Mike Gundy isn't holding back. The former Oklahoma State head coach just took a hard swing at the 12-team College Football Playoff, calling it what it really is: a money grab. And he's got a better idea.

"I don't think there are more than eight teams that are capable of winning a national championship each year," Gundy said. He's not wrong. For years, the same powerhouse programs—Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State—have dominated the conversation. Even when the playoff was just four teams (2014–2023), those blue bloods kept showing up. So what does adding more teams really do?

According to Gundy, it's simple: more teams mean more TV deals, more games, and more revenue. But it doesn't mean more competitive football. "I think 12 is too many, and I think 16 is way too many, unless you're just trying to make money," he said. "It used to be four, and there was a huge debate. I get that. But the four conference champions are in, and then we've got to go find the next best four teams."

His proposal? An eight-team playoff. Straightforward. No fluff. "As soon as the regular season's over, the next week you play," Gundy explained. "I believe there are only four or five that are capable. But I'm good with eight teams."

Of course, the expanded 12-team format does give smaller programs a shot at the spotlight. It makes for great underdog stories. But can those Cinderella teams actually hang with the heavyweights? Most fans and analysts doubt it. The expansion feels less about fair competition and more about filling TV slots—and bank accounts.

For fans who love the game for its grit and strategy, not its bottom line, Gundy's take hits home. Sometimes, less really is more. And when it comes to deciding who's truly championship-worthy, maybe eight is the perfect number.