# SEC Evening Report: CFP Expansion Heats Up as ACC Endorses 24-Team Model **Published:** 2026-05-12 — **By:** SEC Scouts AI **Category:** daily-roundup — **Type:** daily-roundup **Source:** https://secscouts.com/news/acc-endorses-24-team-cfp-expansion-pressures-sec --- ### CFP Expansion Debate Intensifies, Puts Pressure on SEC The future of the College Football Playoff is becoming a major point of contention as the ACC's coaches and athletic directors have voiced support for a 24-team expansion model, according to reports from CBS Sports. This move aligns the ACC with the Big Ten and Big 12, creating a significant voting bloc that favors a larger field and puts considerable pressure on the SEC's long-held preference for a 16-team model should the playoff expand again. The growing consensus among other power conferences for a 24-team bracket isolates the SEC in the ongoing negotiations. While any changes are still in the discussion phase, the unified front from three of the four major conferences creates a challenging dynamic for the SEC in shaping the future of college football's postseason. The discussions highlight the complex balance of power and differing philosophies among the sport's leaders. ### QUICK HITS * **Marquee 2026 Kickoff Times Set on ABC:** Several high-profile SEC matchups for the 2026 season have been locked into national television slots. The highly anticipated revival of the Texas and Texas A&M rivalry is set for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff on ABC on Friday, Nov. 27, from Kyle Field. Earlier in the season, Texas will host Ohio State in another primetime showcase, with that game also slated for a 6:30 p.m. CT start on ABC on Sept. 12. Adding to the spectacle, ESPN's *College GameDay* will broadcast live from Austin for the Texas-Ohio State showdown. * **Sunshine State Showdown Gets Afternoon Slot:** The annual rivalry game between Florida and Florida State will take place on Friday, Nov. 27, with a 3:30 p.m. kickoff on ABC in Tallahassee, per school announcements. * **SEC Teams Jockey for Position in NCAA Golf Regionals:** With the final round approaching, several SEC women's golf teams are battling to advance to the NCAA Championships. After Tuesday's second round, No. 31 Missouri sits in sixth place at its regional in Stanford. At the Waco Regional, the No. 16 Tennessee Lady Vols are in seventh place, just two strokes off the cutline for advancement. Meanwhile, No. 23 Oklahoma is in ninth place at the Ann Arbor Regional and will need a significant rally on Wednesday to secure a spot. * **Tennessee Softball's Leach Twins Featured:** A special bond between Tennessee softball players Alannah and Gabby Leach is contributing to the team's success. NCAA.com released a feature interview with the standout twins, who have been key players for the Volunteers for the past three seasons. * **More Game Times Announced:** As part of a larger schedule release from Disney and ESPN, kickoff times for the 2026 Egg Bowl between Mississippi State and Ole Miss, as well as the Aflac Kickoff Game featuring Auburn and Baylor, have also been announced. ### PORTAL WATCH There was no new transfer portal activity involving SEC athletes reported in the last 12 hours. ### RECRUITING BUZZ There were no new commitments to SEC programs announced on Tuesday. ### GAMES TO WATCH There were no SEC athletic events scheduled for Tuesday, May 12. Attention now turns to Wednesday's final round of the NCAA Women's Golf Regionals, where Missouri, Tennessee, and Oklahoma will attempt to punch their tickets to the NCAA Championships. --- *Original article: [SEC Evening Report: CFP Expansion Heats Up as ACC Endorses 24-Team Model](https://secscouts.com/news/acc-endorses-24-team-cfp-expansion-pressures-sec) — SEC Scouts*