Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti used the opening day of his conference's media days gathering to push again for a 24-team College Football Playoff, and he did not soften his position.
Speaking Tuesday, Petitti said that "the faster it goes, the easier it will be," reiterating the Big Ten's desire to see the expanded format in place by the 2027 season. The current 12-team playoff format, which launched in the 2024 season, has been widely viewed as a success in terms of television ratings and fan interest, but conferences like the Big Ten have continued to press for further expansion.
Petitti's comments came on the first day of Big Ten media days, an annual event that brings together coaches, players, and league officials ahead of the season. It serves as one of the more prominent platforms for conference leadership to set priorities publicly.
The push for 24 teams would add 12 more programs to the bracket compared to the current field. Supporters argue that a larger field gives more conferences and programs a meaningful path to a national championship. Those who have raised concerns about expansion point to the potential wear on players and the length of the postseason schedule.
The Big Ten has been among the most influential voices in college football governance, particularly following the conference realignment wave that brought UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington into the league. Petitti's repeated public statements on the 24-team format suggest the Big Ten intends to keep the pressure on through the negotiation process.
No formal vote or decision on expanding the CFP beyond 12 teams has been announced. The 2027 target Petitti referenced would require agreement among conference commissioners, university presidents, and the CFP management committee well before that season begins.
