Eric Morris Envisions Playoff Atmosphere in Stillwater, Malik Charles Questions 24-Team Expansion

STILLWATER, Okla. — What would a College Football Playoff game inside Boone Pickens Stadium look like? Oklahoma State head coach Eric Morris hasn't spent much time considering the possibility of an expanded 24-team playoff, but one aspect of the proposal already has his attention. The atmosphere in Stillwater.

During Tuesday's media availability, Morris and veteran Oklahoma State player Malik Charles were asked about the proposed expansion of the College Football Playoff from its current 12-team format to 24 teams. While Morris acknowledged he hasn't fully evaluated the proposal, Charles offered a more detailed perspective on what a larger playoff field could mean for the importance of the regular season.

Morris made it clear that his attention remains focused on Oklahoma State's current season rather than broader decisions about the future of college football.

"Just haven't really thought about it," Morris said.

The Cowboys' head coach explained that his staff spends so much time working on the program's immediate challenges that major decisions involving the sport's postseason structure haven't been a priority.

He also acknowledged the complicated financial interests surrounding potential playoff expansion. Morris said he would need to consider the advantages and disadvantages, including the possible impact on traditional bowl games, before offering a definitive opinion.  However, the idea of hosting a playoff game in Stillwater caught his imagination.

"I can imagine Stillwater and the energy around this place for a playoff game," Morris said. "That fires me up."

The possibility of a postseason game at Boone Pickens Stadium would provide Oklahoma State fans with an opportunity to experience a different kind of college football atmosphere. Still, Morris stopped short of endorsing the 24-team proposal, emphasizing that he needs to evaluate the larger implications before taking a position.

Charles, meanwhile, expressed mixed feelings about the proposal. As one of Oklahoma State's veteran players, Charles has witnessed significant changes across college football during his career. He acknowledged the appeal of creating a larger postseason field, comparing the concept to the NCAA basketball tournament.

"I have mixed feelings on it," Charles said. "It is pretty cool. It's almost like a March Madness argument."

However, Charles also believes a larger field could diminish the importance of winning games during the regular season.

"I think the 12-team playoff makes things more important for you to win," Charles said.

His concern centers on the difference between fighting for one of 12 playoff positions and competing for a spot in a field twice that size. Charles suggested that a team ranked inside the Top 25 would have a much greater chance of qualifying under a 24-team structure, potentially reducing the urgency attached to individual victories.

Under the current system, fewer available spots create greater pressure for teams to consistently win throughout the season. For Charles, that competition is part of what makes college football meaningful.

The two perspectives illustrate one of the central questions surrounding playoff expansion. A larger field could provide more programs with postseason opportunities and potentially create additional high-profile games on college campuses.

For schools like Oklahoma State, that possibility carries considerable appeal. At the same time, expanding the bracket could change how fans, players and coaches evaluate the significance of regular-season games.

Morris' comments focused on the potential excitement of hosting playoff football, while Charles emphasized the competitive stakes associated with earning a limited number of postseason berths.

Neither dismissed the proposal outright. Instead, their comments highlighted different considerations that would need to be weighed before the sport commits to another major postseason change.

For now, Morris remains focused on Oklahoma State's immediate responsibilities. The Cowboys enter Saturday's Homecoming game against Colorado with a 4-2 overall record and a 2-1 mark in Big 12 play.

But if college football eventually expands its playoff field, the possibility of postseason football in Stillwater is one Morris clearly finds exciting. Whether a 24-team format would make the sport better remains a separate question.