The Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Big Ten are set to hold their second joint meeting of athletic directors on February 19 in New Orleans, with a critical agenda centered around the future of the College Football Playoff (CFP) and evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations. This meeting marks a significant step in the growing collaboration between the two powerhouse conferences as they seek to shape the future of college athletics.
Playoff Expansion and Governance
With the current 12-team CFP format set to run through the 2025 season, discussions surrounding potential expansion to 14 teams are expected to take center stage. The meeting precedes a broader gathering of CFP commissioners in Dallas, where decisions on the playoff’s format and governance will be further explored.
Conference insiders indicate that the SEC and Big Ten, leveraging their influence, believe they have significant authority over playoff modifications starting in 2026 under the new six-year extension. However, any changes to the 2025 format would require unanimous agreement from the ten FBS conferences and Notre Dame.
While a revenue distribution model favoring the SEC and Big Ten was agreed upon last spring, the playoff structure remains undecided. The two conferences are reportedly advocating for a 14-team model that would allocate automatic qualifiers as follows:
- 4 spots each to the SEC and Big Ten
- 2 each to the ACC and Big 12
- 1 to the highest-ranked Group of Five champion
- 1 at-large bid, likely reserved for Notre Dame if ranked within the top 14
Dubbed the “4-4-2-2-1+1 model,” this proposal seeks to provide clearer paths to qualification while reducing the subjectivity of the selection committee. However, it has already faced opposition, with critics arguing that it disproportionately favors the two dominant conferences.
Impact on Conference Championships
The expansion debate also brings renewed scrutiny to the value of conference championship games. Some officials suggest a shift towards play-in games to determine automatic bids, a concept previously floated by ACC commissioner Jim Phillips. However, with conference championship games as lucrative revenue streams tied to lucrative TV contracts, stakeholders are divided on whether their significance should be diminished in the expanded playoff era.
Navigating NIL Regulations and Revenue Sharing
Beyond playoff discussions, another pressing issue on the agenda is the transition to a post-settlement landscape concerning NIL and revenue sharing. The landmark House case settlement, pending approval in April, will allow schools to directly compensate athletes, with a capped amount of at least $20.5 million annually.
A new compliance framework is being established to oversee this shift. Deloitte will run a clearinghouse to vet NIL deals involving school-affiliated entities such as boosters and collectives. However, concerns persist about institutions attempting to circumvent the cap, especially as federal agencies, including the Department of Education and the Department of Justice, weigh in on the implications of these new regulations.
Adding to the uncertainty, several legal objections to the House settlement have been filed, with critics citing potential roster cuts and scholarship reductions that could disrupt team competitiveness and athlete opportunities.
Postseason Restructuring and Revenue Optimization
Conference leaders are also expected to deliberate on postseason opportunities beyond the CFP. Talks of reshaping postseason matchups to feature more SEC vs. Big Ten showdowns instead of traditional bowl tie-ins could generate additional revenue and bolster the conferences’ dominance in college football. With current bowl agreements set to expire after the 2025 season, there is an opportunity for new high-profile matchups that align with media rights deals.
Additionally, the SEC continues to debate the addition of a ninth conference game starting in 2026, aligning with the Big Ten’s current schedule structure. However, progress is contingent on securing additional compensation from ESPN, the league’s primary media partner.
Looking Ahead
As the SEC and Big Ten assert dominance within the evolving college football landscape, their February meeting in New Orleans represents a critical juncture. The decisions made could reshape the CFP and redefine financial frameworks and competitive dynamics across the sport.
With potential expansions, regulatory challenges, and postseason innovations on the horizon, the coming months will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of college athletics in an increasingly professionalized era.
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