Aresco clarifies 5 +7 CFP model meant for ’26

• Heather Dinich, ESPN Elder WriterSep 27, 2023, 10:56 AM ET

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  • College football press reporter
  • Signed up with ESPN.com in 2007
  • Graduate of Indiana University

ROSEMONT, Ill.– American Athletic Conference commissioner Mike Aresco clarified his remarks about a College Football Playoff design that rewards the five highest-ranked conference champions, stating Wednesday that he meant for that to begin with the new contract, which wouldn’t start till 2026.

On Tuesday, Aresco informed reporters that 5 +7 model– the 5 highest-ranked conference champs plus the next seven highest-ranked groups– is something “we need to have” in the brand-new 12-team CFP format if the Pac-12 dissolves.On Wednesday morning, Aresco informed ESPN that, in the meantime, he will continue to push to keep the presently agreed upon 6 +6 design, which rewards the six highest-ranked conference champions, plus the next 6 highest-ranked teams.Editor’s Picks 2 Related For the format to change in time for the 2024 season, it would need to be unanimous, and Aresco stated Wednesday that he’ll vote against changing the existing contract. The existing CFP agreement goes through the 2025 season.”I need to not have actually been clear about that, say sorry,”Aresco said in a text message.” I was discussing the future after 2025 when unanimity is no longer required to change the format and 5-7 is a most likely result that we would choose over all at-larges or less automatics. [I] will vote 6-6 in the meantime. “If a nuanced proposal that is various need to establish, I would talk to my conference subscription.”If the Pac-12 liquifies, or loses its status as a Power 5 conference, keeping a 6 +6 model for the next 2 years would enable guaranteed access for 2 Group of 5 champs. The existing design was concurred upon prior to the sweeping adjustment modifications this summertime annihilated the Pac-12, leaving the conference with Oregon State and Washington State tied up in a legal fight as they identify the very best course forward.If the Pac-12 folds, numerous sources have actually suggested to ESPN there is a strong choice to alter the model to 5 +7, indicating

the five highest-ranked conference champs, plus the next 7 highest-ranked teams.Aresco, who spoke to a small group of press reporters Tuesday following the very first day of CFP meetings at Huge 10 headquarters, said the CFP’s

management committee didn’t discuss the future format, however are likely to on Wednesday.” I’m fine myself with the 5 +7,”Aresco stated Tuesday evening,”assuming we remain at 12 groups. The 5 +7 is something we really have to have, since otherwise, what’s the point of all the work we did for 6 +6? If there’s no Pac-12, you’ve got four [power conferences], but you still want that 5th [area] so that our group, 65 schools, has a shot at the playoff. “Aresco’s public support for the 5 +7 design had his fellow commissioners whispering on Wednesday morning about him losing his take advantage of in the room, sources informed ESPN. His voice is a vital element to the closed-door conversations because of the unanimity needed. Even with what seems frustrating assistance for 5 +7 within the space for the next contract, however, there is hesitancy to devote to it with a lot unpredictability looming in the Pac-12. According to NCAA bylaws, an FBS conference requires at least 8 full FBS members that please all bowl subdivision requirements. The NCAA provides conferences a two-year grace period, however

, when they no longer meet subscription requirements prior to changes are needed.Multiple sources indicated they do not even understand if Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff, who attended the meetings however didn’t speak to reporters, has a vote. There’s still a possibility the Mountain West schools merge with the Pac-12 to

attempt to take advantage of its brand name and possible properties, however that opens the tough concern of whether the Pac-12 would still be thought about a Power 5 conference, which gets the benefit of 80%of the CFP profits. The Group of 5 schools get 20%. According to the NCAA, a conference’s status as an autonomy conference is figured out by the Division I board of directors.”It’s going to need to undergo a serious conversation, “Aresco said. “Without concern. Absolutely.

You’ve heard the idea of playing as a two-team conference, and what are your voting rights? There’s a material change here.

There are things that weren’t contemplated in the arrangement. All of those things need to be talked about. “