The new schedule for the next two editions of the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals and semifinals has been announced. In a departure from the first two seasons of the 12-team format, there will be a gap of two weeks between the quarterfinals and the semifinals.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel shared the news on his X account on Tuesday. Newly hired LSU head coach Lane Kiffin wasn’t a fan of the news, jumping on X to share his take on the new extended schedule:
“Somehow the calendar got even worse on purpose…. Kids play until Jan 25th and have almost a month between the games?!?!”
Here’s the full schedule for the quarterfinals for the next two seasons.
CFP Quarterfinals and Semifinals Schedule for the Next Two Seasons
2026-27
- CFP Quarterfinals
- Wednesday, December 30, 2026, at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
- Friday, January 1, 2027, at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential
- CFP Semifinals
- January 14, 2027, at the Capital One Orange Bowl
- January 15, 2027, at the Allstate Sugar Bowl
2027-28
- CFP Quarterfinals
- Friday, December 31, 2027, at the Allstate Sugar Bowl
- Saturday, January 1, 2028, at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential
- CFP Semifinals
- Thursday, January 13, 2028, at the Capital One Orange Bowl
- Friday, January 14, 2028, at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
CFP to Remain a 12-team Field in 2026
There’s been much discussion regarding changes to the format of the CFP, with some asking for different rules to qualify for it. While those discussions remain ongoing, one thing is clear now: In 2026, the postseason event will remain with a field of 12-teams.
In a statement in late January, CFP executive director Rich Clark said:
“After ongoing discussion about the 12-team playoff format, the decision was made to continue with the current structure,” said CFP executive director Rich Clark in a statement. “This will give the Management Committee additional time to review the 12-team format, so they can better assess the need for potential change. While they all agree the current format has brought more excitement to college football and has given more schools a real shot in the postseason, another year of evaluation will be helpful.”
The tension in negotiations stemmed from a difference between the SEC and the Big Ten. The SEC supported a 16-playoff, and the Big Ten was willing to compromise only if the SEC agreed to a 24-team playoff after three seasons. Maintaining the status quo was better than any kind of compromise for SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti.
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