**Penn State Coach James Franklin Calls for College Football to Have Expanded Playoff System**

University Park, PA – In a bold and thought-provoking statement earlier today, Penn State head coach James Franklin made a passionate call for an expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, urging the sport’s governing bodies to increase the number of teams eligible for postseason play. Franklin, who has long been an advocate for fair competition, argued that a larger playoff would help better reflect the diversity of talent and opportunities in college football, while also providing more excitement and inclusivity for fans across the country.

Franklin’s comments come amid growing discussions about the future of the playoff format, especially in light of the increasing dominance of elite programs and the challenges faced by teams from Group of Five conferences. Currently, the CFP features just four teams, which Franklin believes has limited the opportunities for deserving teams, particularly those from outside the Power Five conferences, to compete for a national title.

“I think college football is at a crossroads right now,” Franklin said during his weekly press conference. “We’ve seen incredible growth in the sport over the last decade, and it’s time for us to take the next step and ensure that the playoff reflects that. A larger playoff would allow more teams to compete, increase the excitement of the postseason, and reward more programs for their hard work during the season. It’s time to expand the postseason to give more teams a shot at the national title.”

Franklin’s remarks echo those of several prominent coaches, administrators, and analysts who have been pushing for a broader playoff system in recent years. With more than 130 FBS teams competing at the highest level, critics of the current four-team format argue that it fails to adequately account for the depth and variety of talent across the country. In particular, smaller conferences and mid-tier programs have often been left out of the conversation, despite impressive regular-season performances.

The debate over playoff expansion has intensified in recent seasons, particularly as teams like Cincinnati, UCF, and other non-Power Five schools have made compelling cases for inclusion. Franklin believes that a more inclusive playoff would allow teams from a wider range of conferences to showcase their talents and give fans a chance to see new, exciting matchups that might otherwise be overlooked.

While the College Football Playoff is currently set to expand to 12 teams in 2024, Franklin’s advocacy for further expansion could spark renewed discussions about the future of the postseason. He emphasized that the key to success in any new format will be maintaining the integrity of the regular season while ensuring that teams from all levels of college football have a fair shot at competing for a national championship.

“This sport is built on competition, and expanding the playoff is a way to ensure that the best teams, no matter where they come from, have a chance to compete for the ultimate prize,” Franklin said. “It’s about fairness, excitement, and giving every deserving team a shot.”

As the sport continues to evolve, Franklin’s comments will likely be a catalyst for ongoing conversations about the future of the College Football Playoff and the potential benefits of an even larger postseason format.