CFP expansion could reshape Army-Navy and title-game schedule
A proposed 24-team playoff could move Army-Navy to the first week of December and displace conference championship games, according to sources briefed on discussions.
The College Football Playoff is considering whether to expand from 12 teams to 24, a change that could reshape the December schedule. No expansion decision has been made.
Sources briefed on the talks told Fox Sports that Army-Navy would likely move to the first week of December if the playoff expands. That weekend is currently used for conference title games, and the proposed shift would give the Army-Navy contest a standalone television window.
The reported scheduling scenario would move first-round playoff games to the second week of December. Conference championship games could be eliminated under a 24-team format, though the source article presents that as an expected consequence, not a confirmed plan.
Army athletics director Tom Theodorakis told Fox Sports that people involved in discussions continue to value the game and want to preserve its prominence, while also allowing Army and Navy to compete for conference championships and playoff places.
The CFP’s 30-day exclusive negotiating window with ESPN was due to end on Friday. Fox Sports reported that the playoff may open negotiations to other bidders as it considers the financial requirements of expansion.
