As the College Football Playoff is expected to expand from a 12- to 24-team format starting with the 2027 postseason, the college football fraternity seems divided on the concept.
One of the biggest areas of concern for those against the expansion is the importance of regular-season matchups. With an increased number of teams set to qualify for the CFP, programs would have a bigger margin of error to play with, which could result in a decrease in the weight of the regular-season games.
However, Will Stein begs to differ. The Kentucky Wildcats coach, according to On3 Sports, defended the proposed expansion, dismissing concerns that a 24-team playoff would reduce the significance of regular-season games.
“Everybody says the (regular season) games aren’t going to matter. Really? I think that’s a really lame take, to be honest. As far as I know, every game in College Football is going to matter,” Stein said.
“You telling me you wouldn’t want a Playoff game at Kroger Field? I think those takes are bad.”
On the field, the Kentucky Wildcats (6-1, 4-1 SEC) are tied for first place in the SEC with No. 5 Georgia (6-1, 4-1) and are ranked No. 12.
ESPN Reportedly Agrees To Pay $345 Million Annually For Expanded CFP
While the college football world argues whether the expansion of the College Football Playoff is the right step for the sport, the format change appears to be a major financial deal for college football.
With reports of a handshake agreement between CFP and ESPN to broadcast the 24-team playoff format starting in 2027, Pete Thamel reported that ESPN will pay the CFP $345 million annually for the next five years. However, ESPN will earn back $140 million due to the cancellation of three power conference championship game agreements.
These annual broadcasting fees will be paid on top of a $1.3 billion sum that the network is already slated to pay the CFP as part of its existing college football broadcasting rights.
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