Lane Kiffin says SEC schedule change makes 'zero sense'

The SEC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule in 2026. Fans and coaches alike have had mixed opinions, especially as it relates to College Football Playoff resumes. LSU football coach Lane Kiffin spoke about the matter on Tuesday -- he didn't seem thrilled with the change.

Per Kiffin, the switch to nine SEC games doesn't make sense unless its accomadated by a playoff structure that rewards tougher scheduling. Kiffin doesn't think the current format does that. "That was not a good idea until the system of how they selected teams was fixed, until it was fixed that there were automatic bids, until it was truly fixed that a strength of schedule matters how it should, much more like basketball does," Kiffin said.

"Until that's fixed, it made zero sense to me to go add another hard game, put teams on the road five times in this conference, which, top to bottom, is the hardest conference to play in and the hardest stadiums, but we did," Kiffin added. Kiffin said he understands the financial interest in adding another conference game, but now that the playoff hasn't changed much about the way it selects teams, it doesn't make sense from a competitive aspect. "You just got some more losses in your conference and beat yourself up more," Kiffin said.

In 2026, the CFP will remain at 12 teams. As the SEC was discussing scheduling adjustments, some expected a different format this fall -- a bigger playoff with more auto-bids for SEC and Big Ten teams. The SEC was fine with expanding to 16, but the Big Ten eventually wants 24 teams.