CFP talks expansion at Atlanta season kickoff luncheon

College football playoff could expand

A luncheon was held on Monday to kick off the college football season. It was announced during the luncheon that the college football playoff could expand.

ATLANTA - College football fans are gearing up for another thrilling season — and Atlanta helped kick things off in style with a special luncheon at the College Football Hall of Fame.

What we know:

The annual "Kick-Off to Playoff" event welcomed top executives and sports leaders to preview what’s ahead, especially with this year’s Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl serving as a College Football Playoff semifinal.

What they're saying:

Rich Clark, executive director of the College Football Playoff, confirmed the postseason will once again feature 12 teams this year, but said expansion talks are already heating up for future seasons. Options on the table include 14-, 16-, 24-, and even 28-team formats as leaders weigh the sport’s rapid growth.

"Going forward after next year, we’re still looking at options," Clark said. "We have to look at all possibilities."

What's next:

The luncheon also included a major announcement from Peach Bowl, Inc. — longtime CEO and president Gary Stokan will retire in 2026, capping off a decorated career that helped cement Atlanta as a capital of college football.