Get ready for an exciting college football season! The 2025-26 College Football Playoff is here, and it's time to dive into the action-packed schedule. This year, the CFP has expanded to a 12-team format, promising even more thrilling matchups and an intense battle for the national championship.
The bracket and matchups were unveiled on December 7th, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey. From December 19th, 2025, to January 19th, 2026, we'll witness the first round, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finally, the highly anticipated CFP National Championship Game. Mark your calendars, because this is one sporting event you won't want to miss!
Quarterfinals (Dec. 31-Jan. 1):
- Dec. 31: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami (Fla.) at the Cotton Bowl, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.
- Jan. 1:
- No. 4 Texas Tech vs. No. 5 Oregon at the Orange Bowl, 12 p.m. EST on ESPN.
- No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama at the Rose Bowl, 4 p.m. EST on ESPN.
- No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 6 Ole Miss at the Sugar Bowl, 8 p.m. EST on ESPN.
Semifinals (Jan. 8-9):
- Jan. 8: Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz., 7:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.
- Jan. 9: Peach Bowl in Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.
CFP National Championship Game:
- Jan. 19: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., 7:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.
The first round of the playoffs has already produced some thrilling results, with No. 9 Alabama defeating No. 8 Oklahoma, No. 10 Miami (Fla.) edging out No. 7 Texas A&M, and No. 6 Ole Miss taking down No. 11 Tulane. These early games have set the tone for an exciting playoff run.
The College Football Playoff National Championship Game has a rich history, with some memorable matchups and upsets. From Ohio State's victory over Oregon in 2015 to Georgia's triumph over Alabama in 2022, each game has left its mark. The future locations for the championship game are also set, with Miami hosting in 2026 and Las Vegas taking over in 2027.
Don't forget to check out the full schedule for the 2025-26 college football bowl games, including scores, TV channels, and game times. And for an in-depth look at the CFP bracket, schedule, and rankings, be sure to read the dedicated articles.
Lastly, let's not forget about the FCS national championship game, where Montana State and Illinois State will face off on a Monday night. After an exhilarating 2025 season, these two teams have earned their spot in the spotlight.
So, football fans, get ready to cheer on your favorite teams and witness the excitement of the 2025-26 College Football Playoff! Who do you think will emerge as the national champion? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions!
