Here’s the lowdown on the 2025-26 College Football Playoff (CFP) schedule. This season marks the second year of the new 12-team format. The matchups were revealed on December 7.
Key Dates:
- First Round: December 19-20, 2025
- Quarterfinals: December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Semifinals: January 8-9, 2026
- National Championship Game: January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, starting at 7:30 PM ET and airing on ESPN.
The National Championship Game will conclude a thrilling month of playoff football. To understand the significance of these games, it’s essential to look at trends and stats.
According to recent data from the NCAA, the updated CFP format has brought in higher viewership. For instance, last season’s final had over 20 million viewers, a jump from previous years. This growing audience reflects a shift in fan engagement, especially among younger audiences who enjoy the drama and excitement of single-elimination tournaments.
Historically, the CFP has changed the landscape of college football since its inception in 2014. Before that, a BCS system predominantly dictated matchups. The transition to a playoff format allowed for more teams to compete on a level field, inviting diverse schools into the national conversation.
Social media buzz surrounding the CFP is also noteworthy. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) see a surge in activity during games, with hashtags like #CFBPlayoff trending. Fans engage passionately, sharing predictions, reactions, and celebrating their teams.
Here are important historical highlights from the CFP:
- 2015: Ohio State beat Oregon.
- 2021: Alabama dominated Ohio State.
- 2023: Georgia crushed TCU.
Looking ahead, the CFP championship games are set to bring excitement to different cities:
- 2027: Las Vegas will host the championship at Allegiant Stadium.
As the playoffs approach, follow along for updates and stats, and prepare for an exciting season! For more information on the College Football Playoff, visit NCAA.com.
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2023 College Football Playoff championship, 2022-23 CFP semifinals
