Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has publicly expressed his desire for the College Football Playoff (CFP) to recognize the Big Ten’s expanded presence by incorporating at least four automatic qualifying spots. The proposal comes as the Big Ten continues to grow in influence, with its teams consistently performing at the highest level. Day’s suggestion highlights the growing debate over the structure of the CFP and the representation of college football’s major conferences.
Day’s comments were made in the context of ongoing discussions about the College Football Playoff’s expansion, which currently includes only two automatic bids for Power Five conferences. The Big Ten, which has grown from 10 to 14 teams since 2011, argues that its increased size and competitiveness warrant a greater share of playoff slots. The proposal would allow the conference to secure four automatic bids, ensuring its teams have a more consistent pathway to the playoff.
The push for expansion comes amid growing pressure on the CFP to reflect the changing landscape of college football. With the Big Ten, SEC, and ACC all vying for a larger share of playoff spots, the debate over the number of teams that can qualify has intensified. Day’s advocacy reflects the broader interest among Big Ten teams and coaches to ensure their conference is properly represented in the playoff structure, which is seen as a key factor in maintaining competitive balance and fan engagement.
While the CFP selection committee remains neutral on the matter, the conversation is expected to continue as the sport evolves. As such, Day’s call for four automatic spots for the Big Ten may influence future discussions about the structure of the college football postseason. The outcome could have long-term implications for how the sport is organized and which programs are able to consistently compete at the highest level.