Urban Meyer has warmed to a proposed 24-team College Football Playoff, saying this season’s parity could make a larger field worthwhile. But he opposes eliminating conference championship games, a change reportedly being considered to make room for expansion.

By the Numbers
  • The playoff expanded from 4 teams to 12 three years ago.
  • Meyer won 3 national championships, 2 SEC titles and 3 Big Ten titles as a head coach.
  • Ohio State beat Wisconsin 59-0 in the 2014 Big Ten championship game.
Yes, But

Meyer initially feared expansion would dilute the playoff, and now says the season’s parity has shifted his view. He still argues conference title games are a major part of the sport, while the proposed format would eliminate them.

State of Play
  • A 24-team playoff beginning in 2027 is reportedly gaining traction as the CFP negotiates a new deal with ESPN.
  • The proposed field would include automatic bids for four power-conference champions and the highest-ranked Group of Six champion, with the remaining spots filled by at-large teams.
  • First-round games would be played on higher seeds’ campuses in December; weeknight games have also been discussed.
  • The American Football Coaches Association has reportedly backed a 24-team playoff and ending conference championship games.
What's Next

Commissioners and ESPN still need to finalize the format. If the proposal advances, the schedule for conference title games, the Army-Navy game and the Heisman Trophy ceremony could all change.

Bottom Line

Meyer’s shift reflects growing confidence that a deeper playoff can fit a more competitive sport—but his defense of conference championship games highlights the tradition the expansion plan may sacrifice.