College football fans reacted with skepticism and anger to a report that ESPN opposed expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams before agreeing to a $1.7 billion broadcast deal. The controversy emerged as the playoff logo was painted in the end zone for the Cotton Bowl between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Miami Hurricanes at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on December 31, 2025.
Social media responses included phrases such as "No One Believes This" and "They Are Ruining Everything," reflecting frustration over perceived conflicts of interest in the playoff's governance and media rights negotiations.
