More college football changes discussed at ACC Spring Meetings

TL;DR

ACC athletic directors and coaches are discussing significant changes in college football, including a potential expansion of the College Football Playoff to 24 teams. Spring practice formats may also be modified to benefit incoming freshmen and enrollees.

Key points

ACC meetings are discussing college football changes
Potential expansion of College Football Playoff to 24 teams
Changes to spring practice formats are anticipated
Fran Brown praises quarterback Malachi Nelson
SEC is the only Power 5 conference opposing the expansion

Mentioned in this story

Fran BrownMalachi NelsonFlorida

College Football PlayoffACCSyracuse OrangeBoston College Eagles

SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 29: Syracuse Orange Head Coach Fran Brown looks on from the sidelines during the College Football fame between the Boston College Eagles and the Syracuse Orange on November 29, 2025, at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syarcuse, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images ACC athletic directors and coaches are meeting this week in Florida and with all of the upheaval in college athletics, there’s a lot to discuss. Football coaches and athletic directors seem to be solidly behing expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams. The bigger question will be how the auto-bids will work in this scenario. Right now three of the four P4 conferences support a 24-team field, with the SEC the only holdout. Nothing will change for the 26-27 season, but it’s likely we’ll be moving to a 24 team CFP before too long. In other news, it seems like spring practice will change in the near future as well. Obviously the advantage here is to get more of your incoming freshmen with coaches during the early summer, but you also get the spring enrollees more time in the weight room before you get into practices. Coaches don’t seem to like spring games, so maybe schools will be creative and have an open practice followed by meet and greet. Speaking of spring practices, Fran Brown spoke highly of Malachi Nelson who appeared to be the 3rd quarterback for the Orange. Is this coach speak or will we see some depth at the QB position for Syracuse? Something to watch for in August.

Q&A

What changes are being proposed for the College Football Playoff?

The ACC is discussing expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, with three of the four Power 5 conferences in support.

How will spring practice formats change in college football?

Changes to spring practice may allow incoming freshmen more time with coaches and in the weight room, potentially replacing traditional spring games with open practices.

Who is Malachi Nelson and what is his role with the Syracuse Orange?

Malachi Nelson is noted as the third quarterback for the Syracuse Orange, with Coach Fran Brown expressing optimism about his potential.