Phillip Fulmer knows a thing or two about winning. As the last coach to lead the Tennessee Volunteers to a national championship, he's seen the college football landscape shift dramatically over the years. Now, with the College Football Playoff expanding, Fulmer has a surprising take on just how big the bracket should get.

If a 24-team playoff had existed during his tenure, Tennessee would have made an astonishing 13 appearances in 16 seasons. That stat alone might make you think Fulmer would be the format's biggest cheerleader. But the legendary coach has drawn a firm line in the sand.

Fulmer, who once opposed the playoff concept entirely, eventually warmed up to the four-team model and later embraced the 12-team format. He's even open to expanding to 16 teams. But 24? That's where he says, "Whoa."

"I don't know what they're going to do," Fulmer said, weighing in on the ongoing expansion talks. "SEC commissioner Greg Sankey is pretty dead set on sticking with 16 teams. I think that's a good number. But if you go to 24, you might as well let everybody in because you're almost taking the whole top 25. I wouldn't like that."

It's a sentiment rooted in tradition and respect for the regular season. For Fulmer, diluting the playoff field risks turning a hard-earned championship into a participation trophy. The Vols' faithful, still chasing that 1998 glory, might agree that some exclusivity makes the climb to the top that much sweeter.

Fulmer shared these insights while promoting his 27th annual Phillip Fulmer Golf Classic, a charity event that has raised over $3 million for the Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley. The tournament tees off on May 8 at Avalon Golf and Country Club, with an online auction running May 4-8.

Whether you're a fan of the current playoff format or dreaming of an even bigger bracket, one thing is clear: the debate over how many teams deserve a shot at the title is far from over. And for a coach who's been to the mountaintop, sometimes less really is more.