CFP Expansion Gains Support from Kirby Smart and Mark Richt

Emerson Raymont

Published: January 22, 2026 8:27 PM ET

CFP Expansion Gains Support from Kirby Smart and Mark Richt

Recent developments regarding the College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion have left fans and analysts wondering about the future format. If SEC and Big Ten leaders do not reach an agreement by this Friday, the playoff field will remain at 12 teams for the forthcoming season.

CFP Leadership Meetings

Leaders from the CFP convened prior to the championship game, but they left without a consensus about expanding the current playoff format. The 2024 memorandum of understanding, signed by 10 FBS commissioners, granted the SEC and Big Ten significant influence over the playoff structure.

Deadline Extension and Implications

ESPN, a major stakeholder, extended the deadline for a decision from December 1 to this Friday. If the parties cannot agree, plans for expanding from 12 to 16 teams in 2026 and 2027 will be on hold.

Support for Expansion

Two prominent figures in college football, Georgia coach Kirby Smart and former Georgia and Miami coach Mark Richt, have publicly endorsed the idea of expanding the playoffs. They argue that a broader field would increase opportunities for various programs and enhance the overall excitement of postseason play.

Kirby Smart’s Perspective: He expressed that most people support playoff expansion, believing it can yield fairer outcomes by deciding games on the field.
Mark Richt’s Advocacy: As an analyst for the ACC Network, he suggested that expanding to 16 teams makes more sense than the current 12, and even advocated for a 32-team format in the long run.

Commissioner’s Stance

Greg Sankey, the SEC commissioner, has shown interest in expanding the playoff format, along with Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti. However, the Big Ten’s preference for a 24-team playoff complicates negotiations for a 16-team model.

Challenges Ahead

According to various reports, including insights from On3 and ESPN, the Big Ten is unlikely to support a 16-team playoff without a provision for a potential 24-team format by 2028. This demand reflects the Big Ten’s desire for a higher volume of televised games, as they partner with Fox.

Moreover, the SEC has concerns regarding potential disruptions to its championship game alongside the dangers of diminishing the intensity of the regular season. As negotiations continue, both leagues remain at a pivotal crossroads regarding the playoff future.