On this episode of First and 16, we break down why college football should move to a 24-team playoff format. From Cinderella runs to powerhouse rematches, we look at the incredible matchups fans were robbed of last season and how an expanded playoff would make every week matter even more. We dive into seeding, home playoff games, Group of Five opportunities, and the chaos a true postseason bracket could bring. Would a 24-team playoff actually fix college football—or just create more controversy?

The future of college football may finally have its answer. In this episode of First and 16, we break down why the AFCA's proposed 24-team College Football Playoff is exactly what the sport needs. From fixing conference imbalance and giving Group of Five programs a real path to compete, to protecting rivalries and making the regular season matter even more, this format could completely reshape the postseason landscape.

We dive into:

• Why the current playoff model still leaves too many teams out
• How a 24-team bracket would increase fairness and excitement
• The financial impact for conferences and schools
• Why fan interest would explode with on-campus playoff games
• How automatic bids and at-large spots could work
• What this means for the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, and Group of Five
• Why expanding the playoff may actually save college football from itself

Is the AFCA proposal the future of the sport — or is college football headed toward complete chaos? We break it all down.

In this episode of First and 16, we dive headfirst into the newly released preseason spring rankings and unpack the growing narrative working against the Big 12. Are these rankings based on real analysis—or recycled bias? We break down where Big 12 teams are being undervalued, which programs are flying under the radar, and how early media perception could shape the entire 2026 college football season. From strength of schedule debates to playoff implications, this is a must-listen for fans who think the Big 12 deserves more respect.