A New Vision for the Playoff
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has emerged as a vocal advocate for expanding the College Football Playoff, saying that a larger bracket would give more conferences a realistic shot at the national stage.
Originally favoring a 16‑team format, Yormark now backs a 24‑team model that would automatically qualify a broader set of conference champions while still leaving room for at‑large bids.
The proposal raises complex scheduling questions, as fitting dozens of additional games into the existing calendar would require careful coordination among bowl partners and television networks.
Yormark stresses that understanding the economic implications is essential, noting that increased playoff revenue could be distributed to member schools and help fund athletic programs across the conference.
The Big 12 Championship Game remains a cornerstone of the discussion, drawing large crowds and strong television ratings, which Yormark believes will only grow in importance under a new format.
Commissioners from across the FBS landscape continue to debate the details, weighing the benefits of greater access against the logistical and financial hurdles of a 24‑team tournament.