Story perspectives

Oregon Coach Lanning Questions College Football Playoff Format

12/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

Dan Lanning, the Oregon Ducks’ head coach, questions the College Football Playoff format ahead of the Orange Bowl quarterfinal against Texas Tech.
He argues the game should be at Texas Tech's home field to preserve home-field advantages for higher seeds.
Lanning criticizes the playoff breaks and calls for a weekly schedule like the regular season.
Despite a strong showing against James Madison, he says Oregon must improve defensively to advance.

History

Historical Context

The College Football Playoff (CFP) debuted in 2014, replacing the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) to enhance fairness in determining the national champion of NCAA Division I FBS football. Initially featuring a four-team knockout format, the CFP faced criticism for excluding deserving teams, prompting discussions about expansion. In 2023, the CFP announced a shift to a 12-team format starting in 2024, reflecting ongoing debates about equity in college football.

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Story summary

Dan Lanning, the Oregon Ducks’ head coach, questions the College Football Playoff format ahead of the Orange Bowl quarterfinal against Texas Tech.
He argues the game should be at Texas Tech's home field to preserve home-field advantages for higher seeds.
Lanning criticizes the playoff breaks and calls for a weekly schedule like the regular season.
Despite a strong showing against James Madison, he says Oregon must improve defensively to advance.

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