Penn State head coach James Franklin thinks there’s room for growth, both for the Lions and the College Football Playoff.

The CFP announced last week that it would be moving to an expanded 12-team model, beginning in 2026.

The Lions have had some successes under the current model, having earned a B1G Championship in 2016. But, despite having the conference championship, the Lions were left on the outside looking in when it came to the national championship.

In his weekly press conference, Franklin shared that he’s in favor of the expansion, and he thinks it will help the Lions and other teams in the same situation (Via 247 Sports):

“There’s obviously always the discussion about teams maybe that aren’t Power Five schools that had great years but are left out, or a situation like us where we won the Big Ten championship, arguably top two conferences if not the best conference in all of college football, and be left out. I think it helps resolve and solve some of those issues.”

The coach added that he thinks it’s “important” to allow more teams into the playoff picture. “I do think if you look at most of the sports in college football or sports in general, more opportunities for more teams to get in without going too far I think is important.”

If the expansion does turn out to be a positive, perhaps fans will see the Lions in the Playoff as soon as 2026.