The AAC prefers the CFP model with 5 top-ranked champions

ROSEMONT, Ill. — American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco said a playoff model that rewards the five highest-ranked conference champions is something “we should have” in college football’s new 12-team format if the Pac-12 disbands.

Aresco, who spoke to a small group of reporters after the first day of CFP meetings at Big Ten headquarters, said the CFP management committee did not talk about the future format on Tuesday, but likely will do so Wednesday morning.

The current proposal includes the six highest-ranked conference champions plus the next six highest-ranked teams — a model designed to reward Power 5 champions and top-5 group winners.

The format was agreed upon before sweeping realignment changes this summer doomed the Pac-12, leaving the conference with Oregon State and Washington State locked in a legal battle while determining the best path forward.

If the Pac-12 folds, multiple sources have indicated to ESPN that there is a strong preference to change the model to 5+7, which would mean the five highest-ranked conference champions, plus the next seven highest-ranked teams.

Aresco said: “I personally agree with the 5+7 plan, assuming that we will remain in 12 teams.” “5+7 is something we really should have, because otherwise, what’s the point of all the work we’ve done for 6+6? If there’s no Pac-12, you have four [power conferences]but you still want that V [spot] So that our group – 65 schools – will have a chance in the playoffs.”

Aresco’s public support for the 5+7 model is a crucial element of the closed-door discussions because he has been vocal in urging consideration of remaining in the 6+6 model even if the Pac-12 disbands because it would give the group too much weight. 5 schools have two guaranteed teams in the CFP. Even with what seems like overwhelming support for 5+7 within the chamber, there is a reluctance to commit to it with so much uncertainty looming in the Pac-12.

According to NCAA regulations, an FBS conference needs at least eight full FBS members who meet all bowl division requirements. The NCAA gives conferences a two-year grace period when they no longer meet membership requirements before changes are needed.

Multiple sources indicated they don’t even know if Pac-12 Commissioner George Klyavkov, who attended the meetings but did not speak to reporters, has a vote. There is still the possibility that Mountain West schools could merge with the Pac-12 to try to capitalize on their brand and potential assets, but that opens up the difficult question of whether the Pac-12 would still be considered a Power 5 conference, which gets the benefit of 80% of IMF revenues. . The group of five schools gets 20%.

According to the NCAA, a conference’s status as a self-governing conference is determined by the Division I Board of Regents.

“It will have to be seriously discussed,” Aresco said. “No doubt. Sure. I’ve heard about the idea of ​​playing as a two-team conference, and what are your voting rights? There’s a fundamental change here. There are things that weren’t thought of in the convention. All of these things need to be discussed.”