UM System President expresses support for 24-team College Football Playoff  

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) 

The College Football Playoff could see a new format change heading into the 2027 season, with a suggested expanded field going from 12 teams to 24.

National reporting shows under the proposed agreement, ESPN would pay the CFP an additional $345 million on top of the $1.3 billion it already pays for exclusive broadcast rights. However both ESPN and the CFP have reportedly agreed not to expand the format past 24 teams until at least the end of ESPN’s current contract which runs through the 2032 postseason. There is a Dec. 1 deadline to make any changes for next season.

University of Missouri System President Mun Choi expressed support for the expanded playoff after Thursday's faculty council meeting, adding that it could be beneficial for the football team. 

“In terms of going from 12 to 24 [teams], I think it'll make college sports more exciting, college football even more exciting,” Choi said. “We could have been part of the CFP had the 24 teams been in place.” 

The Tigers posted a 10-2 record during the 2023 regular season, but fell just short of the four-team College Football Playoff field. Under the 12-team format introduced the following season, Missouri likely could have earned a playoff berth. Instead, the Tigers capped their season with a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State.

In 2024, Missouri finished the regular season at 8-3, reaching as high as 19th in the College Football Playoff rankings, which once again would have put them in the conversation for a playoff berth under the expanded 24-team field. 

“Now that it's going to start in 2027, our goal is to be in there and bring a home game for CFP in 2027,” Choi said. 

The Tigers currently hold a 5-2 record and are 2-2 in Southeastern Conference play. They are currently ranked at 22 in the AP poll. The Tigers take on the Arkansas Razorbacks at 6:45 p.m. Oct. 31 on the road.

The first College Football Playoff rankings for this season come out on Nov. 3.