the drop. · Nov 10, 2026

CFP expands to 24 teams in 2027, boosting NDSU's long-term playoff prospects

ESPN and the College Football Playoff announced a new five-year deal worth approximately $1.7 billion that will expand the CFP field to 24 teams beginning in 2027, according to ESPN's Heather Dinich. The new format will include spots for all Power Four conference champions, one automatic bid for the top Group of Six team, and 19 at-large bids open to the full FBS. The expansion is seen as particularly beneficial for North Dakota State, which recently moved up to FBS after winning 10 national championships in 15 years at the FCS level — a level that also uses a 24-team playoff. In the near term, NDSU (7-2) still has a narrow path to a CFP bid this season, though the report notes the odds are slim given two conference losses.

The new playoff format will have the Power Four conference champions, a Group of Six automatic bid for the top team and 19 at-large bids for the whole FBS.

From Yahoo Sports college football

Why it matters

For coaches: Coaches at programs outside the Power Four now have a larger and more clearly defined route to CFP qualification to use as a recruiting and program-building tool.

For media: The five-year, approximately $1.7 billion deal signals a major shift in how CFP rights are valued and distributed, with ESPN as the central rights holder.

For athletes: College football players at Group of Six and mid-major programs have a significantly expanded path to the sport's premier postseason starting in 2027.

Read the full story at Yahoo Sports college football

Sources

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