The Dangerous Narrative of College Football Expansion: A Commentary
Let’s start with a bold statement: the way we talk about college football expansion is shaping its future in ways that should alarm every fan of the sport. Paul Finebaum recently called out ‘stupid people’ in the media for propping up teams based on playoff appearances, and while his tone might be abrasive, his point is worth dissecting. What’s truly at stake here isn’t just the number of teams in the playoff—it’s the narrative we’re building around success, competition, and what college football should stand for.
The Illusion of Progress
The 12-team playoff was sold as a step forward, a way to include more programs and create more opportunities. But here’s the thing: progress isn’t just about expanding access; it’s about preserving what makes the sport great. Personally, I think the push for a 24-team playoff feels less like innovation and more like a desperate grab for relevance. What makes this particularly fascinating is how quickly the narrative has shifted. Two years ago, we were debating whether 12 teams was too many. Now, 24 is on the table, and some are treating it as inevitable.
What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about giving more teams a shot at the title. It’s about diluting the regular season, turning it into a glorified preseason. If you take a step back and think about it, the regular season is what makes college football unique. Every game matters, every upset resonates. Expand the playoff to 24 teams, and you’re telling fans that an 8-4 record is good enough. That’s not progress—it’s a race to the bottom.
The Media’s Role in Shaping Perception
Finebaum’s critique of the media isn’t just about calling people stupid (though he did that too). It’s about how coverage is framing playoff appearances as the ultimate achievement. In my opinion, this is where the real danger lies. When Tennessee or Alabama making the playoffs becomes the headline, regardless of their performance afterward, we’re setting a dangerous precedent.
One thing that immediately stands out is how this narrative benefits the power players—the Big Ten, the SEC, and the networks driving this expansion. They’re not just selling more games; they’re selling the idea that more is better. But what this really suggests is that we’re prioritizing quantity over quality. A detail that I find especially interesting is how rarely we discuss the impact on smaller programs. For them, a first-round exit in a 24-team playoff isn’t a victory—it’s a consolation prize.
The Broader Implications
This raises a deeper question: What are we losing in the pursuit of expansion? The beauty of college football lies in its exclusivity, its high stakes, and its unpredictability. A 24-team playoff doesn’t just change the postseason; it changes the entire culture of the sport. From my perspective, this isn’t about inclusivity—it’s about monetization. More teams mean more games, more viewers, and more revenue. But at what cost?
If the CFP committee approves a 24-team format by December 1, we’ll be celebrating mediocrity. Teams that wouldn’t have made the cut under the old system will be hailed as playoff contenders. And while that might sound democratic, it’s actually a disservice to the sport. What makes college football great isn’t the number of teams in the playoff—it’s the stories, the rivalries, and the moments that define a season.
A Thoughtful Takeaway
Here’s my final thought: expansion isn’t inherently bad, but the way we’re going about it is. We’re letting the wrong narratives drive the conversation, and we’re losing sight of what makes college football special. Finebaum’s criticism might be harsh, but it’s a wake-up call. If we don’t start questioning the direction we’re headed, we risk turning the most compelling sport in America into just another revenue stream.
So, the next time you hear someone celebrate a team for simply making the playoffs, remember this: the real victory isn’t in showing up—it’s in what you do once you’re there. And if we’re not careful, we’ll forget that entirely.
