Big 12 fans have made their voices loud and clear on the future College Football Playoff (CFP) format, strongly favoring the inclusive “5+11” model over the previously backed “4+4+2+2+1” proposal, which was controversially supported by the SEC and Big Ten.
In a recent Twitter poll we conducted that drew over 500 responses, an overwhelming 77.6% of voters supported the “5+11” playoff structure—five automatic qualifiers for the highest-ranked conference champions and 11 at-large bids.
In sharp contrast, just 22.4% backed the format proposed by the SEC and Big Ten, which would grant four automatic playoff spots each to those conferences, two each to the Big 12 and ACC, one to the highest-ranked Group of Five champion, and just three at-large spots.
These results underscore the alignment of fan sentiment with the recent positions taken by Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark and ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips. Both have advocated passionately for a format emphasizing competitive fairness and broader postseason access, ensuring conferences like the Big 12 aren’t marginalized in future playoff structures.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey recently reiterated his preference for eliminating automatic qualifiers altogether, intensifying the stakes as commissioners from the Power Four conferences reconvene this week. With negotiations ongoing, Big 12 fans’ strong endorsement of the “5+11” model signals clear expectations that their conference leadership will continue to push for a playoff format emphasizing earned positions rather than political maneuvering.
As playoff expansion talks continue, this fan-driven clarity from Big 12 country adds another compelling layer to what is becoming one of college football’s most impactful debates.
