(Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

College playoff is expected to expand to 24 teams in 2027

The College Football Playoff is set to double in size, expanding from 12 to 24 teams beginning in 2027, according to reports. The move is driven primarily by financial incentives, as more games mean increased television revenue for the networks broadcasting the event.

Currently, the early rounds of the playoff have featured heavily lopsided matchups, with only one one-score game in the opening round over the past two years. This imbalance stems from the significant disparity in talent between top-tier teams and those ranked lower in the field.

Under the new format, eight teams will receive a one-week bye, while the remaining 16 will compete in the first round, reducing the field to 16 teams for the second round. Critics argue that this expansion could lead to more one-sided games, as lower-ranked teams will face top-seeded opponents sooner.

Additionally, the increased number of games may elevate injury risks for players, who could face up to five extra contests before the championship, potentially impacting their draft stock and compensation at the next level. The decision also raises concerns about player compensation, as the expanded playoff may not align with fair financial incentives for athletes.

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