MARCH 14 MORE PLAYOFF EXPANSION The new structure for the College Football Playoff has yet to see the field of play, but it seems that the field will soon be expanded once again past its new 12-team format. According to reports from ESPN, talks are now in the “final stages” for the College Football Playoff deal that begins in 2026, opening the door for a 14-team playoff format. “This sets the stage for an expected 14-team playoff to start in the 2026 season, although the deal being agreed to does not specifically set a format other than saying the playoff will be at least 12 teams,” ESPN wrote. “The format will be decided at a later date, per sources.
“The details of what’s expected to be a 14-team field won’t be determined until after the TV deal is done,” the story later stated. The new 12-team format that will begin with the 2024 season will feature five automatic qualifiers (the five highest-ranked conference champions) and seven at-large bids, but the qualifiers for the potential 14-team field are still to be determined. Ole Miss has high hopes of reaching the newly-expanded CFP field this season, holding some of the top betting odds to make the playoff and coming in as a top-10 team in multiple way-too-early top 25 projections.
FEB 26 ALEX FAULK TO NC STATE Ole Miss Rebels staffer Alex Faulk is reportedly joining the staff of the NC State Wolfpack, FootballScoop.com reported on Monday. Faulk was the head of high school and junior college relations at Ole Miss, and his new position is expected to be as NC State’s director of recruiting. FEB 11 A ‘SUPER’ INTRO FOR PATRICK WILLIS Former Ole Miss Rebels linebacker Patrick Willis was recently named to the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, a fraternity that earned some recognition at the Super Bowl on Sunday.
