Brief

Nick Saban opposes 24‑team College Football Playoff, favors 16‑team format

Saban told The Pat McAfee Show the expansion would be too large and suggested a 16‑team compromise.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 09:30:21 GMT

College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion plans for the 2027 season are meeting resistance from Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who said on Friday’s “The Pat McAfee Show” that he would rather see a 16‑team playoff.

What happened

Saban said, “I would be for 16 [teams]. I think that would be a good compromise,” and added that he could imagine conference championship games serving as a play‑in to reach roughly 20 hopeful teams, though he doubted such a format would gain support.

What the reports add

The New York Post notes that reports emerged on Thursday that the CFP is moving toward a 24‑team format, described as a “19+4+1” system that would include 19 at‑large bids, the four Power Four conference champions and the highest‑ranked Group of Six team. The same article says the expansion would eliminate conference championship games and shift the season start up by a week.

What was said

During the interview, Saban emphasized money as the driving force behind the expansion, stating, “The bottom line is money. That’s the bottom line,” and explained that universities need additional revenue to cover rising costs for players and other Olympic sports.

How it came about

Felo News previously reported on the CFP’s planned 24‑team expansion on October 15, outlining the 19+4+1 format and the removal of conference championship games. Saban’s comments provide a contrasting perspective from a leading coach as the league moves toward the larger field.

Key facts

• Nick Saban said he would prefer a 16‑team College Football Playoff. (nypost.com)
• Reports indicate the CFP is planning a 24‑team format for the 2027 season. (nypost.com)
• The proposed 24‑team format is described as 19 at‑large bids, four Power Four champions, and one Group of Six champion. (nypost.com)
• Saban cited money as the primary reason for the expansion push. (nypost.com)

Sources

• [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Nick Saban pushes back on 24-team College Football Playoff — and offers a different plan”