Playoff leaders missed the 2026 expansion deadline, keeping the field at 12 teams amid Big Ten and SEC disagreements.

College Football Playoff leaders failed to agree on expanding the 2026 tournament by the Friday deadline, leaving the format at 12 teams. The Big Ten backs a 24-team playoff starting in 2029, while the SEC prefers a 16-team model, opposing the elimination of conference championship games under a larger format. No compromise has been reached despite talks in Miami, and further negotiations are expected.