Tony Petitti’s Big Ten Keeps Winning. Now His 24-Team Playoff Push Might Be Too. - Sports Illustrated

What the report says

Sports Illustrated reported that Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti is entering a more visible phase of his tenure as he advocates expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams beginning in 2027. At Big Ten football media days in Chicago on Tuesday, Petitti spoke with reporters and used his platform to renew the case for a larger postseason field, saying there has been movement among coaches and athletic directors toward 24 teams.

According to SI, the proposal has gained traction since last year, with the ACC and Big 12 now supportive and some figures in the SEC also showing interest. The article said the next steps could include a presentation of revenue projections at an August CFP management committee meeting, followed by a possible vote in September, though sources cautioned the timeline could move faster through virtual meetings or stretch as late as December.

Petitti has dropped the Big Ten’s earlier push for a fixed number of automatic bids, SI reported. His argument for 24 teams is that a larger bracket would keep more teams in contention later in the season, creating races for at-large spots, home playoff games, byes and favorable seeding. He also tied expanded access to the level of investment schools are making in football.

The story frames Petitti’s leverage against the Big Ten’s recent on-field strength, including national titles by Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana, as well as the conference’s financial power and expanded media presence. SI’s Pat Forde also noted his own opposition to a 24-team playoff, citing concerns about the regular season and postseason quality, but said the political momentum currently appears to favor Petitti’s plan.