January 18, 2026
By Pete Nakos, On3: Following the College Football Playoff management committee’s meeting Sunday, sources tell On3’s Chris Low that the SEC would prefer to stick with the 12-team format rather than expand to 24 teams. The Big Ten wants a 24-team model, while the SEC – and the other eight conferences, along with Notre Dame – want a 16-team playoff.
Barring an unprecedented move, the expectation is the 12-team model will remain intact for the 2026 season, with a Friday, Jan. 23 deadline looming for expansion. Earlier this week, a Big Ten source told On3’s Brett McMurphy that they would agree to the 16-team model in 2026 if there was a commitment to expand to 24 teams a few years later.
Read the full story…
Looking for more SuperWest team news? Find it at our Team News Feed
