CFP reaches 'handshake deal' with ESPN on 24-team playoff for 2027
The expanded format still needs paperwork and board approvals, but it remains on track for 2027, per ESPN.
The 24-team College Football Playoff took another step toward reality Friday. The CFP has reached a "handshake deal" with ESPN to broadcast an expanded 24-team playoff beginning in 2027, ESPN's Heather Dinich reported, citing a source.
Dinich cautioned that there is "still a lot of work to be done to formalize it on paper" and that the deal remains subject to board approval from all parties. ESPN's Pete Thamel, who first reported Thursday that the playoff was nearing a deal to expand to 24 teams, added that "some blocking and tackling and approvals" are still left, but that the 24-team format "remains on track to becoming a reality in 2027."
Why it matters for Florida
A 24-team bracket would double the size of the current field, and more at-large spots mean more SEC teams in the mix every year. For a Florida program in its first season under head coach Jon Sumrall, a wider door into the postseason would raise the value of every conference win starting next season.
For now, the focus is on the field. Florida plays at No. 7 Texas on Saturday at noon ET on ABC.
We covered Thursday's first report here: Report: College Football Playoff Nearing 24-Team Expansion Starting in 2027.
Sources: Heather Dinich, ESPN; Pete Thamel, ESPN; floridagators.com.
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