SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A major expansion could be on the way to the College Football Playoffs.

ESPN reports that CFP is nearing a deal to expand the field to 24 teams beginning in 2027.

Under the proposed plan, insiders report teams seeded No. 1 through 8 would earn a first-round bye, followed by a home game. Teams seeded No. 9 through 16 would host first-round home games.

The New Year's bowls (Rose, Fiesta, Sugar, Peach, Orange, and Cotton) would reportedly still host the quarterfinal and semifinal games, with the national championship game remaining in January.