A gathering of Atlantic Coast Conference athletic directors and football coaches has turned into a forum for sweeping proposals that could reshape the sport's postseason and its developmental calendar.
Playoff Expansion Gains Momentum
The conversation centers on a plan to grow the College Football Playoff from its current 12‑team format to a 24‑team field. Proponents argue that a larger bracket would increase revenue, broaden fan engagement and give Group of Five programs a realistic pathway to the national stage. According to sources familiar with the discussions, three of the four Power Four conferences have signaled support for the expansion, while the SEC remains the sole holdout, citing concerns over competitive balance and tradition.
Alongside the playoff debate, the group is exploring an overhaul of spring practice regulations. Rather than the traditional limited spring scrimmage schedule, coaches are considering replacing spring games with open practices and structured meet‑and‑greet events that would allow incoming freshmen and spring enrollees to integrate more smoothly with returning players.
During the session, Fran Brown, the head coach of the Syracuse Orange, offered a personal endorsement of a young quarterback named Malachi Nelson. Brown described Nelson as the third quarterback on the roster and highlighted his poise and arm strength, suggesting that the freshman could become a key piece of the team's future.
The proposals come at a time when the ACC is seeking to modernize its football operations while maintaining its identity. If the playoff expansion and practice reforms are adopted, they could set a precedent for other conferences and influence the broader landscape of college athletics.