Former Alabama head coach and current ESPN analyst Nick Saban has expressed opposition to expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, stating there are not that many programs capable of winning a national championship.
Speaking at SEC Football Kickoff Media Day in Tampa on July 22, 2026, Saban questioned the competitive balance of such a large playoff field. The seven-time national championship winner suggested the expansion would dilute the quality of the postseason.
The CFP currently features a 12-team format that began in the 2024 season. Discussions about further expansion have circulated among conference commissioners and university administrators.
