A 24-team CFP and a single guaranteed spot: Where the Group of Six fits in the new math

Following the announcement that the College Football Playoff (CFP) would expand to 24 teams next season, the Group of Six football conferences expressed both excitement and uncertainty. The primary concern was whether the additional spots would favor Power Four conference champions or provide meaningful opportunities for Group of Six programs.

Six Sun Belt Conference champions since 2019 would have made the top 24 of the final CFP rankings if the expansion were in place, while Conference USA, American Conference, and others also saw potential benefits. However, some conference leaders, like Jon Steinbrecher of the Mid-American Conference, questioned whether a larger playoff would necessarily lead to greater financial benefits for all conferences and institutions.

The Mountain West acknowledged the significant change to the postseason structure but did not provide further comment. While some, like Wyoming coach Jay Sawvel, suggested a potential Group of Six-only postseason, others, like North Dakota State coach Tim Polasek, expressed excitement about participating in the expanded playoff format.

The playoff's financial and marketing benefits were also highlighted, with conferences receiving additional payments for each team making the playoff and advancing to the quarterfinals. However, the Group of Six leagues had not yet announced plans to reduce their conference championship games in light of the expansion.