Lane Kiffin Slams College Football Playoff Format, Proposes Major Overhaul
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is never one to hold back his opinions, and this week he made waves again—this time taking aim at the College Football Playoff (CFP) system. In a candid interview, Kiffin voiced strong criticism of the current format and offered a bold suggestion that’s sparking debate across the college football landscape.
Kiffin, who led the Rebels to a strong finish last season, called the current CFP selection process “flawed and inconsistent,” arguing that the criteria for inclusion often favors brand names and conference bias over true merit. “We’ve seen teams left out who deserved a shot, and others get in based on reputation,” Kiffin said. “That’s not how championships should be decided.”
His solution? Expand the playoff field and implement a transparent, performance-based selection model. Kiffin advocated for a 12- or 16-team playoff structure that includes automatic bids for conference champions and clear at-large criteria—emphasizing strength of schedule, head-to-head matchups, and overall performance.
“This sport needs a system that rewards results, not just perception,” he added. “The NFL gets it right with a real playoff. College football should follow that model.”
Kiffin’s remarks have added fuel to an already growing conversation around CFP expansion, with many coaches and analysts echoing his concerns. As conferences continue to realign and powerhouse programs consolidate talent, calls for fairness and access have intensified.
The NCAA and CFP committee have already announced plans to expand to 12 teams in 2026, but Kiffin suggests that’s still not enough unless selection criteria evolve as well.
Known for his fiery takes and no-nonsense approach, Kiffin is once again challenging the status quo—and in doing so, he’s amplifying a message many in the sport are ready to hear: college football’s postseason must evolve.
