Dan Lanning calls out CFP format, says Oregon should be playing at Texas Tech instead of neutral site
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Dan Lanning did not shy from criticizing the College Football Playoff format ahead of Oregon’s quarterfinal matchup.
The 12-team CFP format is in its second year, and Lanning’s squad has made the field both times. Having experienced both a first-round bye and a first-round home game, Lanning said the current format is unfair to the top-4 seeds.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Lanning said that the Ducks should be heading to Lubbock.
Dan Lanning didn’t hold back on the CFP format:
— Olivia Cleary (@LivCleary) December 22, 2025
“The way we do playoffs in college football is messed up… in my opinion, this game should be played at Tech. There should be a home field advantage for them.”#GoDucks | #WreckEm | #CFP pic.twitter.com/xZiJ8H4eW8
Many media members have also spoken critically of the way the first rounds of the Playoff are handled. In the current format, seeds 5-12 play CFP First Round games on college campuses. The top-4 seeds receive first-round byes, advancing to quarterfinal games that are played at the site of bowl games that were part of the previous New Year’s Six in the 4-team CFP.
In 2 years, Oregon has now experienced a first-round bye and a first-round home game. The Ducks were the No. 1 overall seed last year and hosted 8-seed Ohio State in the Peach Bowl after a first-round bye. This year, Oregon is 5-seed and back in the quarterfinals after a home win over 12-seed James Madison.
Oregon and Texas Tech will play in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on New Year’s Day.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
