The conversation around the College Football Playoff has taken a decisive turn as administrators weigh a bold expansion to 24 teams, a move that would reshape the postseason landscape and spark fresh debate about the value of the regular season.
The Push for a 24‑Team Playoff
Proponents argue that a 24‑team bracket would provide more schools with a chance at the national stage, but the data suggests that the current 12‑team model already balances access and competitiveness.
A recent survey by On3 found that 79 percent of respondents favor either a 12‑team or a 16‑team format, while only 9 percent support the larger 24‑team model, underscoring a clear preference for modesty over magnitude.
Expanding the field, critics argue, would erode the urgency of each regular‑season game, diminish the stakes of traditional rivalries, and dilute the narrative that the playoff is a reward for excellence rather than a participation trophy.
Conference Backlash and Unexpected Allies
The ACC, Big Ten, and Notre Dame have publicly voiced support for a 24‑team framework, while the Big 12 adds its own endorsement, signaling a coalition that could pressure the SEC to reconsider its stance.
Texas Longhorns and the Coaching Legacy
Within Texas, the Longhorns boast a storied coaching lineage, with 16 national championships claimed by ten different head coaches, a testament to the program’s sustained excellence.
Baseball, Pitching, and Private Equity
Baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle has proposed a revised postseason format that would prioritize conference championships and reduce reliance on at‑large bids, a move that could reshape the sport’s championship calculus. Former Longhorn pitcher Bryce Elder has revitalized his career with a new cutter and an improved changeup, while Baylor athletic director Doug McNamee remains skeptical of private‑equity bailouts for conferences and schools.
Softball Ambitions and the Road Ahead
Texas softball coach Mike White is lobbying for a new or renovated stadium to give the program the facilities it deserves, and the author predicts that six SEC softball teams will capture their super‑regional brackets and advance to the Women’s College World Series.