College Football Playoff Reportedly Nears 24-Team Format Agreement With ESPN
College football is reportedly moving closer to a 24-team playoff system following a "handshake agreement" between the College Football Playoff and broadcast partner ESPN.
Peoria Bloomington, IL, October 16, 2026 —
College football is reportedly moving closer to a 24-team playoff system after the College Football Playoff and its broadcast partner, ESPN, reached what has been described as a “handshake agreement.” The available information does not provide further details about the arrangement.
The reported agreement concerns a proposed playoff format with 24 teams. It is not clear from the information provided whether the handshake agreement represents a final decision, or whether additional approvals or negotiations are required before a new format could take effect.
No timeline for adopting the system was provided. The details of the agreement, including any terms involving ESPN, were also not disclosed. The information does not specify how teams would qualify, how the playoff bracket would be organized, or when a 24-team format might begin.
The report therefore points to movement toward a larger playoff field but leaves key questions unanswered. It does not identify who negotiated the agreement on behalf of either the College Football Playoff or ESPN, nor does it describe any next steps. Until those details are available, the reported handshake agreement should not be treated as confirmation that the 24-team system has been formally approved or scheduled.
Story summarized from the original created by EDDIE PELLS, Associated Press on www.centralillinoisproud.com, see more information here.
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