A Consensus in Texas
At a gathering in Texas, the leadership of the Big 12 Conference collectively endorsed a proposal to double the size of the College Football Playoff, moving from 12 to 24 teams for the upcoming season.
The endorsement came from every head coach and senior administrator present, marking a rare moment of unanimous agreement on a topic that has long divided college football officials.
Proponents argue that a larger field would give the conference a louder voice on the national stage, especially given the Big 12's recent rise in the CFP metrics and its history of producing playoff participants.
Joey McGuire, head coach at Texas Tech, used the forum to defend the competitive integrity of his league, even suggesting a future matchup with the University of Texas in the season's opening week.
The discussion also touched on the NCAA's recent review of a rule that would grant athletes a fifth year of eligibility, a change that many see as essential for creating a more stable environment for athletic departments.
McGuire and his colleagues expressed a desire to return to a more traditional end‑of‑season schedule for the playoff, arguing that this would preserve the rhythm of the sport while accommodating the expanded format.
Beyond the immediate competitive implications, the leaders emphasized that stability and a clear pathway for postseason qualification are critical for the future health of college football.