Paul Finebaum Slams CFP Expansion, Warns It Could ‘Destroy’ College Football
Summary
The idea to expand the College Football Playoff (CFP) from 12 to 24 teams is gaining support from some conference leaders but faces strong criticism from experts like Paul Finebaum. Finebaum warns that doubling the playoff field could harm college football by making the regular season less important and lowering the quality of games.Key Facts
- The CFP expanded from 4 to 12 teams in 2024, adding more playoff games and automatic bids for conference champions.
- Some commissioners from the ACC and Big 12 want to increase the playoff to 24 teams to gain more TV revenue and postseason games.
- Paul Finebaum called a 24-team playoff the "worst possibility," saying it would ruin the regular season and make big games meaningless.
- Supporters argue that expansion brings more fan interest, better late-season games, and more money for schools and conferences.
- The 2026 CFP National Championship drew 30.1 million viewers, highlighting football’s strong TV appeal.
- Critics worry a 24-team format would include teams with 3 or 4 losses, lowering the stakes of regular season games.
- SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and other analysts have expressed concern about expanding the playoff too much.
- A larger playoff might lead teams to schedule easier opponents in the regular season since more playoff spots would be available.
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