The notion of expanding the College Football Playoff from its current 12‑team format to as many as 24 squads is no longer a speculative exercise; it is a conversation already being shaped by the experiences of the lower divisions of college football.
Learning from the Small‑College Model
Brackets that include 24 or more teams have been a staple of the Football Championship Subdivision, Division II and Division III for years, offering a template that the Football Bowl Subdivision could follow.
Even with a larger field, the regular season retains its urgency. Teams must still navigate a demanding schedule to earn one of the coveted playoff spots, preserving the stakes that fans and programs alike cherish.
Rivalries remain a cornerstone of the sport, their intensity undiminished by the prospect of more participants. The traditional matchups continue to drive viewership and campus spirit, underscoring that size does not erase tradition.
First‑round byes, a feature of many expansive brackets, provide critical rest periods and strategic flexibility, allowing teams to recover physically and prepare tactically for the next round.
Strength of schedule emerges as a decisive metric, encouraging programs to schedule tougher opponents early in the year to bolster their résumé and improve their odds of selection.
The extended season, encompassing regular play, conference championships and a multi‑round playoff, places added strain on student‑athletes, raising concerns about health, academic balance and overall well‑being.
Coaches from the lower divisions have voiced their perspectives. Gary Dunn, Chris Keevers, Nathan Young, Brett Dietz, Tim Polasek and Clay Hendrix have all spoken about the opportunities and challenges a 24‑team format could bring to the FBS.
Ultimately, no playoff structure is flawless. Expansion promises excitement and broader inclusion, yet it also introduces new debates and unintended consequences that will require careful navigation.