DESTIN, Fla. — SEC coaches have not reached a consensus over their ideal format for the next iteration of the College Football Playoff—or whether they want the postseason to expand at all, according to several coaches who visited with media members ahead of the conference’s annual spring meetings Tuesday.
CFP expansion is one of the buzziest topics in Destin this year, as the commissioners of the SEC and Big Ten must reach a consensus on an expansion model by Dec. 1 in order for a new bracket to be unveiled in 2027. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti has said his league is set on a 24-team format, but SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has favored 16 teams.
On Monday, Sankey said not to expect a decision on expansion this week, telling reporters the league would review the potential scenarios of an expansion for now.
But Tuesday revealed a variety of opinions.
When asked by Front Office Sports whether he would prefer 16 or 24 teams, Florida coach Jon Sumrall said “probably 24.” Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said: “As many as we can have and make it make sense,” while not giving a specific number. Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, who came out in favor of expansion last year beyond 24 teams, appeared to defer to Sankey’s judgment.
