The buzz around a 24-team College Football Playoff is growing louder by the day, and it's easy to see why. The American Football Coaches Association has already voted in favor of the expanded model, the Big Ten has been quietly sharing its blueprint for months, and even a White House committee has thrown its support behind the idea. While the 2026 season will still use the current 12-team format, there's a real chance that if conference commissioners can reach an agreement before the December 1 deadline, the 24-team era could kick off as soon as 2027.
So, how would this new look actually work? The preferred "23+1" model would invite the 23 highest-ranked teams, plus one guaranteed spot for the top Group of Six champion. The top eight seeds would earn a coveted first-round bye, while seeds 9 through 24 would host opening-round games on their own campuses. To make room for the extra round, conference championship weekend would be eliminated entirely.
If the 2026 season ended today, here's a realistic projection of what that 24-team bracket could look like:
Top 8 Seeds (First-Round Byes)
1. Ohio State (Big Ten) – The Buckeyes are the consensus No. 1, bringing back Heisman finalist Julian Sayin, superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith, and rising tailback Bo Jackson. This is a team built for a deep run.
2. Oregon (Big Ten) – Dante Moore returned for one more shot at glory, and with a healthy Evan Stewart, the Ducks boast the Big Ten's most dangerous receiving corps.
3. Georgia (SEC) – Gunner Stockton is back under center, the running back room is loaded, and with Kirby Smart at the helm, a top-five finish is practically the floor.
4. Notre Dame (Independent) – CJ Carr leads a roster with national title aspirations, and a favorable schedule sets the Irish up nicely for a high seed.
5. Texas (SEC) – Arch Manning is healthy, Auburn transfer Cam Coleman headlines a stacked skill group, and Will Muschamp's return to run the defense adds veteran stability.
6. Miami (ACC) – Duke transfer Darian Mensah gives the Hurricanes legitimate Heisman upside in a wide-open ACC.
7. LSU (SEC) – Lane Kiffin's debut in Baton Rouge features Sam Leavitt, a No. 1-ranked transfer class, and a defense that's ahead of schedule.
8. Texas A&M (SEC) – Marcel Reed and Mario Craver lead an Aggies squad coming off an 11-win season, looking to make noise on the national stage.
Opening Round Matchups (Seeds 9-24)
No. 24 Boise State at No. 9 Indiana – The Broncos grab the lone Group of Six auto-bid as the top-ranked team from outside the Power Four. Indiana counters with Curt Cignetti's proven system and TCU transfer Josh Hoover at quarterback.
No. 23 Tennessee at No. 10 Oklahoma – John Mateer leads the Sooners against a Vols team breaking in new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Expect fireworks in Norman.