USC and UCLA could benefit as College Football Playoff nears 24-team expansion

Reports indicate the College Football Playoff is nearing an agreement to expand its field from 12 to 24 teams starting in 2027. Neither USC nor UCLA has ever reached the playoff since its 2014 inception, but the proposed expansion would offer both programs significantly improved pathways to qualify. The Big Ten and SEC have supported the plan, while the CFP management committee met with ESPN to negotiate media rights for the extra games.

Under the proposed format, the top eight seeds would receive first-round byes, while the remaining 16 teams would play opening-round matchups hosted by higher seeds. A 24-team model would likely eliminate Power Four conference championship games and require the regular season to start a week earlier. Major New Year's bowl games like the Rose, Sugar, and Orange bowls are expected to continue hosting quarterfinal and semifinal matchups.