# Big Ten Stays at 18 Teams

> Big Ten confirms no more conference expansions after final decision.
- Title: Big Ten Stays at 18 Teams · CFB-HQ On SI | Shortify
- Summary: Big Ten confirms no more conference expansions after final decision. Big Ten will not add more teams despite proposed legislation allowing up to 20 members.
- Keywords: big ten, college football, conference expansion, protect college sports act, cfp, power four, sports, Big, Ten, Stays, Teams, CFB-HQ On SI
- Source: CFB-HQ On SI — https://si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/news/college-football-expansion-realignment-big-ten-decision
- Published: 2026-10-09T15:04:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: big ten, college football, conference expansion, protect college sports act, cfp, power four, sports
## Big Ten Expansion Decision
The most historic round of college football expansion and realignment took place in the Big Ten a couple seasons ago.
## Congress Bill for Expansion
Congress is trying to pass the Protect College Sports Act, which would allow the conference to add two additional members.
## Big Ten's Final Answer
Conference commissioner Tony Petitti said there are absolutely no discussions taking place around expansion.
## Big Ten's Current Size
The Big Ten has 18 strong members and is focused on growing within that number.
## Protect College Sports Act
The bill passed the U.S. Senate by a 77-22 vote and will go to the House of Representatives next.
## Big Ten Expansion History
The Big Ten added Nebraska, Rutgers, and Maryland in the 2010s and invited former Pac-12 members in 2024.
## Playoff Expansion Debate
The Big Ten supports expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams but will keep its current 18 members.
## Deadline for Decisions
CFP leadership has a hard deadline of December 1 to finalize any expansion plans for the 2027-28 season.
## Big Ten Stays at 18
Whatever happens, the Big Ten looks locked in at 18 teams.
## Key takeaway

Big Ten will not add more teams despite proposed legislation allowing up to 20 members.