College Football: AFCA Endorses 24-Team Playoff and the End of Conference Title Games

What a 24-team bracket could look like if the AFCA got its way.

DALLAS, TX — The structural foundations of modern college football are facing their most significant challenge yet. In a move that could redefine the sport’s postseason landscape, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) has officially voiced its support for a massive expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) to a 24-team field. Perhaps more shockingly, the coaching body is also advocating for the total elimination of conference championship games to accommodate the expanded schedule.

As reported by Awful Announcing and various industry insiders this week, the AFCA’s recommendation signals a growing desire among the sport's primary stakeholders to move away from the current 12-team model in favor of a structure that mirrors the long-standing success of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). This proposal aims to solve the dual problems of athlete workload and the perceived redundancy of the "13th game."

The Logic Behind the 24-Team Bracket

The push for 24 teams is not merely about including more programs; it is about creating a comprehensive national tournament that rewards regular-season excellence while providing a clearer path to the title. Under the AFCA’s envisioned model, the top eight seeds would likely receive a first-round bye, a format that has functioned effectively in the FCS for years.

By doubling the current 12-team field, the AFCA believes the sport can capture more national interest and mitigate the "opt-out" culture that has plagued non-playoff bowl games. Coaches argue that a larger field keeps more teams—and their fanbases—engaged deep into November. Furthermore, it provides a safety net for elite teams that may suffer an early-season stumble, ensuring the eventual champion is truly the best team playing at the end of the year.