. That trend may not hold true if fewer of the big head-to-head matchups and annual rivalries serve as de facto championship eliminators.

If conference realignment is any indication, those concerns may not override the benefits expansion would bring.

During a negotiating period, nothing motivates the involved parties like a firm deadline. There's still time for the Big Ten and SEC to find some middle ground, which would remove the biggest hurdle in front of everyone.