The 2025-26 College Football Playoff (CFP) marks the second season featuring a 12-team format, introducing an expanded postseason structure that enhances competition and fan engagement. With more teams vying for the championship, the stakes are higher, and the excitement is greater than ever.
2025-26 College Football Playoff
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Format | 12-team playoff |
| First Round | December 19-20, 2025 |
| Quarterfinals | December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026 |
| Semifinals | January 8-9, 2026 |
| Championship Game | January 19, 2026 |
| Main Broadcaster | ESPN |
| Additional Coverage | TNT Sports (First Round) |
| Official Website | College Football Playoff |
2025-26 College Football Playoff
| Round | Date(s) | Bowl Game | Location | TV Broadcast |
| First Round | December 19-20, 2025 | Campus Sites | Higher-seeded team’s stadium | ESPN, TNT |
| Quarterfinals | December 31, 2025 | Cotton Bowl | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX | ESPN |
| January 1, 2026 | Orange Bowl | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL | ESPN | |
| January 1, 2026 | Rose Bowl | Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA | ESPN | |
| January 1, 2026 | Sugar Bowl | Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA | ESPN | |
| Semifinals | January 8, 2026 | Fiesta Bowl | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ | ESPN |
| January 9, 2026 | Peach Bowl | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | ESPN | |
| Championship | January 19, 2026 | N/A | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL | ESPN |
The 2025-26 College Football Playoff ushers in a new era of competition, making the race to the national championship more exciting and inclusive than ever. With expanded coverage, more teams in contention, and a thrilling schedule, this season is set to deliver unforgettable moments for players, coaches, and fans alike.
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2025-26 College Football Playoff Expanded Format: What It Means for Teams
The transition to a 12-team playoff system allows for greater inclusion of teams from various conferences. The format includes:
- Top 4 Conference Champions receive a first-round bye.
- Teams ranked 5-12 compete in the first round at campus sites.
- Quarterfinals and semifinals are played at New Year’s Six bowl locations.
- The National Championship Game determines the winner in a neutral-site stadium.
2025-26 College Football Playoff Television Broadcasts & Coverage
The 2025-26 CFP games will be exclusively broadcast on ESPN, with TNT Sports sublicensing rights to air two first-round games. This expanded coverage ensures that fans have multiple options for viewing the most important games of the season.
Where to Watch
- ESPN: Exclusive rights to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship.
- TNT Sports: Additional first-round game broadcasts.
- Streaming Options: ESPN+ and official CFP streaming services.
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2025-26 College Football Playoff Key Matchups & Traditional Bowl Alignments
While the teams competing will be determined by their regular-season and championship performances, historical bowl game alignments suggest:
- Rose Bowl: Typically features Big Ten vs. Pac-12 teams.
- Sugar Bowl: Often hosts SEC vs. Big 12 teams.
- Orange Bowl: Features an ACC team vs. an at-large selection (SEC, Big Ten, or Notre Dame).
With the 12-team format, these matchups may vary, allowing for more competitive and diverse pairings.
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2025-26 College Football Playoff (FAQs)
What is the new College Football Playoff format?
The 12-team format includes automatic bids for top-ranked conference champions, plus at-large selections based on rankings. The top four teams receive a first-round bye.
When will the championship game take place?
The National Championship Game will be played on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL.
Which channels will broadcast the games?
ESPN has exclusive broadcast rights, with TNT Sports airing select first-round games.
Can fans attend first-round games at campus sites?
Yes! The higher-seeded teams will host the first-round games at their home stadiums, giving fans a rare opportunity to witness playoff football on college campuses.
