Kansas head coach Lance Leipold voiced strong support for the College Football Playoff expansion to 24 teams, a decision finalized for the 2027-28 season. Speaking to reporters in Lawrence on Monday, Nov. 9, Leipold emphasized that the move creates valuable opportunities for programs across the landscape. While acknowledging the complex logistics involved, particularly regarding the future of bowl games, he maintained that the expansion is ultimately a positive development for the sport’s growth and competitive depth.
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Drawing on his experience competing in Division III playoffs at Wisconsin-Whitewater, Leipold highlighted the structural differences between college and professional football. He noted that in the NFL, a regular-season loss by a top team carries significantly less weight than in college football. Consequently, Leipold argued that the college game must adapt to a new reality where teams with more losses will still secure playoff berths. This shift, he believes, is necessary to align the stakes of the regular season with the expanded postseason format.
Leipold stressed that while the expansion is “great,” the governing bodies and conferences must prioritize the management of the game calendar. “All in all, I think it’s good for opportunities,” Leipold stated. “I think it’s great. I think we have to continue to manage the calendar as good as we can, for the sake of the game.” His comments underscore a broader consensus among coaches that while the 24-team format changes the competitive landscape, it offers a more inclusive path to the national championship.
Source: Yahoo Sports
