When the Big Ten refused to compromise on the 16-team playoff that the SEC desired, that left the SEC with a choice: Go to 24 teams, or stay at 12? The SEC chose 12.

Did it make the right call?

On today’s episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams unpack the inability for the SEC and Big Ten to reach a compromise on playoff expansion.

Also, a debate of whether the SEC erred by adding a ninth conference game, in light of the playoff not expanding. Stiffening the schedule will make it more difficult for SEC teams to reach at least 10 victories, which appears to be a key number toward at-large playoff qualification.

Finally, the hosts consider this question: Will a team from the ACC or Big 12 win a national championship before the SEC gets its next one?

When the Big Ten refused to compromise on the <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2026/01/15/cfp-expansion-16-teams-sec-big-ten-new-college-football-playoff-format-greg-sankey/88142047007/" aria-label="Link 16-team playoff that the SEC desired">16-team playoff that the SEC desired</a>, that left the SEC with a choice: Go to 24 teams, or stay at 12? The SEC chose 12.
Did it make the right call?
On today&rsquo;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 inability for the SEC and Big Ten to reach a compromise on playoff expansion.
Also, a debate of whether the SEC erred by adding a ninth conference game, in light of the playoff not expanding. Stiffening the schedule will make it more difficult for SEC teams to reach at least 10 victories, which appears to be a key number toward at-large playoff qualification.
Finally, the hosts consider this question: Will a team from the ACC or Big 12 win a national championship before the SEC gets its next one?

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

When the Big Ten refused to compromise on the 16-team playoff that the SEC desired, that left the SEC with a choice: Go to 24 teams, or stay at 12? The SEC chose 12. Did it make the right call? On today’s episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams unpack the inability for the SEC and Big Ten to reach a compromise on playoff expansion. Also, a debate of whether the SEC erred by adding a ninth conference game, in light of the playoff not expanding. Stiffening the schedule will make it more difficult for SEC teams to reach at least 10 victories, which appears to be a key number toward at-large playoff qualification. Finally, the hosts consider this question: Will a team from the ACC or Big 12 win a national championship before the SEC gets its next one?