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More details emerge on potential College Football Playoff expansion conversation
By Nick Schultz
Published:
Rumors of College Football Playoff expansion have swirled for a while now. Now, we’re learning more about what it might entail.
Ten FBS commissioners and Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick met Wednesday morning in Dallas to discuss potential expansion. Conversations ranged from an 8-team and 12-team playoff to whether or not the presidents are ready to vote on a proposal.
As of right now, it doesn’t sound like anything has been decided.
There are a lot of issues for the commissioners to sort though, and while nobody has ruled out a 12-team format, some do want more consideration for 8.
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) September 22, 2021
The SEC and ND wouldn't vote for an 8-team playoff that has automatic qualifiers. The G5 wouldn't vote for one that doesn't.
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) September 22, 2021
The question is if they are ready for the presidents to bring it to a vote next week OR if the commissioners use next week as a study session to keep the discussion rolling. They are on a time crunch now, though. They probably need to figure this out in the next 8-10 months.
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) September 22, 2021
Another question is: Do they ask the presidents to vote on it KNOWING it might not be unanimous – which is has to be? Gordon Gee already said he won't vote for it, but he could always change his mind given Big 12 expansion. He has declined an interview request this week.
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) September 22, 2021
CFP expansion has been a hot topic of conversation, but given recent chatter of conference realignment, it’s unclear how — or if — the CFP will expand at all. Another meeting is scheduled for next week in Chicago with commissioners and presidents from the CFP Board of Managers.
So this isn’t the last we’ll hear about this. Stay tuned.
Nick Schultz is a columnist and breaking news writer for Saturday Tradition. A 2020 graduate of Loyola Chicago, he covered the Ramblers' 2018 Final Four run from beginning to end and has worked at NBC Sports Chicago. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickSchultz_7.