# SEC and Big Ten Push for Changes to CFP Structure
The college football landscape is once again on the verge of transformation as two of the most powerful conferences, the SEC and Big Ten, push for significant changes to the current College Football Playoff (CFP) format. As the influence of these conferences grows, they’re seeking a structure that better represents their dominance on the field while reshaping the future of the sport.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind the SEC and Big Ten’s efforts to alter the CFP, potential impacts on other conferences, and what these proposed changes could mean for the future of college football.
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The SEC and Big Ten’s Growing Influence
College football has long been dominated by a handful of conferences, but none more so than the SEC and Big Ten. These two leagues consistently secure top recruits, generate massive television ratings, and produce some of the sport’s most competitive teams.
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Why Are the SEC and Big Ten Pushing for Change?
The SEC and Big Ten have seen their programs consistently compete at the highest level, often overshadowing teams from other conferences. With the increasing disparity in resources, TV deals, and recruiting power, these conferences believe they should have a greater influence over the CFP structure.
Among the key motivations are:
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Potential Changes to the CFP Structure
In recent years, discussions around CFP expansion have accelerated, leading to the upcoming 12-team playoff system. However, the SEC and Big Ten are now advocating for additional tweaks that would cater to their strengths.
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1. More Automatic Bids for the SEC and Big Ten
A key point of contention for the SEC and Big Ten is the allocation of automatic bids. Under the current expansion model, the six highest-ranked conference champions are guaranteed a spot. However, the SEC and Big Ten may push for a system that guarantees multiple spots to their best teams, regardless of whether they win their conference championships.
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2. Limiting At-Large Bids for Other Conferences
Another potential change could involve limiting at-large spots for teams outside the SEC and Big Ten. Currently, Group of Five teams have an avenue to make the CFP if they’re highly ranked, but a restructured format might make it more difficult for these schools to break through.
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3. Home-Field Advantage Adjustments
Some reports indicate that the SEC and Big Ten may push for home-field advantages in earlier playoff rounds to favor their conference’s top teams. This could mean higher-ranked teams from these leagues hosting playoff games instead of playing at neutral sites.
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Impact on Other Conferences
The proposed changes could have major implications for the rest of college football, especially the ACC, Big 12, and Group of Five programs.
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1. Reduced Access for Non-SEC/Big Ten Teams
If the SEC and Big Ten successfully restructure the CFP, smaller conferences may find it harder to place a team in the playoffs. The expanded CFP was initially meant to create more opportunities, but a shift favoring the two powerhouse conferences could limit Cinderella stories.
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2. Financial Disparity
Television deals and revenue-sharing agreements already favor the SEC and Big Ten over other conferences. If they secure more automatic playoff bids, their financial advantage will only grow, leaving other schools struggling to keep up.
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3. Increased Conference Realignment Pressure
If the SEC and Big Ten successfully alter the CFP format, schools from other conferences might look to jump ship. Programs in the ACC, Big 12, or even the Pac-12 could see realignment as the best path toward consistent playoff access.
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What Could This Mean for the Future of College Football?
The push for CFP restructuring underscores the growing divide in college football. While an expanded playoff was meant to provide more access, the SEC and Big Ten’s lobbying could instead consolidate power among an elite group of programs.
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1. A Power Two Era?
We may be entering an
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