The landscape of college football is on the verge of another seismic shift. Discussions about expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) keep picking up steam.
Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork has voiced his support for further expansion. Interestingly, he admits it might not actually boost Ohio State’s odds of winning championships.
This blog digs into the proposed expansion, the money and competition at stake, and what it could all mean for the sport as a whole.
The Current State of the College Football Playoff
The College Football Playoff started in 2014 with just four teams. It’ll jump to a 12-team format in 2024.
Ohio State, always a contender, has ended up in the top seven of the final CFP rankings every single year. The Buckeyes made the most of the 12-team expansion, snatching the national championship in 2024 as the No. 8 seed.
Ohio State’s Performance in Different Formats
Ohio State’s record in the CFP is nothing to sneeze at. They reached the playoff five times in the ten years of the four-team system.
They were knocked out by 10th-ranked Miami in the quarterfinals as the No. 2 seed in 2025. While the four-team setup seemed to work in Ohio State’s favor, Bjork admits the 12-team format brings perks—especially when it comes to money and keeping more teams invested late into the season.
The Case for Further Expansion
Bjork is pretty vocal about wanting the CFP to get even bigger. He points to a few main reasons:
- Financial Incentives: More games mean more revenue, which can go back into athletic programs and be shared with players.
- Increased Engagement: When more teams have a shot, the regular season feels more intense and unpredictable.
- Content Value: Live sports are gold for TV, so extra playoff games mean more to offer networks and fans.
*I’m a believer in expansion. I think it’s good for the game of football,* Bjork told Eleven Warriors. *The games have never been more popular.*
Proposed Expansion Models
The Big Ten is all-in on a 24-team playoff idea. That would mean scrapping conference title games and playing the first two rounds on home fields.
The SEC, though, isn’t as eager and would rather see 16 teams. The Big Ten’s pitch is a two-step plan: 16 teams in 2027 and 2028, then bumping up to 24 in 2029. Honestly, it’s ambitious.
Implications of a 24-Team Playoff
A 24-team playoff would definitely bring in more cash. But it’s not all sunshine and roses:
- Inclusion of Mediocre Teams: You might see teams with average records, like an 8-4 Iowa, sneaking in. That could water down the competition.
- Increased Playoff Games: Even top teams would have to win four or more games to take home the trophy. That’s a lot to ask, physically and mentally.
- Regular Season Value: With more teams getting in, does the regular season lose some of its edge?
Bjork, though, still thinks the positives win out. *Ohio State’s going to be in the mix. We’re one of those programs that has consistency. And so that’s what’s exciting about the opportunity to expand,* he said.
Financial Considerations
Ohio State athletics brought in over $336 million during the 2025 fiscal year. They spent more than $320 million, so it’s not exactly a windfall.
With costs rising to stay competitive, more TV money from an expanded CFP could be a lifeline. A 24-team playoff would mean 12 extra games—plenty of chances for big TV deals.
The Road Ahead
The deadline to expand the CFP for 2026 is already gone. But talks for 2027 and beyond are still kicking around.
Bjork’s not shy about the need to move fast. *I think we need to expand sooner rather than later. The good thing is, even though we’re going to stay at 12 for the 2026 season, that doesn’t shut off any expansion talks for the ’27 season.*
The debate over CFP expansion isn’t going anywhere soon. The Big Ten and SEC can’t quite agree on how big the playoff field should get.
But, honestly, everyone seems to know expansion’s coming, one way or another. For Ohio State, it’s all about keeping that championship edge, no matter how the playoff shakes out.
Bjork summed it up well: Let’s create more compelling content and let’s get to the right spot.
If you want more details or to stay in the loop on these CFP talks, check out Eleven Warriors.
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