Trending Now - ACC Supports Big Ten's Proposal for Expanded College Football Playoff

WHO:

Fox News - Jim Phillips, commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)

Fox News - Michael Alford, athletic director of Florida State

Fox News - Tony Petitti, commissioner of the Big Ten

Fox News - Greg Sankey, commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC)

WHAT:

Fox News - The ACC is backing the Big Ten's proposal for a 24-team College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion.

Fox News - The current CFP model includes only 12 playoff spots for 138 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Fox News - The CFP expanded from four to 12 teams in 2024.

Fox News - The SEC is pushing to expand to 16 teams, focusing on at-large bids.

Fox News - The current CFP contract has a deadline of Dec. 1, 2026, for any changes for the following season.

WHERE:

Fox News - The ACC's spring meetings took place in a resort in northeast Florida.

WHEN:

Fox News - The NCAA committee recommended that FBS teams play a 12-game schedule over 14 weeks beginning in 2027.

WHY:

Fox News - Jim Phillips stated that the current playoff model leaves national championship-contending teams out, indicating a need for more spots.

Fox News - Phillips mentioned the significant investment in college football and the need for hope and opportunity for teams at the start of the season.

Fox News - Sankey emphasized that all changes in college athletics must come with appropriate research.

HOW:

Fox News - The ACC coaches and athletic directors reached a consensus on wanting to double the current playoff model.

Fox News - The American Football Coaches Association proposed changes to the schedule, including eliminating conference championship games and reducing scheduled bye weeks.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 21:24 UTC)

The Atlantic Coast Conference is officially supporting the Big Ten's proposal to expand the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, a significant increase from the current model that offers only 12 spots for 138 teams. During the ACC's spring meetings in northeast Florida, commissioner Jim Phillips highlighted the need for more playoff spots, noting that the existing structure leaves many championship-contending teams out of the mix. With a deadline of December 1, 2026, for any changes to the playoff format, the Southeastern Conference is also advocating for an expansion to 16 teams, focusing on at-large bids.