In an exclusive interview with CBS Sports, Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti discussed several key topics that are shaping the future of college football. Petitti, a Harvard Law school graduate, has overseen the largest growth spurt in the Big Ten's history, making it the largest conference in FBS. With the conference's recent expansion to include new schools such as Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA, the Big Ten is now home to an unprecedented level of talent and dominance.

One of the major points of discussion was the upcoming expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) to a 12-team format, which will take effect this season. Alongside the SEC, the Big Ten, which boasts the reigning national champion Michigan, will hold the majority of the playoff spots in the new format. While Petitti acknowledged the desire for more high-stakes games late in the season, he emphasized the need to evaluate the impact of the expanded format on the regular season before considering any changes to the playoff structure.

Another significant topic of conversation was the House v. NCAA settlement. Petitti revealed that the Big Ten schools, due to their substantial media rights revenue of $75 million annually, are in a position to fully fund any requirements stemming from the settlement. While addressing the potential legal liability for the NCAA and schools, Petitti stressed that the settlement is not a cure-all solution but rather a critical step towards addressing the concerns in college athletics.

As discussion turns towards Congress's potential involvement in college sports, Petitti expressed optimism about positive conversations and the possibility of providing direct assistance to student-athletes alongside educational benefits and name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. However, Petitti refrained from predicting specific timelines, acknowledging the complexities associated with an election year.

Regarding the expansion's impact on minor sports, Petitti highlighted the need to minimize coast-to-coast travel for these teams while acknowledging the unique challenges associated with scheduling and individual institutional discretion. He emphasized the importance of receiving feedback from coaches and administrators to make necessary adjustments.

On the topic of strength of schedule and the possibility of 9-3 teams making it to the playoff, Petitti acknowledged the ongoing debate and mentioned that he believes the definition of success in competing for a championship should not solely rely on a near-perfect record. As the playoff format continues to evolve, Petitti expressed a willingness to learn from the current system before determining the best way to deliver an optimal postseason experience.

Despite Petitti's primarily administrative role, his television executive background prompted an inquiry into the overall state of college football. Petitti asserted that college football is thriving, driving tremendous engagement on campuses and having room for improvement. Notably, the upcoming season could feature a playoff game in a cold-weather venue, adding a unique element to the competition.

In conclusion, Petitti expressed a strong sense of responsibility to provide stability for coaches, administrators, and student-athletes in the Big Ten conference as they navigate the changing landscape of college sports. As uncertainties loom, Petitti emphasized the need to adapt and stay prepared for future challenges, including the potential for collective bargaining with players.

The interview with Commissioner Petitti shed light on some of the most pressing issues facing college football today and provided valuable insights into the conference's direction and priorities. As the new 12-team playoff format takes off and the House v. NCAA settlement takes shape, the Big Ten conference stands poised for continued success and influence in the world of college athletics.

Note: The content generated is based solely on the information provided, and some information is speculative in nature.