Cincinnati Football: College Football Playoff expansion around the corner

After several years of speculation, the College Football Playoff finally revealed its official expansion plan that’s expected to start by 2026. The new format includes 12 teams, first round byes, on-campus matchups and much more to look forward to.

During a video conference on Friday, the Board of Managers voted unanimously to expand the annual tournament. Additionally, the selection committee that we’ve become accustomed to in recent years will remain in place going forward.

Another change that will have an impact on the playoff field is that six of the teams will earn automatic bids because of conference championships. The selection committee will choose the other six teams based on highest ranked non-champions.

According to multiple reports, the top four seeds will get a bye and automatically advance to the quarterfinals. The first round matchups between the remaining eight schools will be played on campus or other sites designated by the higher seed.

Cincinnati Football: College Football Playoff expansion around the corner

Board of Managers chairman Mark Keenum discussed the decision in a press release.

"“This is a historic and exciting day for college football. More teams, more participation and more excitement are good for our fans, alumni, and student athletes. I’m grateful to my colleagues on the board for their thoughtful approach to this issue and for their resolve to get expansion across the goal line.”"

Following the announcement, the American Athletic Conference issued a statement.

"“We are extremely pleased with the playoff expansion announced today. We have been staunch proponents of the 12-team playoff model including the six highest-ranked conference champions. It is a merit based format that recognizes the value of conference championships while simultaneously allowing at-large access for six deserving teams.”"

It sounds like expansion is expected to take place by 2026 but could be implemented even sooner. Based on the announcement, first round games will be played in mid December every year, at least 12 days after conference championship weekend.