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Although the College Football Playoff will remain at 12 teams in 2026, the tournament committee has revealed playoff dates and bowl sites for the next two seasons.
Decisions focused on the dates of the quarterfinals and semifinals, as well as the decision to push the championship game even further into January, sparked backlash. New LSU coach Lane Kiffin is among those speaking out against the schedule.
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Lane Kiffin speaks during a press conference as he is introduced as the new head football coach of the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on December 1, 2025. (Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
The quarterfinals for the 2026 season will take place on December 30 at the Fiesta Bowl and January 1 at the Cotton, Peach and Rose bowls. The semifinals follow Jan. 14 at the Orange Bowl and Jan. 15 at the Sugar Bowl, with the championship game Jan. 25 in Las Vegas.
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Last month’s national title game between Indiana and Miami took place on January 19.
The quarterfinals for the 2027 season will take place on December 31 at the Sugar Bowl and on January 1 at the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl and Rose Bowl. The semifinals will take place on January 13 at the Orange Bowl and January 14 at the Cotton Bowl. The championship game is scheduled for Jan. 24 at the Superdome in New Orleans.
The College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy on January 8, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire)
Kiffin questioned the logic behind the extended gap between games, writing on
CFP Executive Director Rich Clark said the schedule is designed to promote competitive balance.
“These dates allow us to maintain competitive balance, maximize the fan experience and provide consistency for everyone involved in the playoffs,” Clark said in a statement.
The CFP logo on the field before the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on January 8, 2024. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)
“I also want to thank our bowls partners and their local communities for the incredible work, collaboration and commitment they have demonstrated throughout the first two years of the expanded playoffs. Bowls matches and the people behind them embraced the change, delivered it at the highest level and helped ensure the expanded format was a success for student-athletes, fans and the sport.”
The College Football Playoff began in 2014.
