Official College Football Playoff schedule announced: Dates for 2025-26 CFP games

The 2025-26 College Football Playoff (CFP) is set to kick off the second season of the expanded 12-team format, offering fans a month of high-stakes college football action. The playoff will begin with the First Round on December 19, 2025, and culminate with the National Championship on January 19, 2026 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

2025-26 College Football Playoff schedule

First-Round

The CFP First Round will open on Friday, December 19. The following day, Saturday, December 20, features a tripleheader. All ESPN broadcasts will be accessible via the ESPN App. The specific campuses hosting these games will be revealed on Selection Day, December 7.

Friday, Dec. 19

• 8 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN, WatchESPN

Saturday, Dec. 20

• 12 p.m. on ABC, ESPN, WatchESPN
• 3:30 p.m. on TNT, truTV, HBO Max
• 7:30 p.m. on TNT, truTV, HBO Max

Quarterfinals

Wednesday, Dec. 31

• Cotton Bowl (Arlington, Texas): 7:30 p.m. on ESPN, WatchESPN

Thursday, Jan. 1

• Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens, Florida): 12 p.m. on ESPN, WatchESPN
• Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California): 4 p.m. on ESPN, WatchESPN
• Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, Louisiana): 8 p.m. on ESPN, WatchESPN

Semifinals

Thursday, Jan. 8

• Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Ariz.): 7:30 p.m. on ESPN, WatchESPN

Friday, Jan. 9

• Peach Bowl (Atlanta): 7:30 p.m. on ESPN, WatchESPN

CFP National Championship

The championship game returns to Miami on January 19. ESPN will carry the broadcast, concluding the 12-team playoff journey with the nation’s top college football programs competing for the title.

Monday, Jan. 19

• National Championship (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida): 7:30 p.m. on ESPN, WatchESPN

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