Nick Saban and Tim Tebow give their thoughts on expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams

College Football Playoff to Expand to 24 Teams in 2027, Prompting Mixed Reactions

A proposal to broaden the College Football Playoff (CFP) from its current 12‑team format to 24 teams for the 2027 season is moving from discussion to implementation, sparking a range of opinions among former coaches, players, and media analysts. The plan would give the top eight seeds a first‑round bye and a home game, while the remaining sixteen teams would compete in a two‑round opening stage.

The announcement came into focus on a Saturday morning when the NFL and college football schedules were in the spotlight. While fans tuned in to watch high‑profile matchups such as Ohio State versus Indiana and Notre Dame against BYU, several prominent voices used the opportunity to weigh in on the proposed expansion.

Former Alabama Coach Nick Saban Criticizes the Size of the Field

Nick Saban, who led Alabama to six national titles, spoke on ESPN’s “College GameDay” from the campus of Brigham Young University. Saban was unequivocal about his doubts that 24 teams could justify a national championship.

“People want to see the best teams in the Playoffs. There’s not 24 teams in the country that deserve to be in the playoffs,” Saban told the live audience. He added, “I don’t think there’s 24 teams in the country that can win the championship.”

Saban also linked the expansion to the decline of traditional bowl games. “Bowl games are gonna be a thing of the past,” he said, noting that the 12‑team format had already reduced the incentive for players to participate in the many lower‑profile bowls.

He went further, arguing that the larger playoff would erase some of the conference’s biggest traditions. “We’re gaining something but we’re also giving something up. There’s gonna be no SEC Championship Game now,” Saban said, emphasizing the trade‑off between a bigger national stage and conference pride.

Tim Tebow Highlights a Shift Toward “Hot‑Hand” Play

Former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow offered a different perspective on the CFP’s expansion, speaking on the SEC Network. He characterized the new format as a change of “goal posts” that prioritizes a team’s ability to perform well in a handful of games over a full season’s consistency.

“We changed the goal posts. Before it was about how consistent can you be throughout the season? Now it’s can you just get in and get hot at the right time,” Tebow said. He argued that this shift undermines the regular season, which he described as “so critical” and “so important.”

Tebow also noted that the new system creates “weeks where you don’t have to show up,” suggesting that teams could afford to rest key players during parts of the regular season. He warned that the change could dilute the unique character of college football by making it “too similar to the NFL.”

Despite his concerns, Tebow acknowledged potential benefits. “There will no doubt be some good things that come out of this,” he said, although he remained skeptical about whether the expansion truly serves the sport.

Broader Reaction from Analysts and Coaches

Other commentators have weighed in on the controversy. Josh Pate, who hosts the “Bussin’ & Pate On Campus” segment on ESPN, called the proposal an “embarrassment for the sport.” He added that the public’s response is largely negative.

“The public overwhelmingly hates this,” Pate said, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many fans who feel the expansion dilutes the value of the regular season and the prestige of the CFP.

In addition to the criticism, supporters of the expansion argue that a 24‑team field offers more opportunities for teams across the country to compete for a national title, potentially boosting revenues and fan engagement.

The CFP board, which has been evaluating the plan, has stated that the proposal is “nearly locked in” and will likely take effect in 2027. The expanded format will also bring more playoff games to campus sites, a move that could help smaller conferences increase exposure.

What the Expansion Means for the College Game

If the 24‑team CFP takes hold, the top eight teams will receive a first‑round bye and the advantage of hosting an early‑stage playoff game. The remaining sixteen teams will start in the opening round, effectively creating a two‑tiered playoff structure.

Proponents argue the structure rewards regular‑season performance while still offering a path for lower‑seeded teams to rise. Opponents, however, fear the system will reduce the importance of the regular season, erode long‑standing bowl traditions, and diminish the competitive spirit that has defined college football.

As the CFP board finalizes its decision, stakeholders across the sport—from coaches and players to broadcasters and fans—will watch closely to see whether the expansion ultimately enhances or undermines the essence of college football.