The debate over College Football Playoff expansion is heating up, and two more power conferences have thrown their weight behind a 24-team format. The ACC and Big 12 are now officially on board, joining the Big Ten and Notre Dame in supporting a significant expansion of the postseason tournament.

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips and Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark both confirmed their leagues' support for a 24-team CFP in recent statements. Yormark emphasized the need for greater access, noting that too many deserving teams are currently left out of the playoff picture. "We like 24, we want 24," Yormark said. "There are too many teams getting left out, and 24 teams provides the type of access that is warranted." He added that the next step will be to work through the economics and address any unintended consequences of such a large field.

Phillips pointed to last season's controversy, when Notre Dame was passed over for an at-large bid on Selection Sunday, as a clear example of why expansion is necessary. "Our desire with the coaches and the ADs is 24," Phillips said. "When you're leaving national championship-contending teams out of the playoff, you don't have the right number. We lived through it, we suffered through it with Florida State, when the field was four." He also referenced Notre Dame's snub, noting that the Fighting Irish were a CFP-worthy team last year.

The SEC, however, remains the holdout, sticking with its preference for a 16-team format if expansion moves beyond the current 12-team structure. This divide sets the stage for intense negotiations as the CFP's contract allows for format changes ahead of the 2027 season, with a December 1 deadline for any adjustments.

The push for a 24-team playoff has gained momentum recently, especially after the American Football Coaches Association voiced its support. For now, the CFP will remain at 12 teams through the 2026 season, but the groundwork is being laid for what could be the most dramatic expansion in college football history.