College football's power brokers emerged from spring meetings with starkly different visions for playoff expansion. Washington coach Jedd Fisch proposed a nine-game Big Ten schedule plus cross-conference matchups against SEC, ACC and Big 12 opponents, arguing this would eliminate conference bias arguments when seeding teams.

The Big Ten exited its California meetings locked into a 24-team model, with commissioner Tony Petitti declaring zero interest in the 16-team alternative. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel supported the larger field for providing more opportunities and reducing pressure on nonconference scheduling. The SEC prefers 16 teams but faces internal division, with Tennessee's Danny White backing 24 while others cite financial concerns.

Media rights complicate the decision. ESPN holds exclusive negotiation rights for additional games if the playoff exceeds 14 teams, though no network has formally stated preferences. Both conferences want data on media value before deciding, with a Dec. 1 deadline looming for 2027 implementation.

Georgia's Kirby Smart warned of SEC independence if federal legislation doesn't stabilize college sports. The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 introduced by Senators Cruz and Cantwell represents Congress's attempt to address NIL chaos, though SEC leaders remain skeptical about its passage prospects.