College Football Playoff Nears 24-Team Format After Reported ESPN Agreement
College football is nearing a 24-team playoff format following a reported handshake agreement between the College Football Playoff and broadcast partner ESPN.
Topeka, KS, October 16, 2026 —
College football is nearing a 24-team playoff format after the College Football Playoff and its broadcast partner, ESPN, reportedly reached a handshake agreement, according to the available summary of the development.
The reported agreement points toward a larger field for the postseason competition. However, the information provided does not specify the agreement’s terms or establish whether it is final. It also does not say when a 24-team format might begin, how teams would qualify, or whether additional approvals are required.
Those details matter to understanding how the proposed format would work. The summary does not describe any changes to selection procedures, scheduling, game locations, or the distribution of television rights. It also provides no financial figures and does not include statements from the College Football Playoff or ESPN.
For now, the reported handshake agreement is the only described development. The available information does not clarify what steps remain before a 24-team playoff could be formally adopted or put into effect. As a result, the scope and timing of the change remain unspecified.
The development signals movement toward an expanded playoff field, but the details needed to assess the format have not been provided. No further information about the agreement or its implementation was included in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by EDDIE PELLS, Associated Press on www.ksnt.com, see more information here.
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