CFP 5+11 Model Gains Traction After SEC Meetings for 2026

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is increasingly supporting a 16-team College Football Playoff (CFP) format featuring five automatic bids for conference champions and 11 at-large bids, a model gaining traction after the SEC's spring meetings. This 5+11 format is favored for its perceived fairness and potential to include more SEC teams, with some coaches and leaders from top programs like Alabama and Georgia advocating for it. However, a key issue remains the Big Ten's reluctance to endorse the format until adjustments are made to conference scheduling, particularly concerning whether to expand to nine conference games. Central to the discussions is the CFP selection committee’s opaque ranking criteria, especially the role of strength of schedule, which currently lacks clear guidelines and is a sticking point for conferences considering more games. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized the need for greater transparency and clarity in the committee’s decision-making process, with some athletic directors willing to support a nine-game conference schedule only if the playoff guarantees multiple SEC teams. The final decision on the playoff format is expected by December 1, pending further negotiations among conferences and the CFP leadership.