Are You Ready? Shocking Changes to the 2025-26 College Football Playoff Schedule You Can't Afford to Miss!

The excitement is building as the schedule for the 2025-26 College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket has been announced. This season marks the second year of the expanded 12-team format, which aims to showcase a broader array of talent in college football. The playoff games will be held from December 19, 2025, to January 19, 2026, culminating in the CFP National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The first round will take place on campus locations, featuring games on December 19 and 20, where teams will compete for a chance to advance. Here’s a closer look at the schedule:

2025-26 College Football Playoff Schedule

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• First Round (December 19-20) — On Campus
  • Friday, December 19
    • 8:00 PM on ABC, ESPN, WatchESPN
  • Saturday, December 20
    • 12:00 PM on ABC, ESPN, WatchESPN
    • 3:30 PM on TNT, truTV, HBO Max
    • 7:30 PM on TNT, truTV, HBO Max
• Quarterfinals (December 31-January 1)
  • Wednesday, December 31
    • Cotton Bowl (Arlington, Texas) | 7:30 PM | ESPN, WatchESPN
  • Thursday, January 1
    • Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens, Florida) | 12:00 PM | ESPN, WatchESPN
    • Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California) | 4:00 PM | ESPN, WatchESPN
    • Sugar Bowl (New Orleans) | 8:00 PM | ESPN, WatchESPN
• Semifinals (January 8-9)
  • Thursday, January 8
    • Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Arizona) | 7:30 PM | ESPN, WatchESPN
  • Friday, January 9
    • Peach Bowl (Atlanta) | 7:30 PM | ESPN, WatchESPN
• CFP National Championship
  • Monday, January 19
    • Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida | 7:30 PM | ESPN, WatchESPN

The College Football Playoff has quickly become a hallmark of American sports culture, especially with its recent expansion. In 2023, the Michigan Wolverines claimed the national title, defeating Washington 34-13, marking their first championship since 1997. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum were standout performers, with McCarthy showcasing both his passing and rushing skills. Corum set a school record with 58 career rushing touchdowns, earning Offensive MVP honors in the championship game.

As we look ahead, it's worth noting the historical context of the CFP. The championship games have featured high-stakes rivalries and nail-biting finishes, indicative of the passion surrounding college football. For instance, 2021 saw Alabama dominate Ohio State, while 2022 highlighted Georgia's triumph over Alabama. These memories are now part of the fabric of college football lore, and fans eagerly anticipate how the new 12-team format will reshape future championships.

Looking to the future, the locations of upcoming CFP National Championship Games have been set: Miami Gardens in 2026 and Las Vegas in 2027. This strategic decision not only reflects the popularity of college football but also the growing desire to showcase the sport in vibrant cities that can host large-scale events.

The 2025-26 College Football Playoff is set to deliver thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments that engage fans nationwide. With the expanded format, every game holds significance, and each team has a shot at glory. As the playoff dates approach, college football enthusiasts can hardly wait to see which teams will rise to the challenge and etch their names in history.