Mailbag (special CFP edition): Predicting the 2026 format, SEC bias, Big 12 strategy, Big Ten on an island and more
Briefly

The College Football Playoff (CFP) format for the 2026 season is under contentious debate among major college football conferences. The Big Ten proposes an AQ format with 13 automatic bids, while the Big 12 and ACC advocate a 5+11 model prioritizing conference champions. Key issues include the balance of automatic versus at-large bids and the role of the selection committee. Decisions involving the format must be made by December, with implications for the regular season, competition calendar, and school participation in marquee non-conference games.
Two competing models for the College Football Playoff format for 2026 have emerged: the Big Ten's AQ format offers 16 bids with automatic qualifications, while the Big 12 and ACC propose the 5+11 model emphasizing conference champions.
The debate over the College Football Playoff format involves key stakeholders, including the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12, with decisions looming as the management committee must report to ESPN by December.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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