An analysis by the Associated Press indicates that the Southeastern Conference (SEC) would have occupied approximately one quarter of the College Football Playoff (CFP) berths since 2021 if a 24-team bracket had been in place during that period.
The review, reported by Eric Olson on November 10, 2026, examines the hypothetical expansion of the playoff from its current four-team structure to a 24-team field. Under that scenario, SEC programs would have secured a disproportionate share of the available slots, reflecting the conference's consistent strength in the national rankings.
The current CFP format, which began in 2014, includes only four teams. Discussions about expansion have intensified in recent years, with proposals ranging from 12 to 24 teams. The AP analysis provides a data-driven perspective on how such an expansion could alter conference representation.
