Whether he was serious or not, Matt Rhule’s suggestion for a 40-team College Football Playoff has sparked a wave of backlash across the college football world.
During an interview with HuskerOnline, the Nebraska head coach was asked about the future of the College Football Playoff and what format would benefit the Huskers most. Rhule didn’t hold back.
“The more spots the better, man. Make that thing 40 and let’s go,” Rhule said with a laugh. “I think, again, you’re talking about a league that we play nine conference games where some others play eight. So I think that puts you at an automatic disadvantage.”
He doubled down on the idea.
“So the more spots, the better. We’re playing in a really, really tough league," Rhule said. "We’re playing really, really good teams. And you know what? If you play in this league you deserve a chance to get to the postseason and see what you can do.”
While Rhule may have meant it as more of a casual remark than an official stance, college football analysts didn’t take it lightly.
“Matt Rhule taking the college football power of my childhood, and turning it into a place where mediocrity isn't only accepted but encouraged, really is a plot twist I wasn't ready for,” Fox Sports radio host Aaron Torres posted.
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CBS's Josh Pate kept it blunt: “Just saw the Matt Rhule 40 team playoff quote I’m throwing up.”
On3’s Ari Wasserman also weighed in, saying, “Instead of soft comments about College Football Playoff reform, how about Matt Rhule — and others — just get better?”
The College Football Playoff expanded to 12 teams last season. While talk of future expansion to 14 or even 16 teams has surfaced in recent months, Rhule’s perhaps tongue-in-cheek call for a 40-team bracket has amplified growing concerns about watering down the postseason.
Critics say such an expansion would reward mediocrity. Rhule, on the other hand, appears to believe that if you battle through a tough league like the Big Ten, you deserve a shot — no matter your record.