The College Football Playoff has already grown from a four‑team tournament to twelve, and now the conversation is turning toward a twenty‑four‑team format that could reshape postseason access for programs across the country.
Why a Bigger Field Matters for Iowa
Iowa has been a perennial top‑25 team under Coach Kirk Ferentz, yet the Hawkeyes have never broken into the four‑team playoff despite frequent rankings. A 24‑team field would open the door for seasons like 2021, 2023 and 2025, when the Hawkeyes finished strong enough to merit consideration.
Ferentz himself has voiced support, saying a larger bracket is ‘better for everybody’ and that it removes the pressure of early‑season losses that have historically kept Iowa out of the conversation.
Beth Goetz, Iowa’s Director of Athletics, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that a 24‑team playoff would give the university more scheduling flexibility and keep fans engaged deeper into the season.
The shift could also affect the Big Ten, where recent champions Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana have dominated the conference. If the playoff expands, the Big Ten Championship game might be eliminated, with conference access becoming the primary pathway to the postseason.
Even the FCS, which already runs a 24‑team playoff, serves as a precedent, suggesting that the structural change is not unprecedented and could signal a broader realignment of college football’s competitive hierarchy.
Ferentz added that the expansion would not alter Iowa’s approach on the field; the focus remains on winning every game, regardless of how many teams ultimately qualify.