The college football world is buzzing after reports surfaced that the College Football Playoff will expand to a whopping 24 teams for the 2027 season. While the deal isn't officially signed, sealed, and delivered just yet, fans are already having a field day with the implications—especially when it comes to USC head coach Lincoln Riley.
ESPN's Pete Thamel dropped the bombshell on Thursday, revealing that an agreement is in place to grow the playoff field from 12 to 24 teams. The new format would reportedly feature the four Power 4 conference champions, the highest-ranked Group of 6 team, and a whopping 19 at-large bids. That's a lot of teams getting a shot at the national title—and a lot of potential for chaos.
The CFP released a statement confirming ongoing discussions with ESPN, saying, "Constructive discussions with ESPN continued this week. We have enjoyed a strong partnership with ESPN since our inception and are appreciative of the productive dialogue we have had throughout the negotiating period and continuing over the last several days. We will provide additional updates on the matters of future format and media rights when appropriate."
But while the suits hash out the details, the internet is doing what it does best: making jokes. A fan on social media dubbed the 24-team format the "Lincoln Riley Act," a nod to the Trojans' recent struggles to even reach the 12-team playoff. The joke quickly went viral, with fans piling on.
"Lincoln Riley and USC will still find a way to not make the 24-team College Football Playoff," one fan quipped. Another added, "If he can make it through this season with his job intact, he may never get fired. Would be really funny if he still misses the CFP next year, though." Even a self-proclaimed USC fan admitted, "I'm a USC fan but this is hilarious."
While the memes are flying, the reality is that USC is actually in the hunt this season. At 6-1, the Trojans are very much alive for a playoff berth under the current 12-team format. But the road ahead is brutal: they face Wisconsin, No. 4 Ohio State, No. 5 Indiana, Maryland, and No. 12 UCLA over the next six weeks. If Riley can steer his squad through that gauntlet, the jokes might just die down.
Of course, the expanded playoff has sparked plenty of debate beyond Riley's misfortune. Some fans are fuming about the sheer size of the field, arguing it dilutes the regular season. Others are already pointing fingers at certain programs getting a "free pass"—like Notre Dame's playoff controversy—and wondering if the Irish will benefit unfairly from the new format.
For coaches like Riley, the expansion could be a lifeline or a punchline, depending on how you look at it. With more at-large bids up for grabs, a 9-3 season might be enough to sneak in, which could save a few hot seats. But for a program with USC's pedigree, simply making the field isn't the goal—it's winning it all.
As the 2027 season approaches, the debate will only intensify. But for now, the "Lincoln Riley Act" is the gift that keeps on giving for college football fans. And if USC stumbles down the stretch, you can bet the jokes will be even louder next year.
