Mike Elko Backs Expanded Playoff: A Boon for SEC and National Fairness
College Station, TX — Texas A&M head football coach Mike Elko has thrown his support behind the recently updated College Football Playoff (CFP) format, calling it a “step forward for both the Southeastern Conference and the competitive balance across the country.” In a statement made during a post-spring press conference, Elko emphasized that the 12-team playoff model offers a more inclusive and merit-based system that reflects the growing depth of college football.
“This is what the sport has needed,” Elko said, speaking to reporters at Kyle Field. “For too long, the playoff has excluded teams that clearly deserved a shot. Now, whether you’re an SEC powerhouse or a rising program in another conference, you’ve got a clearer path.”
Elko’s support comes amid nationwide reactions to the CFP’s expansion from four to twelve teams, a change that goes into effect this upcoming season. Under the new format, the six highest-ranked conference champions will receive automatic bids, while six additional at-large teams are selected based on rankings. The top four conference champions will earn first-round byes, while seeds 5 through 12 will face off in on-campus matchups.
Elko, who enters his second season as Texas A&M’s head coach, believes the format favors not only strong teams from the SEC but also reinforces national parity.
“When you look at how deep the SEC is, you could have a two-loss team that’s better than an undefeated one from a weaker conference. The new system accounts for that,” he explained. “It rewards strength of schedule, grit, and performance over brand names.”
The new structure also diminishes the playoff bottleneck that has frustrated programs like Texas A&M in the past. In 2020, the Aggies were controversially left out of the playoff despite a strong 9–1 finish in the SEC West. “That team deserved a shot,” Elko said. “This format prevents that kind of injustice.”
Yet Elko was quick to clarify that his support isn’t just about SEC dominance. He praised the opportunity for Group of Five programs and underdog conferences to get a fair shake. “This format gives real hope to teams like Tulane or Boise State. If you win your conference and prove you belong, you’re in. That’s the essence of competition.”
Critics of the expansion argue that a larger playoff will dilute the regular season, but Elko dismissed those concerns. “Every game still matters — maybe more. Because now, even a tough early-season loss doesn’t mean your season is over. It just sharpens your focus.”
As Texas A&M eyes a return to national contention, Elko views the new playoff not only as a structural improvement but a cultural shift. “College football is evolving. We’re building a system that reflects that — one that’s earned, not assumed. That’s better for everyone.”
With fall camp on the horizon and the new playoff looming, Elko and the Aggies are embracing a new era — one where merit, not margin, decides who gets to chase the title.
