There has been a lot of recent discussion about expanding and modifying the CFP field. Mike Elko, head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies, has taken the opposite stance, arguing that college football should differentiate itself from what happens in college basketball.
“The importance of the regular season is still very much in line with what I believe it has always been,” the HC revealed to the press. “Could that still be the case with a larger number? Potentially. But I think we need to create some data points to figure out where that balance is.
“We don’t need to be NCAA basketball. The beauty of our sport is that there are games at the end of the season that matter that people lose.”
At a time when programs are slowly beginning to show their first moves, many are already starting to wonder what will happen in the near future. Will the number of teams competing in the CFP eventually increase?
Texas A&M Aggies huddle.
Differentiating from March Madness
Mike Elko argues against further CFP expansion by using March Madness as a cautionary tale. He believes that adding too many teams, similar to the college basketball format, would devalue the regular season and turn high-stakes matchups into mere formalities.
Additionally, he emphasizes that the extreme physical toll of football makes a lengthy, basketball-style postseason bracket unsustainable for student-athlete health.
What changes could come to College Football?
The CFP will maintain its 12-team format for the 2026 season, as the management committee recently decided to delay further expansion to allow for more evaluation. However, starting in 2026, the automatic qualifying rules will shift: the champions of the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC will now receive automatic bids regardless of their ranking, alongside the highest-ranked Group of Six champion.
Additionally, a new revenue-sharing model will begin in 2026, granting the Big Ten and SEC nearly 29% each of the total CFP revenue. While discussions for a 14 or 16-team field continue for 2027 and beyond, the current structure remains locked in for the upcoming campaign.
College Football Playoff executive director Rich Clark.
A bitter-sweet feeling for the Aggies
The Texas A&M Aggies, led by Mike Elko, made a historic run during the 2025 season, achieving an incredible 11-0 start and climbing to the #3 spot in the AP Poll. However, their debut in the expanded College Football Playoff ended in disappointment.
Despite hosting a First Round game at Kyle Field on December 20, the Aggies suffered a tough 10-3 loss to Miami (FL) in a defensive struggle. After finishing the year with an 11-2 record, the program looks to build on this milestone as they head into the 2026 campaign.
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