LSU Coach Kiffin Criticizes Expanded CFP Schedule

Kiffin says new dates for quarterfinals and championship game are "even worse" for players

Feb. 6, 2026 at 12:31am

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LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has criticized the College Football Playoff's (CFP) new schedule for the expanded 12-team format, saying the dates "got even worse on purpose." The quarterfinals are now set for Dec. 30 and Jan. 1, with the semifinals on Jan. 14-15 and the championship game on Jan. 25. Kiffin questioned the long gap between the semifinals and final, arguing that players will have to wait "almost a month" between games.

Why it matters

The CFP's scheduling changes are aimed at promoting competitive balance and maximizing the fan experience, according to the league. However, Kiffin's criticism highlights concerns that the extended timeline could negatively impact student-athletes by forcing them to wait an unusually long period between playoff games.

The details

The 2026 CFP quarterfinals will be held on Dec. 30 at the Fiesta Bowl and Jan. 1 at the Cotton, Peach and Rose Bowls. The semifinals will follow on Jan. 14 at the Orange Bowl and Jan. 15 at the Sugar Bowl, with the championship game on Jan. 25 in Las Vegas. The 2027 schedule follows a similar format, with quarterfinals on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, semifinals on Jan. 13-14, and the title game on Jan. 24 in New Orleans.

  • The 2026 CFP quarterfinals will be held on Dec. 30 and Jan. 1.
  • The 2026 CFP semifinals will be on Jan. 14 and Jan. 15.
  • The 2026 CFP championship game will be on Jan. 25 in Las Vegas.
  • The 2027 CFP quarterfinals will be on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
  • The 2027 CFP semifinals will be on Jan. 13 and Jan. 14.

The players

Lane Kiffin

The head football coach at Louisiana State University (LSU).

Rich Clark

The executive director of the College Football Playoff.

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What they’re saying

“Somehow the calendar got even worse on purpose.... Kids play until Jan 25th and have almost a month between the games?!?!”

— Lane Kiffin, Head Football Coach, LSU (X)

“These dates allow us to maintain competitive balance, maximize the fan experience, and provide consistency for everyone involved in the Playoff.”

— Rich Clark, Executive Director, College Football Playoff (Statement)

The takeaway

Kiffin's criticism highlights the tension between the CFP's scheduling goals and the potential impact on student-athletes, who may have to endure an unusually long break between playoff games under the new format. As the expanded 12-team playoff takes shape, managing the schedule to balance competitive integrity, fan engagement, and player welfare will be an ongoing challenge for the league.