The Big Ten has circulated an internal document outlining a 24-team College Football Playoff format that would eliminate conference championship games and expand the postseason field significantly. ESPN obtained the proposal, which includes a timeline for expanding from 12 to 16 teams by 2027 and eventually reaching 24 teams by 2029. The document has been distributed to athletic directors and head coaches across the league.

Under the proposed format, the top eight teams would receive byes, with eight first-round games and eight second-round games played on campus. This would address the current playoff's flaw where teams with byes have struggled, going 1-7 in the first two years of the 12-team format. The Big Ten argues that conference title games are "artificial" and create unnecessary risk, citing Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza's injury scare in the Big Ten title game.

The financial implications are significant, as Power 4 championship games generate at least $200 million in media value alone. The transition would add 10 additional games up for bid, though ESPN would retain rights to two of the new games. The proposal emphasizes increased regular-season relevance in the transfer portal era, arguing that more playoff opportunities provide a "safety net" for teams that lose early games but improve later in the season.