(BCSNN) -- Illinois head coach Bret Bielema continues to voice his support for a 24‑team College Football Playoff, joining coaches from - and even the league offices of - the SEC, Big 12 and Big Ten in backing an expanded format for the CFP.

Speaking Tuesday on 104.3 The Score in Chicago, Bielema pushed back on the idea that a larger field would diminish the value of the regular season, arguing instead that it would “enhance” the final stretch.

Bielema pointed to the importance of home playoff games, which have already proven impactful in the first two years of the 12‑team bracket. Home teams are 6–2 in first‑round games across 2024 and 2025, and Bielema believes that incentive would keep teams playing starters deep into November.

“Everybody’s poo‑pooing on 24, whatever it is,” Bielema said on Mully & Haugh. “But if you look at it this way, I think it would actually enhance the last six games because three things are going on. If you have a 24‑team Playoff, where two of the first games are played at home, those teams that want those two first games to be at home are going to do everything they can to have as high a ranking as possible. There’s not going to be any sitting on the bench. Nobody’s going to be worrying about resting their starters because you’re going to get into the playoffs and have two home games in the month of December is, like, crazy insane.

“So those games at the end of the year, they’re not going to lessen. They’re going to actually enhance. When we play Northwestern at the end of the year – whether we’re in it, they’re in it or whoever’s in it – those games matter. I think it would actually do more to enhance the end‑of‑the‑year playoff field than anything.”

The Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC, along with the AFCA, have all expressed support for a 24‑team model. Bielema serves on the AFCA board. However, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey pushed back on the idea during the league’s spring meetings last week. With the SEC and Big Ten holding the most influence over the CFP’s future, their differing views add complexity to the ongoing discussions.

Despite the debate, Bielema said he believes the sport is thriving in the current era, citing strong television ratings and increased parity.

“This [era] of football that we’re in right now, college football, is at an unprecedented high,” Bielema said. “It’s really fun.

“Everybody wants to find a reason to poo‑poo it. I’m telling you, it’s at an unbelievable presence and awareness. It’s unbelievable.”

The playoff will remain at 12 teams for the upcoming season. The deadline to determine the format for 2027 is Dec. 1.