Report: Playoff field to remain at 12 teams in 2026

The College Football Playoff will remain a 12-team field for a third straight season in 2026, ESPN reported Friday.

Efforts to expand the field stalled due to an ongoing stalemate between the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten, according to the report.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey wants a 16-team format. Big Ten counterpart Tony Petitti will only support that if the SEC commits to a 24-team model after three years, but multiple sources told ESPN that Sankey is not ready to go there yet.