The landscape of college football is about to change in a big way. The College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion, rolling out in the 2026 season, promises more excitement and competition than ever before.
This shift won’t just affect teams and players—it’ll shake up the entire fan experience. If you’re an RV travel enthusiast, the expansion means more chances for epic road trips and adventures. You’ll get to discover new college towns and catch the buzz of live football games up close.
Curious what the CFP expansion really means for your travel plans? Let’s dig into the details.
The College Football Playoff Expansion: What You Need to Know
The College Football Playoff system, which now features just four teams, will jump to 12 teams starting in 2026. This change aims to open up the field, letting more programs compete for the national championship.
Leaders decided to expand the playoffs to ramp up excitement and answer the calls from fans who wanted more teams in the mix. It’s about time, right?
Key Changes in the New Format
Here’s how it’ll work: The new 12-team format will include the six highest-ranked conference champions and the six highest-ranked at-large teams. So, both conference champs and other deserving teams can chase the title.
The top four conference champions will get a first-round bye. The other eight teams will battle it out in the first round, with higher-seeded teams hosting those games right on their own campuses.
- More Teams: Expanding from 4 to 12 teams means more underdogs and rising programs get their shot.
- First-Round Byes: The best four conference champs get to rest up, making those conference titles matter even more.
- On-Campus Games: First-round games will happen at the higher seed’s home stadium, setting up some wild, electric atmospheres.
Implications for RV Travelers
If you love RV travel, the CFP expansion is a total game-changer. More teams in the playoffs and on-campus games in the first round mean more chances to hit the road and dive into the college football scene.
More Destinations to Explore
With more teams comes more games in new places. RV travelers can plan trips to college towns they might never have thought about. Each destination brings its own flavor and local vibe.
- Indiana: Bloomington, home of the Hoosiers, mixes arts, culture, and great outdoor spots.
- LSU: Baton Rouge is famous for its music, food, and die-hard football fans.
- Alabama: Tuscaloosa, deep in Crimson Tide territory, is all about Southern hospitality and rich history.
Extended Travel Season
The playoffs will start earlier and include more teams, stretching out the college football season. That’s more weekends packed with games and tailgating.
You can plan longer trips, hop between destinations, and soak up more of the action as the season goes on.
Enhanced Game-Day Experience
On-campus first-round games will crank up the energy. RV travelers can park close to the stadium and jump into the pre-game buzz.
Tailgating, swapping stories with other fans, and soaking in the local culture—these are the moments that turn good trips into great ones.
Planning Your RV Trips for the CFP Expansion
If you want to make the most of the CFP expansion, a little planning goes a long way. Here are a few tips to get you rolling:
Research and Map Out Your Route
Start by checking out which teams might make the playoffs and where they play. Map out a route that lets you catch multiple games and explore different regions.
Factor in travel distance, weather, and local attractions as you build your itinerary. No need to overthink it, but a bit of prep helps.
Book Early and Stay Flexible
With more fans on the move, RV parks and game tickets will go fast. Book early, but keep your plans flexible since playoff matchups get set pretty late in the season.
Have a few backup options in your pocket, just in case you need to pivot when the final teams are announced.
Engage with Local Communities
One of the best things about RV travel? Meeting people along the way. Take time to wander the towns, chat with locals, and try the regional eats.
Check out local events, snap some photos, and let yourself get swept up in the atmosphere. Those are the memories that stick with you long after the final whistle.
CFP Expansion: A New Era for College Football Fans
The College Football Playoff expansion is about to shake things up in the sport. Fans and travelers have a lot to look forward to, honestly.
If you love RV trips, this might be your golden ticket. Imagine rolling into new towns, parking near stadiums, and soaking up the electric energy of college football weekends.
Start mapping out your routes and circling game dates now. The 2026 season isn’t as far away as it sounds, and who knows what surprises are in store?
For more details on the College Football Playoff expansion and its implications, visit Fox Sports.
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