"Revisiting CFP Format: Impact on SEC Championship and Automatic Byes"
The College Football Playoff (CFP) is considering a 14-team playoff for the 2026 season, but the proposed idea of granting automatic byes to the SEC and Big Ten champions is facing resistance from conference commissioners due to public backlash. While discussions about the 14-team format and revenue distribution are ongoing, the CFP will use a 12-team format for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with the five highest-ranked conference champions earning guaranteed spots and the next seven highest-ranked teams also qualifying. Negotiations for the next TV contract are ongoing, with revenue expected to favor the Big Ten and SEC, but with some adjustments for other conferences based on past playoff participation.