College Football Playoff to Expand to 24 Teams in 2027

The playoff system will undergo significant growth by 2027, increasing its total field to 24 participating teams.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Football

College Football Playoff to Expand to 24 Teams in 2027

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Should the expanded college football playoff prioritize smaller schools over television-driven revenue?

Starting in 2027, the College Football Playoff will expand to 24 teams as part of a format change driven by new television deals. This update is designed to offer broader access to the tournament for programs across college football.

Why it matters

The expansion aims to provide greater inclusivity for teams across the landscape, addressing concerns about representation for Group of Six programs. Currently, the playoff is limited to 12 teams, often leaving smaller programs at a disadvantage regarding playoff access.

The upcoming 24-team playoff represents a doubling of the current 12-team format. Historically, Group of Six teams including Cincinnati, Boise State, Tulane, and James Madison have recorded zero wins in their playoff appearances.

The players

Casey Woods

Casey Woods serves as the head coach for the Missouri State football program and has been a vocal proponent of playoff reform.

The details

Missouri State head coach Casey Woods has advocated for increased representation for Group of Six teams during this transition. The move toward a larger bracket is set to be finalized through new television agreements that will reshape the postseason landscape.

Cincinnati appeared in the College Football Playoff in 2021.
Boise State appeared in the College Football Playoff in 2024.
Tulane and James Madison appeared in the College Football Playoff in 2025.
Casey Woods discussed playoff expansion on October 15, 2026.
The College Football Playoff will expand to 24 teams in 2027.

Season Trajectory

This move to 24 teams fundamentally alters the postseason path for all programs, moving away from the restrictive 12-team College Football Playoff format. The shift promises to change how playoff brackets are filled and who qualifies throughout the regular season.

The expansion ensures that more teams remain in contention for a playoff spot deeper into the regular season. This increases the total number of meaningful games for viewers and shifts the focus of conference performance metrics.

The takeaway

The move to 24 teams represents a major evolution in how college football crowns a champion. Fans should expect the regular season to carry more weight for a wider variety of programs than in previous years.