PUMP THE BRAKES: BYU's Playoff Dreams at Stake as College Football Playoff Considers Big Expansion

Is a 24-team College Football Playoff the future—or a threat to everything fans love about the sport’s high-stakes drama? Jake Hatch tackles the urgent debate swirling around CFB's postseason evolution, scrutinizing proposals to jump to a 16 or even 24-team format versus sticking with the new 12-team structure. Drawing on recent remarks from SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and the pressure from conference leaders like Tony Petitti (Big Ten), Jim Phillips (ACC), and Brett Yormark (Big 12), Jake Hatch spotlights the battle lines forming as money, rivalry, and access for teams like BYU, Notre Dame, and Utah collide. With college football’s power brokers pushing competing playoff visions, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Jake Hatch explores how expanding the College Football Playoff could fundamentally alter rivalry week showdowns—mentioning the iconic BYU-Utah clash—as well as the playoff hopes for schools on the cusp, including BYU’s two straight heartbreaks as the 13th and 14th team in recent years. He questions whether doubling the playoff field would erode the value of regular-season upsets and marquee matchups, potentially leaving fans less invested as 9-3, 8-4, or even 7-5 teams sneak into the national title conversation. Financial motivations loom large, with the discussion unraveling how network giants like Fox and ESPN are influencing the expansion debate. Will escalating demands for multi-million-dollar TV deals force the playoff into unsustainable territory, given reports of broadcaster reluctance to fund a massive new format? Jake Hatch stresses that expansion decisions aren’t just about revenue—they risk reshaping college football’s culture, fan excitement, and what it means for a season-defining win or loss. Ultimately, the episode asks: should college football cautiously marinate in the new 12-team format or rush headlong into a 24-team future driven by cash and conference politics? Will traditional powers like the SEC win out, or is dramatic change inevitable? Jake Hatch delivers informed, passionate analysis and invites fans to weigh whether more really is better in the race for a national championship spot. Support Locked On Cougars: Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube! Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here! If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed: Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show. If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.