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SEC, Big Ten reportedly in favor of another major change to College Football Playoff
The 2024-25 college football season was the first that featured a 12-team College Football Playoff, and there's a strong case to be made that it was a total success.
Sure, some of the first-round matchups were duds, but multiple rounds of CFP action did result in plenty of great watching experiences for college football fans.
Four teams didn't seem like enough, but 12 felt just right.
The Big Ten and SEC, though, seem to want more pieces of the pie. They're the two "super conferences" in college football, and more of their teams in the CFP ultimately means more revenue for their conferences.
That's why it's no surprise to hear that there were conversations about an extended CFP format when the four power-conference commissioners held an in-person meeting in New York on Thursday, according to college football reporter Ross Dellenger.
There is growing B1G-SEC support for a 16-team bracket, most notably a…
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 8, 2025
4 (SEC)
4 (B1G)
2 (ACC)
2 (B12)
1 (G6)
3 (at large)
…with season-ending inner-league play-in games (3rd place v 6th; 4th vs 5th), as @YahooSports reported in February.https://t.co/Rcl99Wndj9
The idea for the new 16-team CFP would give the Big Ten and SEC four auto-bids each, as Dellenger reported in February. The ACC and Big 12, the "lesser" of the four conferences, would get two auto-bids each, and the Group of Five would get one. That would leave three at-large spots, and one would assume Notre Dame would snag one of those most seasons as long as the Irish are highly ranked.
Detractors of CFP expansion might say that adding more teams lessens the importance of being in the CFP, and it could also make non-CFP games less meaningful. After all, Ohio State lost to Michigan to end the 2024-25 regular season and didn't even play in the Big Ten Championship Game, but the Buckeyes got hot in the CFP and ended up winning it all.
That's part of the charm of March Madness, of course, but college basketball's regular season also sometimes feels meaningless. Is that a route college football wants to go down?
Ultimately, more CFP means more revenue and television deals, though, so a proposal like this is likely to move forward. Money has always driven college football, and it's no different now that the NIL era has made it that much more transparent.
Per Dellenger, there should be a resolution soon, with the Big Ten and SEC ultimately holding all the cards.
"A decision is expected over the next month or two," he posted. "The Big Ten and SEC hold their springs meetings later this month, where the SEC is expected to seriously explore a 9-game conference schedule — a move contingent on a CFP format and negotiations with ESPN for more revenue."
More must-reads:
- Penn State gets massive vote of confidence in early CFB rankings
- $3M QB's team, Penn State among college football's most intense pressure cookers
- The 'Five game-winning-drives in a season' quiz
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No. 12 Miami bolsters CFP case with blowout win at No. 22 Pittsburgh
The No. 12 Miami Hurricanes gave the College Football Playoff selection committee something to think about. On Saturday, the Hurricanes (10-2, 6-2 in ACC) convincingly won on the road at No. 22 Pittsburgh (8-4, 6-2 in ACC), 38-7, potentially their final statement before the CFP decision-makers settle on this year's 12-team field on Sunday, Dec. 7. Miami passes eye test in pursuit of at-large CFP bid Miami has been one of the biggest lightning rods for controversy this season, with supporters particularly upset over the team's placement below No. 9 Notre Dame (9-2), which it defeated at home in Week 1, 27-24. But the Irish have comfortably been one of the 10 best teams in the country during the 12 weeks since, whereas losses to Louisville (8-4, 4-4 in ACC) and No. 21 SMU (8-3, 6-1 in ACC) have raised doubt about where the Hurricanes stand in the FBS hierarchy. The resounding win over Pitt, which entered Saturday with a chance of clinching a spot in the ACC title game, may have been enough for Miami to reaffirm that it belongs in the CFP field. The Hurricanes are elite at the line of scrimmage on defense and can create problems for any team in the country. Against Pitt, Miami had four sacks, led by 2026 NFL Draft prospect Rueben Bain Jr., who finished with 1.5 sacks. The biggest question mark for Miami is its offense, and quarterback Carson Beck played with the poise of a fifth-year senior with prior CFP experience in the frigid, 36 degrees weather, going 23-of-29 for 267 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Running back Girard Pringle Jr. gained 82 yards on 10 carries, while wideout Malachi Toney was a difference-maker in the pass game, hauling in 13 of 16 targets for 126 yards and a touchdown. It was the type of performance that bodes well for a potential road game in the first round of the playoffs, Miami's most likely fate should it qualify for the 12-team field. The Canes have an outside shot of getting in via the ACC's automatic bid, but that would require either No. 18 Virginia (9-2, 6-1 in ACC) to lose to Virginia Tech (3-8, 2-5 in ACC) or SMU losing at California (6-5, 3-4 in ACC). Miami knew ahead of Saturday's game that its best chance of reaching the playoff was by impressing the selection committee. Mission accomplished. The only question is if the Hurricanes were convincing enough.
