College Football Playoff format could be targeting a 12-team system

Four teams just aren’t enough.

Everyone knows it, and for the sake of revenue, the NCAA should realize it as well. That said, there have been discussions at the highest level regarding how to expand as increasing the number of games too much could be detrimental to the health of the players.

Are 8 teams enough? What about 16? For now, it’s appearing that the association and those that help govern it may be looking right down the middle at a 12-team College Football Playoffs.

“Yahoo Sports spoke to more than a dozen stakeholders Monday on every side of the playoff decision – university officials, athletic directors, media executives and others around college sports. Amid those conversations, a surprise emerged — officials on campuses, in conference offices and in the television world have expressed an openness toward a 12-team playoff as the most likely result,” Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel wrote.

12 teams does feel like the correct number for many reasons.

For starters, you get all your Power 5 winners and then even a few extra. On top of having big-name schools, 12 gives teams like UCF an opportunity to have their name heard. It could also allow for the SEC to nominate four or five teams on an annual basis.

The Wildcats have performed well each of the last few seasons, having won three straight bowl games. While they still may not have qualified for a 12-team playoff, the strengthening of the program will bode well for them in the future.

As for the move to 12, it could be starting to gain traction as soon as next month.

“The first step will come in Chicago on July 17 and 18 when the four-member working group, tasked for nearly the past two years with exploring expansion, reports its findings to the CFP management committee,” Thamel continued with.

This feels like a win-win situation, and it should reward programs like Kentucky.

Now, a two- or three-loss team can get in the CFP. Sadly, Thamel also noted that for at least the next two seasons there will be no changes. Anything that is decided won’t put into practice till 2023.