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Big 12 ADs, commissioner support 5+11 format for expanded College Football Playoff
By Andrew Olson
Published:
As the discussion around expanding the College Football Playoff continues, the format of 5 automatic qualifiers and 11 at-large bids is receiving more attention.
The 5+11 format is an alternative to proposals that have the SEC and Big Ten claiming 4 automatic bids each, with the Big 12 and ACC receiving 2 bids each. The top Group of 5 bid would also receive a bid, with other spots being filled with at-large bids.
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said conference athletic directors in favor of the 5+11 format. Yormark acknowledged that there might be years in which the Big 12 does not receive multiple bids, but still likes the approach of more at-large bids.
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark tells @TheAthletic he's strongly behind the 5+11 CFP, even if the league might not get 2 bids in a given year.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) May 28, 2025
"And that's okay. Because we’ve got to earn it on the field. I tell my room, you're rewarded when you perform at the highest levels."
Utah AD Mark Harlan further endorsed the idea and embraced the challenge that 11 at-large bids could mean for the SEC.
I asked Utah AD Mark Harlan if there’s concern a 5+11 model could lead to more SEC teams without more Big 12 teams getting in.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) May 28, 2025
“Then Big 12, let's win more games. Let's get after it.”
Buzz for the 5+11 format began at the SEC Spring Meetings, where it was discussed as an alternative to the 13 auto bids for 14 or 16 spots in the Playoff. Big Ten athletic directors have also weighed in, with many saying the SEC would need to add a 9th conference game to land B1G support for the format.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
