24-Team College Football Playoff Moves Closer, but a 2027 Start Is Not Certain

College Football Playoff executive director Rich Clark says expanding to 24 teams is not a foregone conclusion, with negotiations with ESPN entering their final week. The CFP Management Committee met at Big Ten headquarters in Rosemont, Illinois, to review the details and logistics of a 24-team bracket. The change must be approved by Dec. 1 to take effect for the 2027-28 season. If the work isn't finished in time, the expanded field could wait until 2028. The leading model takes the top 23 teams plus the highest-ranked Group of Six team, which raises questions about conference championship games, revenue and the Army-Navy game.