A pivotal discussion on the future of college football's playoff system took place in Dallas, where representatives from all major conferences gathered to explore potential changes. The meeting aimed to evaluate and refine the current 12-team format, which is set to continue only until next season. American Athletic Conference (AAC) interests were represented by Commissioner Tim Pernetti, who advocated for expanding the playoff structure beyond 2025. While most commissioners remained tight-lipped post-meeting, ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips emphasized the importance of balancing present responsibilities with the broader welfare of college football and its fans.

The inaugural expanded playoff last season introduced automatic bids for the five highest-ranked conference champions, alongside seven at-large selections. This structure provided an opportunity for top Group of 5 conference teams, exemplified by Boise State’s participation last year. Discussions during the meeting included exploring models ranging from 12 to 16 teams, though no definitive decisions emerged. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti proposed straight seeding without first-round byes for top-ranked conference champions, a suggestion met with mixed reactions from other commissioners.

The direction of future formats will significantly impact all conferences, especially as the SEC and Big Ten lead discussions due to their influential roles. Any changes require unanimous agreement among all conferences. Looking ahead, maintaining an automatic bid for the highest-ranked Group of 5 conference champion remains likely, offering hopeful prospects for teams like Tulane if they excel within the AAC. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to enhancing the integrity and excitement of college football, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive for players, fans, and stakeholders alike.