The College Football Playoff (CFP) is on the verge of significant changes that could further benefit Ohio State and the Big Ten as a whole. According to a recent report by Ross Dellenger, momentum is building within the Big Ten and SEC to expand the playoff to 14 or 16 teams.
This expansion would allow multiple automatic qualifiers from both the Big Ten and SEC, potentially up to four each. Ohio State fans can expect these changes, set to take effect in 2026, to enhance Ohio State’s chances of qualifying for the playoffs and winning more national championships.
Ohio State’s Safe Position in the Big Ten
As one of the premier programs in the Big Ten, Ohio State is in a strong position as the conference continues to shape the future of college football. Unlike other teams that might fear being left out of the playoff conversation, Ohio State doesn't need to concern themselves with being left out of a major conference and having that impact their playoff chances like Florida State and Clemson do. In fact, the Buckeyes are one of the biggest beneficiaries of the new proposal, which could see the Big Ten securing four automatic playoff spots.
Even in a year like 2024, where Ohio State finished fourth in the Big Ten, they managed to secure a national championship. This is proof that simply making it into the playoff gives Ohio State a legitimate chance to win it all, thanks to their elite talent and coaching. The proposed playoff expansion only increases Ohio State’s likelihood of making the postseason, providing more opportunities for the Buckeyes to compete at the highest level.
More Teams, More Chances for Ohio State
The expansion of the CFP to 14 or 16 teams would virtually ensure that Ohio State remains in the playoff conversation year after year. Even in years where they might not win the Big Ten title, their overall roster talent and a large budget for hiring the best coaches in college football gives them a chance in any season, unlike previously, where one loss could keep Ohio State out of the playoffs altogether. With the new structure, Ohio State will be in the playoffs nearly every year and one of the strongest contenders.
A larger playoff field also rewards teams that peak at the right time. As Ohio State proved in 2024, once a team gets into the playoff, anything can happen. Their championship run as the fourth-ranked team in the Big Ten demonstrated the importance of simply qualifying, and the expanded format gives them even more chances to make a deep run in the future.
Leveling the Playing Field with the SEC
One of the most significant aspects of the proposed changes is the potential for the SEC to move to a nine-conference-game schedule. Currently, SEC teams play eight conference games, while Big Ten teams play nine. This imbalance has often given SEC teams an advantage by allowing them to schedule easier non-conference games late in the season.
For years, Ohio State fans have voiced concerns over this scheduling disparity. The SEC’s habit of playing Group of Five or FCS teams before rivalry games has often allowed their teams to make their records look better with an added guarantee to win on the schedule to get more teams bowl-eligible and increase the perception of the conference.
However, under the new format, the SEC would be more inclined to play an additional conference game, bringing their schedule more in line with what Ohio State and other Big Ten teams already face.
This change would level the playing field, ensuring that all major conference teams are tested equally throughout the season. For Ohio State, this could mean fewer SEC teams coasting into the playoff on weaker schedules, giving the Buckeyes an even better shot at favorable seeding and matchups in the expanded playoff.
The Big Ten’s Growing Influence
The Big Ten’s influence on college football has never been more substantial. Alongside the SEC, the Big Ten will have significant control over the future of the CFP, including the playoff format, revenue distribution, and automatic qualifiers. With the conference guaranteed multiple playoff spots under the new proposal, Ohio State will receive a larger payout from the conference as the money teams make gets spread among the entire conference.
Moreover, the additional revenue that will come from this expanded playoff will further strengthen the Big Ten’s position in college football. Ohio State, as one of the top programs in the conference, stands to benefit greatly from this influx of money, which can be used to further enhance facilities, recruit top-tier talent, and maintain their status as one of the nation’s elite programs.
The proposed changes to the College Football Playoff are overwhelmingly positive for Ohio State. With the Big Ten set to secure multiple automatic playoff spots, the Buckeyes are in a prime position to benefit. For Buckeye fans, the future of college football looks brighter than ever.