As debates swirl around the future of the College Football Playoff, LSU head coach Brian Kelly calls for a more objective, data-driven approach to team selection.
Reflecting on his past success under a computer-based system at Notre Dame, Kelly argues that analytics and strength of schedule should play a larger role in determining playoff contenders, especially as discussions heat up over a possible 16-team format starting in 2026.
‘It’s Very Subjective’ — LSU’s Brian Kelly Pushes for Data-Driven Fix to College Football Playoff Flaws
With discussions ongoing for a potential expansion to the College Football playoff system in 2026, LSU Head Coach Kelly revealed the method he’d like to see used to calculate which teams qualify for the playoffs, calling for a ‘data-driven approach’
LSU failed to make the playoffs last season for the second consecutive year, after finishing the season with a 9-4 record, missing out on the 12-team playoff after finishing 15th in the rankings for the playoffs.
LSU’s Brian Kelly Pushes for Data-Driven Fix to College Football Playoff Flaws
When Kelly was at Notre Dame, he made the NCAA National Championship game due to a data-calculated playoff system. Years after that season, Kelly revealed he’d like to see a similar method used to calculate which teams qualify for the playoffs, calling for a ‘data-driven approach.’
“To me, when I was at Notre Dame, we played for the national championship, and it was the old system, it was done by a computer,” Kelly explained, appearing on the Paul Finebaum show.
LSU’s @CoachBrianKelly explains why he’d like to see more data-driven decision-making in the @CFBPlayoff selection: pic.twitter.com/v0urxv0OSW
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) May 28, 2025
When questioned on the method he and the SEC coaches would like to see used in the future, Kelly revealed that he’d like to see a similar method used, speaking on behalf of multiple SEC coaches.
“What we’d like to see is maybe a combination of some of the analytics, some of the strength of schedule components.”
LSU Head Coach Calls For Revamped Version Of ‘RPI’ System Amid Disputes Over 2026 College Football Playoffs.
“I know a lot of people use RPI. We probably couldn’t use an RPI because we just don’t have enough body of work in terms of games. But if we can blend those two together so the selection process is a lot cleaner relative to who should be in and who shouldn’t be in…”
An “RPI system” refers to a rating percentage index, which is used to rank sports teams based on their wins and losses and strength of schedule.
“I think we started that with straight seeding,” Kelly continued.
“I think that was the first iteration of where we need to be. I think we can streamline it a little bit more with more data, and I think the more data we have, so you’re not just looking at the right-hand column, it can’t just be about that. It’s got to be about the best football teams.” The LSU Head Coach concluded.
As reported by Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, discussions are currently ongoing to reformat the College Football Playoff system from a 12-team to a 16-team format. The Big 12 and ACC are pushing for an automatic bid system; however, as it stands, SEC schools like Kelly’s LSU have all the power going into 2026.
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“I think you should earn your way in. It comes down to the image of the Big Ten and SEC and where they are, and there’s a lack of respect for the ACC. I don’t like it.” Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said.
Negotiations are reportedly pushing for a system shuffle for the 2026 season, with the 2025 season already set in stone as a 12-team playoff.
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