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WATCH: Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti talks future of College Football Playoff

Browning Headshotby: Zach Browning07/09/25ZachBrowning17
Indiana football
Fifth-year senior wide receiver Myles Prices runs after catching the ball against the University of Notre Dame on Dec. 20, 2024, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. The Hoosiers fell by 10 points to the Fighting Irish. Photo by Jacob Spudich / The Indiana Daily Student

Last week, Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt sat down with Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of the College Football Playoff. As the Power Conferences work behind the scenes to agree on a new long-term postseason format, Petitti offered insight into the Big Ten’s position and what he believes the playoff structure should accomplish moving forward.

At the heart of the conversation was the Big Ten’s support for a 16-team format, with Petitti emphasizing the importance of fairness, access, and competitive integrity. He reiterated the Big Ten’s preference for a system that includes four automatic qualifiers from both the Big Ten and the SEC, signaling a clear desire to reward top-tier performance in the sport’s two most powerful conferences.

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Petitti also addressed the “5+11” model proposed by the SEC, which would feature five automatic bids and 11 at-large spots. While acknowledging that the format is being considered, he stopped short of fully endorsing it, suggesting that the Big Ten’s focus remains on balancing inclusivity with recognition of the sport’s power structure.

The conversation underscored the complex negotiations ahead as conferences jockey for influence in shaping the CFP’s future. As discussions continue, Petitti’s comments made it clear that the Big Ten will push for a system that reflects both the current landscape and the growing strength of its member programs.

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Check out Klatt’s full conversation with Petitti below.

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