Dan Lanning Advocates 24-Team College Football Playoff Expansion
Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning has made it pretty clear where he stands on the College Football Playoff (CFP) structure. He’s pushing for a 24-team model, which, honestly, is a bold move.
It’s interesting because Oregon, under Lanning, has done just fine in the current format. His push for a bigger playoff isn’t just about winning—he’s got a bigger vision for what college football could be.
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The Case for a 24-Team College Football Playoff
Lanning and Ohio State’s Ryan Day have both come out in favor of expanding the CFP to 24 teams. The Big Ten Conference floated this idea last summer, hoping to make the postseason more fun and a bit more open.
What stands out is that Oregon doesn’t exactly need a bigger playoff to stay relevant. The Ducks have already made back-to-back CFP appearances, even snagging the No. 1 seed in 2024.
Oregon’s Success in the Current Format
Oregon’s track record in the CFP is solid. They made the cut back when it was just four teams in 2014 and kept it up as the field expanded.
That’s why Lanning’s push for a 24-team playoff feels genuine—he’s not just angling for an easier path for his own team. It’s more about the bigger picture and what’s best for the sport.
The Impact on Non-CFP Bowl Games
Lanning’s got some real concerns about what the 12-team format has done to non-CFP bowl games. He says those games have lost their shine, and it’s hard to argue with that.
He thinks a 24-team playoff could bring the excitement back, giving more teams and their fans something to look forward to at the end of the season.
Comparing to March Madness
Lanning can’t help but compare his proposed 24-team CFP to March Madness. You know, the NCAA Basketball Tournament that takes over every spring?
He figures if college football could tap into even a bit of that energy, the sport would be better off. More fans, more buzz—it’s not a bad idea.
Historical Context and Potential Impact
If a 24-team CFP had existed since the BCS era began in 1998, Oregon would’ve made it 19 times. That’s wild, and it shows how much more opportunity there’d be with a bigger field.
Still, there are folks who worry that expanding the playoff could make regular-season games feel less important. Maybe they’ve got a point?
Maintaining Regular Season Importance
Lanning pushes back on that. In his mind, even with more teams, every game would matter for seeding and bracket position.
Lose a game, and suddenly your playoff path gets a lot tougher. That kind of pressure keeps the regular season intense.
Coaches’ Perspectives and the Future of the CFP
Ryan Day agrees with Lanning, especially about teams not resting starters late in the season. He says the integrity and excitement of the regular season would stick around, even if the playoff gets bigger.
The CFP is locked in as a 12-team field through 2026, but there’s plenty of talk about what comes next. Any changes for 2027 have to be approved by December 1.
Big Ten’s Role in Shaping the Future
The Big Ten has been leading the charge for expansion, and honestly, its influence just keeps growing. Three straight national titles will do that for a conference.
With Oregon joining the Big Ten, their voice in these conversations matters more than ever. Lanning and Day are right in the thick of it.
Looking Beyond Self-Interest
Lanning’s not just looking for what’s easiest for Oregon. He’s thinking about what makes college football more fun and fair for everyone.
By pushing for a 24-team playoff, he’s keeping the conversation moving—and maybe giving fans and players a postseason worth getting excited about.
Conclusion
The debate over the College Football Playoff structure isn’t going away anytime soon. Influential coaches like Dan Lanning and Ryan Day are right in the thick of it, shaping what comes next for the sport.
Lanning’s got an interesting take—he’s backing a 24-team model, even though Oregon’s done pretty well under the current system. This says a lot about his vision for making college football more appealing and competitive.
If you’re curious about Lanning’s full stance and want to dig deeper into the playoff discussions, check out the full article here.
