Battle lines are forming in the ongoing debate for the College Football Playoff's future format. The Big Ten wants to rig the playoff. The Big 12 and ACC fight against that.

The SEC hangs out in the middle, unsure whether to side with the Big Ten or the other power conferences.

To rig, or not to rig? That is the question.

On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams unpack the leading playoff formats under consideration.

The hosts reject one potential playoff format, while keeping an open mind to two others. And they explain why the SEC holds the trump cards in this negotiation.

Battle lines are forming in the ongoing debate for <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2025/05/27/college-football-playoff-format-auto-bid-big-ten-sec/83661687007/" aria-label="Link the College Football Playoff's future format">the College Football Playoff's future format</a>. The Big Ten wants to rig the playoff. The Big 12 and ACC fight against that.
The SEC hangs out in the middle, unsure whether to side with the Big Ten or the other power conferences.
To rig, or not to rig? That is the question.
On today's episode, hosts <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/staff/2648210001/blake-toppmeyer/" aria-label="Link Blake Toppmeyer">Blake Toppmeyer</a> and <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/staff/2647548001/john-adams/" aria-label="Link John Adams">John Adams</a> unpack the leading playoff formats under consideration.
The hosts reject one potential playoff format, while keeping an open mind to two others. And they explain why the SEC holds the trump cards in this negotiation.

SEC Football Unfiltered features hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the USA TODAY Network serving opinion, debate and analysis on trending college football topics within the Southeastern Conference. No subject is off limits, and no one is above rebuke. Take off the filter and revel in the banter.

SEC Football Unfiltered features hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the USA TODAY Network serving opinion, debate and analysis on trending college football topics within the Southeastern Conference. No subject is off limits, and no one is above rebuke. Take off the filter and revel in the banter.

SEC Football Unfiltered

SEC must decide whether to rig the College Football Playoff