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.

UFL Eyes Expansion: San Diego in the Mix?

Could spring professional football return to San Diego? The United Football League (UFL) today announced it has officially launched its first expansion process, and America's Finest City might just be on their radar.

San Diego's rich football history and passionate fan base make it a prime candidate. The NFL called San Diego home for 56 seasons before moving to Los Angeles in 2017, consistently drawing over 60,000 fans per game. The short-lived AAF's San Diego Fleet also saw growing support, averaging nearly 20,000 fans, during their brief 2019 stint.

The city's brand new Snapdragon Stadium, with its modern amenities and 35,000 seating capacity, would provide the perfect venue for UFL action. As an untapped market known for its love of sports, San Diego represents a golden opportunity for the league to bring professional football back to a city eager to embrace a new team.

Football in San Diego has always been a community affair, and a UFL team could enhance this by engaging with local culture and traditions. The economic impact could also be significant, with more jobs created and millions in benefits from hosting games.

While cities like Seattle and Oakland are also rumored contenders, San Diego's unique strengths are hard to ignore. 

The UFL currently consists of eight teams – the Arlington Renegades, Birmingham Stallions, Michigan Panthers, Houston Roughnecks, Memphis Showboats, San Antonio Brahmas, St. Louis Battlehawks and D.C. Defenders. The league is preparing to kick off its 2025 season on March 28, with a 10-week regular schedule and playoffs culminating in the June 14 championship.