Bret Bielema Makes Absurd Suggestion For College Football Playoff

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Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has resurrected his coaching career across several very successful years with the Illini. But he might have made some brand new enemies with his support of College Football Playoff expansion.

According to Pete Nakos of On3, the former Big Ten Coach of the Year asserted that he'd love to see "as many teams included as humanly possible" in the College Football Playoff. While he isn't a fan of 64, he heard that a 32-team playoff was floated last year and seemed intrigued by the idea.

"Personally, I would love to see as many teams included as humanly possible. It can’t go to 64 — I’m not talking about that. I think somebody floated 32 last year or something like that."

NEW: Illinois' Bret Bielema tells @PeteNakos the more teams in the College Football Playoff the better🏆

"Personally, I would love to see as many teams included as humanly possible. It can’t go to 64 — I’m not talking about that. I think somebody floated 32 last year or… pic.twitter.com/diRUyumCuL

— On3 (@On3) May 20, 2026

Backlash

College football fans have universally determined that those who express support for an expanded playoff are their enemies. The comments section of the On3 post are filled with people torching Bielema for showing support for a larger playoff, let alone a 32-team one.

"Why is 64 out of the picture if 32 is such a no brainer? It’s “just one more game.” In fact, why not just make it 128? What’s an extra round really matter anyway? While we’re add it, we could just include the FCS and Ferris State and make it 256," former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions mocked on X.

"It's always the coaches with trash teams that want more teams in," another said dismissively.

"Call me shocked a guy who’s never made it wants to expand so he can make it and keep his job," a third wrote.

"Guy who consistently hovers about 30 wants to let 32 in. Shocking."

"Says every team who can’t make it…"

In 17 seasons as a head coach, Bielema has had only three teams that would have qualified for a 12-team playoff, six that would qualify for a 24-team playoff and at least seven that would qualify for a 32-team playoff.

In a 32-team playoff he certainly would have qualified in each of the last two seasons.

It's not exactly hard to rationalize Bielema wanting a larger field if it means increased odds of contending for a national title.

This story was originally published by The Spun on May 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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