(BCSNN) — Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey revealed this week that discussions about expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) to 16 teams have gained unexpected traction among SEC leaders.

Speaking at the league’s annual meetings, Sankey acknowledged that while a 14-team model had been widely considered the next step, the idea of a 16-team format has become a central topic of conversation.

“Sixteen has had more traction in my league than I would’ve anticipated,” Sankey said. “We’re interested, not committed, but the interest level has gone higher.” The SEC, along with the Big Ten, is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of the CFP, particularly as discussions continue regarding automatic bids and potential structural changes to the postseason format.

Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti has also weighed in on the CFP structure, emphasizing the importance of maintaining competitive balance while ensuring the best teams receive fair opportunities. Petitti has expressed concerns about the potential impact of automatic bids, particularly if the SEC and Big Ten receive four guaranteed spots each. He has advocated for a model that prioritizes strength of schedule and overall performance rather than conference-based allocations.

The SEC meetings also included discussions about the financial implications of playoff expansion, particularly in light of increasing revenue demands due to name, image, and likeness (NIL) payments and additional financial aid expenses. Sankey noted that while no decisions have been made, the conference is exploring various options, including the possibility of eliminating its championship game in favor of play-in matchups for automatic CFP berths.

With the current CFP format set to remain at 12 teams through 2025, the next major shakeup is expected for the 2026 season. The SEC and Big Ten have made it clear they want the biggest say in determining the structure of the expanded playoff, with negotiations tied to the six-year, $7.8 billion ESPN contract that runs through 2031. As discussions continue, Sankey and Petitti will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of college football’s postseason landscape.

The biggest question that remains now is, will the Big 12 and ACC commissioners speak up, or will they be content to slowly be edged out of talks, money, and respect like the Big East and Pac-12 were?