The College Football Playoff will remain at 12 teams for the foreseeable future, with officials not planning an immediate expansion, as the 2026 season concluded with Indiana defeating Miami to win the national championship in January 2026.
The College Football Playoff will stay at 12 teams for the 2026 season after the SEC and Big Ten couldn’t reach an expansion agreement, despite extensive talks and a new ESPN deal. Under the current plan, Power 4 conference champions get automatic entry starting in 2026, with one additional spot for the next-best league winner and seven at-large bids; Notre Dame would also get a guaranteed spot if ranked in the final top 12. The deal continues to split revenue roughly 58% for the SEC and Big Ten and keeps their governance power, while other conferences and Notre Dame must be consulted. Proposals for 16- or 24-team formats were discussed but collapsed, leaving expansion on hold beyond 2026 and potentially continuing discussions beyond the current contract.
The Seattle Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC divisional playoff at Lumen Field with a 5 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, Jan. 17, as Seattle looks to advance.
The Packers narrowly defeated the Bears in a playoff game with a final score of 27-24, featuring key performances from Jordan Love and Matthew Golden, while facing challenges such as missed field goals and strategic defensive stops.
Green Bay's quarterback Jordan Love and a strong defense led the Packers to a 21-3 halftime lead over the Bears in the NFC wild card game, with key plays including Love's three touchdowns and a crucial interception. The Bears mounted a comeback attempt in the second half, but Green Bay maintained their lead, aided by rookie Matthew Golden's first NFL touchdown. The game features intense rivalry dynamics and strategic decisions, with both teams fighting for a playoff victory.
The Carolina Panthers, underdogs, are competing fiercely against the Los Angeles Rams in a wild card NFL game, with the game tied at 17-17 late in the third quarter, featuring key plays like Bryce Young's impressive throws and critical turnovers, keeping the game highly competitive and unpredictable.
Undefeated Indiana dominated Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal, with Fernando Mendoza throwing five touchdowns and a strong defensive performance, setting up a national championship matchup against Miami.
Indiana's football team has unexpectedly dominated the college football playoff, defeating top teams like Ohio State, Alabama, and Oregon with a well-rounded, relentless approach, emphasizing the importance of avoiding complacency as they prepare for the upcoming championship game against Miami.
The upcoming College Football Playoff championship features Indiana, seeking its first title in 24 years, against Miami, aiming for its first ever, in a matchup at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. Indiana, an underdog with a perfect 15-0 record, faces a resilient Miami team that has overcome regular-season setbacks to reach the final. The game promises to be a historic and exciting showdown, with Indiana's unlikely rise and Miami's quest to reclaim glory.
Indiana is leading Oregon 28-7 in the College Football Playoff semifinal, with Indiana's strong offense and turnovers putting Oregon on the ropes, as the game unfolds at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The article discusses the Philadelphia Eagles' upcoming playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, highlighting key players like Reed Blankenship and Jalen Hurts, strategic matchups, coaching battles, and the importance of offensive line health, especially Lane Johnson, for the Eagles' success.
Miami narrowly defeated Ole Miss 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal, with Carson Beck leading the Hurricanes to a comeback victory and earning a shot at the national championship.
The injury reports for the Patriots and Chargers ahead of their playoff game reveal several players with limited or no participation in practice, affecting key positions for both teams, with notable injuries including illnesses, hamstring issues, and other minor injuries. The game is scheduled for Sunday night at Gillette Stadium.
The traditional path to winning a college football national championship, heavily reliant on top-tier recruiting and blue-chip talent, is evolving. Recent semifinalists demonstrate that a balanced approach involving strategic use of the transfer portal, significant investment, high-quality coaching, and experienced quarterbacks can lead to success, even without the historically dominant rosters of the past. This shift reflects broader changes in college football, including NIL and revenue sharing, making the route to the top more diverse and complex.
The Green Bay Packers will face the Chicago Bears in an NFC Wild Card playoff game, marking their third postseason meeting and the most played rivalry in NFL history, with the Packers holding a series lead and recent dominance at Soldier Field. The game will be broadcast on Prime Video and other local and national outlets, featuring notable player and coaching connections to Illinois and Wisconsin.