Monday Morning Shakedown: Playoff Expansion, Alabama’s QB Race, and Kiffin Gets a Talking-To
College football never really sleeps, and this Monday morning there are three storylines stirring up the sport.
First, the playoff may not be done growing. Second, the quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa is starting to get real. And third, apparently the folks in Baton Rouge would like Lane Kiffin to put the phone down every once in a while.
The 24-Team Playoff Talk Is Officially Here
Just when everyone was getting used to the expanded playoff, there is already serious discussion about taking the format to 24 teams.
That’s right—24.
For some fans, it sounds like a dream. More meaningful games, more access for deserving teams, and more chances for programs outside the usual blue-blood circle to make a run. For others, it feels like the sport inching closer to a professional model where the regular season loses some of its edge.
The biggest question is simple: how much is too much?
A 24-team field would make the postseason feel more like the National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament than the old, exclusive championship chase. The debate will center on whether expanding access outweighs concerns about player workload, scheduling, and preserving the importance of marquee regular-season games.
But if there is one thing college football has shown over the last decade, it’s this: once expansion enters the conversation, it usually becomes a matter of when, not if.
Alabama’s Quarterback Battle Is Heating Up
At University of Alabama, the most important competition on the roster is beginning to take shape.
Five-star freshman Keelon Russell has generated significant buzz and appears to have the early edge as summer approaches. Russell arrived with enormous expectations, and by all accounts he has looked comfortable in the offense.
Still, head coach Kalen DeBoer is not ready to hand him the keys.
DeBoer has made it clear that no starting quarterback will be named before summer workouts. That means the competition remains open, and every rep matters.
Russell may be leading the race today, but in a program like Alabama, potential alone doesn’t win the job. Consistency, command of the offense, and poise under pressure will determine who takes the first snap when the season begins.
For now, Russell has momentum—but the battle is far from over.
LSU Wants Lane Kiffin to Tone It Down
And then there is the annual offseason reminder that Louisiana State University and Lane Kiffin remain one of college football’s more entertaining unofficial rivalries.
According to chatter around the sport, LSU would appreciate it if Kiffin eased up on the constant social media jabs and subtweets.
Good luck with that.
Kiffin has built a reputation as one of college football’s most active and provocative online personalities. Whether he is posting memes, taking subtle shots, or stirring up speculation, he knows exactly how to keep himself in the conversation.
From LSU’s perspective, the request is understandable. The Tigers would rather focus on football than serve as content for Kiffin’s timeline.
From everyone else’s perspective? This is part of the show.
Asking Lane Kiffin to tone down social media is like asking a marching band to play quietly. It might sound good in theory, but it goes against his nature.
Final Word
So that’s your Monday Morning Shakedown:
The playoff may eventually expand to 24 teams.
Keelon Russell appears to be leading Alabama’s quarterback competition, but Kalen DeBoer is keeping the job open through summer.
LSU would like Lane Kiffin to spend a little less time posting and a little more time staying quiet.
In other words, college football in May is doing exactly what it does best—giving us plenty to debate long before the first kickoff.
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