SEC Commissioner Discusses CFP Expansion: Grey Sankey Revealed Discussion About Expanding the College Football Playoff to 16 teams Have Gained Traction Among SEC Leaders

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has revealed that discussions about expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) to 16 teams are gaining momentum among SEC leaders. Speaking at the SEC spring meetings in Destin, Florida, Sankey noted that while a 14-team expansion was previously considered, the 16-team model has become more central in recent conversations. He emphasized that the SEC is interested in exploring this expansion, though no formal commitment has been made.
A prominent proposal under consideration is the “5+11” model, which would grant automatic bids to the top five conference champions, with the remaining 11 spots filled by at-large selections. This format has garnered support from SEC coaches, including Ole Miss’s Lane Kiffin and Georgia’s Kirby Smart, who advocate for a system that rewards the best teams regardless of conference affiliation.
However, the proposal has faced criticism from other conferences and stakeholders who express concerns about competitive balance and the potential for power consolidation. Critics argue that granting multiple automatic bids to powerhouse conferences like the SEC and Big Ten could marginalize smaller conferences and undermine the inclusivity of the playoff system.
Despite these concerns, Sankey maintains that the SEC is open to ideas that advance the sport and is committed to thoughtful decision-making in shaping the future of college football. He highlighted the importance of evaluating strength of schedule and preserving major non-conference matchups to ensure a competitive and engaging postseason.
As discussions continue, the potential expansion of the CFP to 16 teams remains a pivotal topic, with implications for the structure and governance of college football in the years ahead.