Massive 12, ACC coaches not eager on proposed CFP byes for SEC, Massive Ten

The Faculty Soccer Playoff hasn’t unveiled its first 12-team discipline but, however discussions on a 14-team competitors starting in 2026 are already elevating eyebrows amongst Massive 12 and ACC coaches.

Within the 12-team playoff construction, the 5 highest-ranked convention champions are assured a spot within the bracket and the 4 highest-ranked convention winners will earn a first-round bye. However a number of sources informed ESPN that one 14-team mannequin that is at present being thought of consists of provisions for the SEC and Massive Ten to get three automated qualifiers every — and the one two byes for his or her convention champions.

“Automated first-round byes for the Massive Ten and SEC is just like the NFL saying the Cowboys get a first-round bye since they’ve extra followers than the Bengals,” TCU coach Sonny Dykes informed ESPN. “How preposterous is that?”

Dykes’ 2022 Horned Frogs, the Massive 12 runner-up, beat Massive Ten champion Michigan in a CFP semifinal on the Fiesta Bowl. Below this proposal, Michigan would have a bye because the league’s champion.

Coaches haven’t got the ability to alter the format; that lies with their respective commissioners and in the end the presidents and chancellors on the CFP board. Their suggestions, although, is a part of the method together with that of athletic administrators and college presidents. Sources have cautioned that nothing is finished but, however a number of coaches informed ESPN they don’t seem to be followers of this new proposal.

“A playoff format that ensures a first-round bye to any crew, division or convention earlier than the season begins is unparalleled in any sport so far as I am conscious,” Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy stated Friday. “Primarily based on the premise proposed, a crew may very well be undefeated and ranked No. 1 within the nation and nonetheless not obtain a first-round bye as a result of groups have been awarded one earlier than the season even started.”

A supply informed ESPN this week that balancing the needs of the ability wielded by the SEC and Massive Ten with their mixed 34 groups is a fragile juggling act.

“The steadiness within the room is the best way to acknowledge contributions of the Massive Ten and SEC whereas additionally being truthful and collaborative to the collective room,” the supply stated.

That naturally consists of income, with sources saying the SEC and Massive Ten might earn between 25% and 30% of CFP income. The ACC and Massive 12 would observe with between 15% and 20%. That leaves a smaller chunk — someplace round 6% to 10% for the opposite leagues and practically 1% for Notre Dame.

The Massive 12 and ACC are afforded two assured spots every within the proposal, one fewer than the Massive Ten and ACC. NC State coach Dave Doeren stated he isn’t in favor of getting a set quantity of automated qualifiers for conferences and expressed concern concerning the potential for a lower-ranked crew to displace a higher-ranked one to satisfy that standards.

“Automated first-round byes for the Massive Ten and SEC is just like the NFL saying the Cowboys get a first-round bye since they’ve extra followers than the Bengals. How preposterous is that?”

TCU coach Sonny Dykes

“The champions from every of these 4 need to be in, and I agree with that. … After the 4 champions, then let these groups which have earned that over the course of their season with power of schedule, their rating, high quality wins and all that be what issues.”

Whereas that could be far down the street, nothing is as alarming as two groups having their very own locked-in bye weeks.

“I really feel the 4 convention champs must be handled equally and all ought to have a first-round bye,” North Carolina coach Mack Brown informed ESPN. “It is arduous to be a champion, so it does matter.”

Gundy stated the answer is straightforward.

“We have to let the groups resolve it on the sector and reward those that are most deserving,” Gundy stated.

ESPN’s Heather Dinich contributed to this report.