College football has been changing drastically over the past few months with talks of conference realignment and the transfer portal, but perhaps no bigger change came when it was reported that the College Football Playoff would be expanding to a 12-team format in 2026.
This news caused many mixed reactions, but it resulted in one prominent coach changing his mind on the idea of expansion to the current four-team system.
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban discussed the expansion during an episode of Back On The Record with Bob Costas and revealed that he now is for an expansion after previously speaking out against it.
“I was always sort of against expanding the Playoff,” Saban told Costas. “I was one of the first to say when we had a two-team Playoff that the more we expand the playoffs, the more we minimize Bowl games. Now I have changed my opinion on this because Bowl games are not something that players now want to play in.”
“How many times have guys opted out of playing in the Sugar Bowl? Players are opting out of Bowls that are not a part of the playoffs, so I am for expanding the playoffs.”
Saban added that there are certainly some risks involved with expanding the playoffs, which will likely force players to play more games causing more wear and tear to college players potentially about to enter the NFL Draft.
Regardless, the format is something that fans have definitely been calling for, and the NCAA will have plenty of time to iron out the exact details of how this expansion will look in 2026.
[Back On The Record with Bob Costas]
