A brand new mannequin for a 14-team School Soccer Playoff discipline is being closely mentioned amongst athletic directors. A “3-3-2-2-1” format, which might go into impact in 2026, would give three automated bids to the Huge Ten and SEC, two such bids to the ACC and Huge 12, and one to the highest-ranked Group of 5 workforce.
The three remaining at-large berths could be divided up among the many next-highest ranked groups. The plan would additionally scale back the variety of first-round byes from 4 to 2 with an additional sport added to the primary spherical.
Sources concerned within the negotiations confirmed the format to CBS Sports activities’ Dennis Dodd; the mannequin was first reported by ESPN and Yahoo Sports activities.
The Huge Ten and SEC are making a serious transfer to realize entry, income and energy within the newest spherical of School Soccer Playoff negotiations and reviews of this mannequin, Dodd reported Wednesday. This format would make sure the conferences make up at the very least 40% of the playoff discipline every year.
Nevertheless, sources instructed Dodd that this format is only one of a number of choices being thought-about by the CFP Administration Committee following a gathering final week. There have even been discussions amongst Huge Ten and SEC directors to interrupt away from the NCAA utterly, ESPN reviews.
Any new settlement would require the approval of the 11 FBS convention commissioners and Notre Dame. As soon as the committee agrees on a format, income distribution should nonetheless be ironed out with the Huge Ten and SEC additionally looking for a extra closely weighted share.
The present 12-team mannequin had a protracted street to changing into actuality. The format was initially proposed in June 2021 however wasn’t authorised till September 2022. The truth is, the ultimate 5+7 mannequin for 2024 wasn’t authorised by the committee till simply final week.
Nevertheless, these discussions have a extra agency timeline. CFP government director Invoice Hancock has set a gentle deadline for mid-March to achieve a ultimate settlement, citing the CFP’s pending tv contract negotiations as a serious motive to expedite a format determination. The CFP’s present broadcasting settlement with ESPN will expire after the 2025 season. ESPN has reportedly provided $1.3 billion over six years for CFP rights in 2026 and past, although a deal can’t be formalized till a construction is about.
