The College Football Playoff (CFP) management committee met Thursday to advance negotiations on expanding the postseason field from 12 to 24 teams, with a target implementation date of 2027. The 13-member committee, composed of 10 FBS conference commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director, discussed the proposal alongside ongoing talks with ESPN regarding broadcast rights.
The Big Ten and Southeastern Conference (SEC) have been primary advocates for the expansion, which would add 12 more teams to the playoff field. According to reports from The Athletic and ESPN, the network would acquire the additional games and maintain its exclusive broadcast rights through the length of its current six-year contract. The CFP has not yet finalized the expansion details, but the management committee’s meeting signals progress toward a decision.
For USC and UCLA, the potential expansion could provide new opportunities to qualify for the playoff. Neither program has made the field since the CFP’s inception in 2014, though both have shown recent competitiveness. UCLA (5-0) is ranked No. 12 in the AP Poll after defeating Oregon, while USC (6-1) is ranked No. 19 following wins over Washington and Penn State. The selection committee would consider on-field performance, head-to-head results, and strength of schedule when evaluating teams for the expanded field.
The expansion proposal has gained traction amid broader discussions about the financial and competitive landscape of college football. The SEC and Big Ten have been key drivers, with their commissioners advocating for a larger playoff to generate additional revenue and distribute opportunities across more conferences. The CFP’s current 12-team format, adopted in 2024, has already increased access for Power Five conferences, but critics argue further expansion could dilute the prestige of the event.
The timeline for final approval remains uncertain, as the CFP management committee continues negotiations with ESPN and conference stakeholders. The expansion would require unanimous support from the 10 FBS commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director, though past discussions have highlighted divisions over the proposal’s merits.
In the interim, USC and UCLA face critical challenges in the second half of the season. UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava suffered an injury against Oregon that has sidelined him indefinitely, raising questions about the Bruins’ offensive stability. USC coach Lincoln Riley has previously expressed strong support for the expansion, stating that his program’s internal discussions have been unanimous in favor of the change.