Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza holds the trophy after their win against Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
On Monday, members of the College Football Playoff management committee met and briefly discussed potentially expanding the field, according to multiple reports. Although nothing is imminent, the current 12-team format could change as soon as next year as conference commissioners and media executives consider providing more access to teams and generating additional revenue.
For 2026, the field remains the same size for the third consecutive year, but the CFP has made small changes. The champions from the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten, Big 12 and Southeastern Conference are guaranteed spots, as is the highest-ranked team from the American, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West, Pac-12 and Sun Belt. That is slightly different than last year when the five highest-ranked conference champions automatically qualified.
Duke won the ACC last season, but it was not one of the five highest-ranked league champions, so the Blue Devils were left out of the field. If this season’s rules were in effect, Duke would have automatically qualified because the ACC champion is guaranteed a spot.
