There is an easy CFP compromise to move this process forward. Last week, College Football Playoff meetings continued in Asheville, NC, and there continues to be little progress on a potential format change for the 2026-27 CFP as the stubborn commissioners continue to negotiate.
Here's an idea for the Big Ten and SEC, who have ultimate decision-making power because of a document each conference signed previously. Each of you should give up something in hopes of gaining in the big picture.
The Big Ten wants four automatic bids for a 16-team CFP. The SEC would also get four guaranteed qualifiers while the ACC and Big 12 would each receive two in the Big Ten's desired format. The Group of Five schools would receive one AQ annually.
The SEC was reportedly on board with the format until the conference's meetings in Destin, Fla., earlier this month. SEC coaches expressed concern with the format, which could strip competitive spirit in the sport's playoff race – league coaches fear.
While the two richest conferences organized the 4-4-2-2-1 model, the ACC and Big 12 were organizing plans for a 5+11 format, which would grant one automatic bid for each Power Conference and the Group of Five. The ACC and Big 12 have seemingly convinced the SEC to join them in the more equitable organization.
There are two key beliefs that each of the two major powerbrokers has that are holding up potential changes. The B1G is insistent on the SEC moving from eight conference games to nine league competitions, while the SEC coaches are holding strong in their preference for eight league games and the 5+11 format.
The logical compromise? The Big Ten comes off of their auto-bids in exchange for the SEC moving to nine league games, which would allow the two conferences to have each of their major thirsts quenched, paving the way for a green light on the 5+11 format.