Florida's reputation takes another hit after reportedly striking out on Lane Kiffin
Steelers Make Asante Samuel Jr. Announcement Everyone Was Waiting For
The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding a player many have been waiting for just before thier Week 13 matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The team announced that practice squad cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. will be added to the active/inactive list for the game. Samuel Jr. signed to the Steelers' practice squad two weeks ago after being medically cleared to return from spinal contusion surgery. Samuel Jr. played four games last season before being shut down and will now be active for the first time since. " He's been here for a short period of time. He's been working his tail off to not only get in football condition but learn what to do. It's been a good endeavor thus far, but it's too early in the week for me to speculate in that regard," head coach Mike Tomlin told Steelers On SI about Samuel's progression. The Steelers are banged up at cornerback as Darius Slay returned last week from a concussion but played limited snaps and Joey Porter Jr. spent the week dealing with a hip injury that he suffered in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. James Pierre was also dealing with injuries throughout last week's game. Porter Jr. and Slay are both cleared to play against the Bills but Pittsburgh is adding to their room to ensure that they have quality depth at the position. Since losing DeShon Elliott, the Steelers have moved Jalen Ramsey to safety full-time, leaving Slay, Porter Jr. and Pierre as their outside options with Brandin Echols working the slot. Samuel Jr. comes in to provide added depth on the inside and another notable name to the group. How Will Steelers Use Samuel Jr.? The Steelers could have Samuel Jr. step into a starting role on the inside but will likely have the veteran play behind Echols as the nickelback. Still working his way back into football shape, the limited role will allow Pittsburgh to see where he's at health and stamina wise and adjust accordingly moving forward. Samuel Jr. will likely also play special teams throughout the game, getting to work into the mix with Danny Smith's group as well. With Samuel Jr. being added to the active/inactive roster, he will revert back to the practice squad after the game without having to pass through waivers. As a former second-round pick with plenty of starting experience in the NFL, Pittsburgh will likely need to sign Samuel Jr. to the active roster at some point if they decide to continue using him on defense. Otherwise, other teams will come calling to poach him from the practice squad. Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter for the latest news and updates on the Pittsburgh Steelers
Packers announce head-turning roster move one day after 2025 Lions sweep
Fresh off a Thanksgiving win on Thursday against the Detroit Lions on the road at Ford Field in Detroit, the Green Bay Packers made a notable move to reunite with kicker Lucas Havrisik. Green Bay parted ways with Havrisik just before the Lions game, but on Friday, the team announced that he’s back in the fold after getting signed to the practice squad roster. Via Green Bay’s official website: “The Green Bay Packers signed K Lucas Havrisik (HAVE-ruh-sick) to the practice squad. General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced the transaction Friday.” Lucas Havrisik insurance for now for the Packers It can be recalled that Havrisik saw action in three games in the 2025 NFL season for Green Bay in place of the then-injured Brandon McManus. In those games, the former Arizona Wildcats kicker went 4-for-4 on his field goals, including a franchise record-setting 61-yard make in Week 7’s 27-23 win in Glendale over the Arizona Cardinals. He was also 7-for-9 on extra-point attempts, with both misses happening in Week 11’s 27-20 victory against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. McManus is healthy and perfect in the two games since he returned to action, so there is no reason for the Packers to give his spot to someone else so Havrisik will just be insurance for now for Green Bay, which has a Week 14 date with the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field.
Hawks provide injury update on Trae Young amid recent success
While Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young is making “good progress” in his recovery from a sprained MCL in his right knee, he will miss at least two more weeks, which is the next time he’ll be reevaluated, the team announced in a press release. Young injured his knee in a collision with teammate Mouhamed Gueye in the first quarter of an Oct. 29 game at Brooklyn. He was ruled out for the rest of that game and was diagnosed with the MCL sprain a few days later after undergoing an MRI, which revealed no additional damage. The 27-year-old point guard was scheduled to be checked out on Saturday. This is the first update on his status since Nov. 1. Atlanta Hawks have found success despite Trae Young injury Atlanta has played well without the four-time All-Star, compiling an 11-5 record (including the victory over the Nets) in Young’s absence. He’s expected to be sidelined for six more games, with the earliest possible return date likely being Dec. 14 vs. Philadelphia. Fifth-year forward Jalen Johnson has thrived with Young sidelined, emerging as the face of the franchise and complicating his teammate’s future with the organization, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Although the Hawks value young Young’s contributions and are eager to have him back in the near future, they may not be willing to give him the type of contract he could be seeking next offseason if he declines his $49M player option for 2026-27 to become an unrestricted free agent. Johnson had another huge game on Friday against Cleveland, compiling 29 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists for his second triple-double of the season, writes Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (subscriber link). Johnson, who turns 24 years old next month, was plus-20 in 39 minutes during the seven-point victory over the Cavaliers. Reigning Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels has also taken on expanded play-making duties with Young out, and will continue to do so until his fellow starter in the backcourt is ready to return. It will be interesting to see what head coach Quin Snyder decides to do with Nickeil Alexander-Walker when Young is back. The Canadian guard, who was acquired in a sign-and-trade with Minnesota over the summer, has more than doubled his scoring average (19.3 point per game) compared to last season (9.4). He has been starting alongside Daniels for the past 13 games.
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