College Football Playoff to Expand to 24 Teams Next Season
The College Football Playoff is expanding its field to 24 teams, with the new format set to begin next season.
Dothan, AL, November 9, 2026 —
The College Football Playoff (CFP) is set to undergo a significant expansion, increasing its field size to 24 teams. This new format is scheduled to commence with the upcoming season.
The decision to expand the playoff field marks a notable shift in the structure of major college football postseason play. Previously, the CFP featured a four-team playoff. The move to 24 teams indicates a broader inclusion of collegiate programs in the championship contention.
Details regarding the specific structure of the 24-team playoff, including seeding, byes, and the exact scheduling of games, were not provided in the initial announcement. The timeline for the implementation of this expanded format is confirmed to begin next season. Further information on the operational aspects and qualifying criteria for the 24 participating teams is anticipated to be released.
Story summarized from the original created by EDDIE PELLS, Associated Press on www.wdhn.com, see more information here.
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