The College Football Playoff has already gone through two major evolutions-and each time, Ohio State has been right there to capitalize. When the CFP launched as a four-team bracket, the Buckeyes stormed through and claimed the first-ever title. Fast forward to 2024, and with the new 12-team format in place, Ohio State once again found itself hoisting the trophy.
Now, the Big Ten is floating a bold new idea: a 24-team Playoff. The proposal would eliminate conference championship games and operate under a “23+1” model-23 at-large bids and just one guaranteed spot for a Group of Six (G6) team. That setup would also bring more on-campus playoff games, a move that could energize fanbases but also significantly reshape the postseason landscape.
It’s a big swing-and not everyone’s thrilled about it.
The concern here isn’t just about logistics. It’s about what makes college football unique.
For decades, the sport has been defined by the weight of every Saturday. One or two losses could derail an entire season.
Rivalry games, conference matchups, and even early-season non-conference showdowns carried enormous stakes. That’s a big part of why fans are so emotionally invested.
A 24-team playoff threatens to change that dynamic. If nearly two dozen teams make the postseason, the regular season inevitably loses some of its urgency.
The stakes drop. The tension fades.
And with that, there’s a real risk that fan engagement could follow. Lower TV ratings, smaller crowds, and declining revenue aren’t just hypotheticals-they're real possibilities when the product loses its edge.
Ohio State, as one of the sport’s premier programs, has the kind of influence that matters in these conversations. And while the Buckeyes have benefitted from previous expansions, this proposal feels like it might be a step too far. The program-and the Big Ten at large-should be careful not to chase short-term dollars at the expense of long-term health.
There’s a more balanced alternative already on the table: a 16-team model. That structure would expand access to the Playoff without completely diluting the importance of the regular season. It keeps the door open for deserving teams while still making every game count.
Big Ten athletic directors, including Ross Bjork, have voiced support for expansion, and it’s clear the conference is looking to stay ahead of the curve. But leadership also means knowing where to draw the line.
The Big Ten has been dominant in recent years, winning the last three national championships. Opening the floodgates to 24 teams-many of whom might not have the résumés to justify a playoff spot-could actually weaken the product that’s helped the conference rise to the top.
This isn’t just about playoff brackets and TV contracts. It’s about preserving what makes college football special.
The SEC, often the Big Ten’s fiercest rival, appears to be leaning toward a more measured approach. And in this case, they might have the right idea.
Ohio State doesn’t have to go along with everything the conference proposes. In fact, the Buckeyes are in a position to lead by example. If they want to protect the integrity of the sport-and the value of every fall Saturday-they’ll need to speak up now.
Head coach Ryan Day may have his own views, and athletic director Ross Bjork is clearly thinking big. But at the end of the day, this is a pivotal moment for college football. Programs like Ohio State have the power-and the responsibility-to shape what comes next.