CFP Chief Admits 24-Team Expansion Overrode Fan Opposition
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Nov 10
CFP Chief Admits 24-Team Expansion Overrode Fan Opposition
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 10
Summary
Rich Clark said the CFP knew many fans opposed expanding to 24 teams for 2027-28, considered that sentiment, and still chose to move ahead.
Clark defended the move by citing business and format benefits: 16 campus playoff games, incentives for stronger non-conference scheduling, and a requirement that teams play 10 games against Power 4 opponents.
The latest expansion comes just after the shift from a four-team field to 12 teams in 2024, with the 2026-27 season set to be only the third under that format.
The report says the real driver was money for conferences, schools and ESPN, with critics warning a 24-team field will further dilute the regular season, conference title games and lower-tier bowls.