The Big Ten’s Strategic Approach to the College Football Playoff

The Big Ten is set to participate in the 12-team College Football Playoff this year, but what about the future? Will there be an expansion to 14 teams by 2026 and 2027? Mark Rogers at The Voice of College Football explains why the Big Ten may want this expansion.

College Sports Wire outlined the details of the current 12-team College Football Playoff format for this year. Originally, the plan was for a “6+6” model, where Power Five champions and the highest-ranked group of five champion would earn automatic bids, with the remaining spots being at-large bids. However, this changed once the Pac-12 lost most of its members to other conferences.

Under the new format, the Power Four champions (ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC) will receive automatic bids, along with the highest-ranked group of five champion. The remaining seven spots will be at-large bids. Starting in 2024, the top four conference champions will receive first-round byes, while the remaining teams will face off in the first round with the higher ranking team hosting the game.

Mark Rogers discussed the potential playoff expansion for the Big Ten on his show at The Voice of College Football. For more college football coverage, visit Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire. And be sure to check out the newest sites, UW Huskies Wire and UCLA Wire. If you’re interested in NFL draft coverage, visit the USA TODAY Sports NFL Draft Hub. This story was originally seen on Trojans Wire.