The 5 AQs + 11 at large CFP is gaining steam.

On our way to the 4-4-2-2-3 playoff format, something interesting is going on, and it’s gaining steam of the 5 AQs + 11 at large bids in a 16 team field. According to ESPN.com…

Though nothing is official and things could take further silly turns, a read of recent tea leaves gives the impression that those in charge of how the College Football Playoff will look in 2026 and beyond are homing in on a straightforward, 16-team tournament with five guaranteed spots for conference champions and 11 at-large bids.

Moving to 9 conference games, AQ bids, and playing the best teams from the Big 10 are all things that could play a role in limiting the number of SEC teams that get in a playoff. At the end of the day SEC is starting to appear to simply want to the most access.

Why should the SEC agree to a deal that is equal to the Big 10 in AQ bids if SEC football truly believes they are 6 or 7 playoff teams deep? It was only a matter of time before the two biggest bullies in the neighborhood were going to but heads. It seems we might be there.

What about the ACC? Some think the conference should take the 2 AQs bids.

Well, speaking as a fan of 2 ACC schools, and who prefers to see teams from the ACC do well, especially OOC, I don’t care.

Last year, in a 16-team field the ACC would have got 3 teams into the field, but that may not always be the case. There could be years where the ACC only has 1 or 2 deserving playoff teams. If that’s the result, so be it. There needs to be a certain level of accountability in performance to earn your way in. Schedule tough, win games, and you’ll make the playoffs.

Just handing out AQ bids goes against the very nature of sport. You need at least the illusion of fair play, even if it probably doesn’t truly exist, but 8 AQ bids takes even that illusion away.

For the ACC and an undefeated team will make the playoff. A 1-loss team will make the playoffs. A 2 loss team has a very good chance to make the playoff.  A 3 loss team, probably is on the lower end of those chances, and it would take the right kind of wins and losses. ACC teams won’t lack the opportunity to play their way in.

If there is a year where the Big 10 only has 2 or 3 quality teams, then you’re giving them a 4th undeserving bid, same with the SEC or the second Big 12 bid.

Who knows what will happen, but I’m rooting for the 5 + 11 format.

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