What happened: ESPN analyst Dan Wetzel linked a potential 24-team playoff field starting next season to independence for top brands. He described Notre Dame as positioned for near-certain access with full scheduling control. He argued Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State could pursue a shared scheduling agreement.

Why it matters: The 18-team Big Ten format lowered the competitive payoff of winning the league for its biggest brands, in his view. He claimed those schools could double or triple media revenue with eight or nine home games and self-selected kickoffs. Michigan floated leaving last November, giving the claim recent context.

What to watch: Playoff leaders will determine whether the 24-team format advances for next season. Responses from Big Ten and SEC leadership will show whether independence talk gains traction.