Why ESPN & the SEC Don't Want a 24-Team College Football Playoff | Big 12, ACC & CFP Expansion

Is a 24-team College Football Playoff actually coming? On this episode of First and 16, Adam Gibby breaks down why momentum is growing behind CFP expansion — and why ESPN and the SEC may be fighting against it behind the scenes. From television rights and scheduling conflicts to conference power dynamics and playoff access, this episode dives deep into the real reasons college football's biggest power brokers could oppose a larger playoff format. Adam explains how a 24-team bracket could completely reshape the future of the Big 12, ACC, Notre Dame, and even the SEC itself. Would teams like BYU, Utah, Texas Tech, Miami, Iowa, Vanderbilt, or Georgia Tech suddenly become national contenders with expanded access? Could ESPN lose control of the College Football Playoff TV rights? And why are SEC media personalities already pushing back against the idea? Plus, Adam walks through a hypothetical 2024-style 24-team playoff bracket featuring Alabama, Texas, Ohio State, Oregon, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, BYU, Utah, Miami, and more — showing why the matchups would be incredible for fans, even if the SEC and ESPN don't love the idea. If you love college football realignment, playoff expansion debates, Big 12 football, SEC football, and the future of the CFP, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Subscribe to First and 16 for more college football analysis, Big 12 coverage, CFP expansion news, conference realignment updates, and hot takes from around the sport.