The future of college football is at a crossroads, and the stakes have never been higher. Should the College Football Playoff (CFP) expand to a staggering 24 teams? This question is dividing fans, administrators, and even powerhouse programs like Ohio State. While some argue that the current format is already stretched thin, others, like Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork, believe that further expansion is not just inevitable but essential for the sport's growth.
Here’s the surprising part: even though Ohio State has consistently ranked among the top seven teams in the CFP since its inception in 2014, Bjork isn’t advocating for a return to the four-team format. But here’s where it gets controversial—he thinks expanding the playoff is good for the game, even if it doesn’t directly benefit Ohio State’s championship odds. Why? Bjork points to the financial windfall and the increased excitement it could bring to the sport.
And this is the part most people miss—Bjork argues that more teams in the playoff race mean more meaningful games, higher TV ratings, and ultimately, more revenue. “The games have never been more popular,” he told Eleven Warriors. “Producing more content produces more revenue, which we can give back to the players. I’m all for that side of the equation.” It’s a bold stance, especially when you consider that Ohio State’s athletic department operates on a budget exceeding $300 million annually. With costs rising, the extra TV revenue from an expanded CFP could be a game-changer.
The Big Ten is leading the charge, pushing for a 24-team playoff by 2029. Their proposal includes eliminating conference championship games, hosting early rounds on campus, and guaranteeing only one berth for a non-Power 4 team. However, the SEC prefers capping expansion at 16 teams, creating a stalemate between the two most influential conferences. Is this a compromise or a power play? Bjork calls it a “format compromise” and urges both sides to act quickly. “I think we need to expand sooner rather than later,” he said. “Let’s create more compelling content and let’s get to the right spot.”
But let’s not sugarcoat it—expansion isn’t without its downsides. A 24-team playoff would likely include more mediocre teams, diluting the prestige of a dominant regular season. For example, an 8-4 Iowa team could have made last year’s CFP under this model. Does this devalue the regular season? Some fans think so. Yet, Bjork remains unfazed, confident that Ohio State will remain a championship contender regardless of the format.
Here’s the bigger question: Is college football ready for such a radical shift? The CFP’s current 12-team format already feels like a significant leap from the four-team era. Doubling it to 24 teams could transform the sport—but at what cost? Bjork believes the positives outweigh the negatives, citing increased fan engagement and revenue as key benefits. But what do you think? Is a 24-team playoff the future of college football, or is it a step too far?
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the CFP’s expansion isn’t just about football—it’s about money, power, and the very identity of the sport. So, what’s your take? Is bigger truly better, or is this expansion a risky gamble? Let us know in the comments below!
