Nick Saban Voices Out His Concerns Around College Football Playoff Expansion

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated May 20, 2025 3:41 PM ET

In 2024, the College Football Playoff was expanded from four to 12 teams. In hindsight, the expansion played out favorably for college football, as the format lent itself to generating more fan interest and building up to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

A national conversation has taken hold among the powers that be about whether there may be room for a little more expansion. Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who seems to be vying for a commissioner position to spearhead the sport's interests, shared his opinion and concern about another expansion on Tuesday.

When asked about expanding the CFP to 14 or 16 teams, Saban appeared to support it as long as players don't have to play too many games.

Nick Saban today at his Nick's Kids golf tournament on possible playoff expansion to 14 or 16 teams: "I think expanding the playoff and having as many teams involved as we can, without playing too many games for the players -- I think that's a little bit of a concern -- is…
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) May 20, 2025

"I think expanding the playoff and having as many teams involved as we can, without playing too many games for the players -- I think that's a little bit of a concern -- is probably a good thing."

Four teams last year played 16 games: Ohio State, Texas, Notre Dame and Penn State. There was potential for a team to play 17 games if the Longhorns or Nittany Lions had advanced to the CFP final. This is the result of a 12-game regular season schedule, a conference championship game and the possibility of four playoff rounds.

Since the top four seeded teams already receive a bye in the playoffs, there is some added wiggle room to keep the upper limit of games played at 17. A 16-team field, for example, could have no byes and maintain four rounds of games.

It appears the CFP will be changing its format for 2026. In March, ESPN reported that the agreements were being finalized. Earlier this month, another report from ESPN's Pete Thamel suggested a push for a 16-team format was the preferred change.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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