CFP Expansion: Sankey Discusses 5+11 Model with SEC Coaches
- — The SEC is weighing a shift in its approach to the future of the College Football Playoff, showing increased interest in a 16-team format that emphasizes at-large...
- Sankey said the coaches questioned the drawbacks of such a system, emphasizing the SEC's ability to secure numerous berths.
- Disagreements have surfaced between athletic directors and coaches.
The SEC is seriously considering a 16-team College Football Playoff model, a notable shift focusing on at-large bids, as revealed by Commissioner Greg Sankey after discussions with SEC football coaches. This “5+11” model, prioritizing the five highest-ranked conference champions and 11 at-large selections, has sparked debate about scheduling and playoff access. Coaches, like Lane Kiffin, favor a system that selects the best 16 teams, while athletic directors have differing views, creating hurdles for expansion. this strategic pivot impacts the future of college football,influencing both conference scheduling and national championship aspirations,as reported by News Directory 3. Discover what’s next as the SEC navigates crucial decisions ahead of the December deadline.
SEC Reconsiders College Football Playoff Expansion, Eyes 16-Team model
Updated may 27, 2025
DESTIN, Fla. — The SEC is weighing a shift in its approach to the future of the College Football Playoff, showing increased interest in a 16-team format that emphasizes at-large bids. This pivot moves away from the previously discussed automatic qualifiers. commissioner Greg Sankey revealed that discussions with football coaches explored a model featuring the five highest-ranked conference champions and 11 at-large selections.
Sankey said the coaches questioned the drawbacks of such a system, emphasizing the SEC’s ability to secure numerous berths. He clarified that while the discussion was productive,no final decision has been made. Sankey, along with other FBS commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director, faces a Dec. 1 deadline to finalize the playoff format for 2026 and beyond. This timeline complicates the SEC’s decision on whether to maintain an eight-game or adopt a nine-game conference schedule.
Disagreements have surfaced between athletic directors and coaches. While some athletic directors advocate for automatic qualifiers, coaches like Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin prefer a format showcasing the 16 best teams.Georgia’s Kirby Smart aims for a model maximizing SEC representation, citing the conference’s strength of schedule.
Sources indicate that athletic directors initially leaned towards nine SEC games and four automatic qualifiers. Conversely, coaches expressed a strong preference for five automatic qualifiers, 11 at-large bids, and maintaining an eight-game league schedule. This divergence highlights potential obstacles to College Football Playoff expansion, notably if the SEC opts against a nine-game conference schedule.
Sankey acknowledged the challenge of reaching a consensus by the deadline, referencing a conversation with former SEC commissioner Roy Kramer. He expressed confidence in finding a resolution, drawing on past commissioners’ ability to overcome disagreements.
Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin stated he cannot support a nine-game league schedule without guaranteed playoff access for the SEC. He highlighted the conference’s consistent postseason representation across other sports, contrasting it with football’s limited access.
Lane Kiffin voiced support for selecting the 16 best teams, regardless of conference affiliation, citing flaws in every system.
“They talked about – I’ll call it a 5+11 model — and our own ability to earn those berths,” Sankey said at the conclusion of the second day of spring meetings. “… At the coaching level, the question is, why wouldn’t that be fine? Why wouldn’t we do that? We talked about 16 with them. So, good conversation, not a destination, but the first time I’ve had the ability to go really in depth with ideas with them.”
“That’s hard for me,” Stricklin said. “… There’s not a sport that our league competes in where less than half of our members are not in the postseason except for one,and it happens to be the one we all pay the most attention to. Last year three of our 16 teams were in the playoff. I think that’s a problem systemically with the structure of what we’re trying to do.”
What’s next
The SEC faces critical decisions regarding scheduling and playoff format in the coming months. The outcome will considerably shape the landscape of college football and the conference’s future.