We're almost done with the roller coaster ride that was the 2025 college football season, and now it's time to crown a national champion as the 2025-26 College Football Playoff kicks off Friday and first-round games wrap up Saturday. bracket installed and the teams see a path forward – all that's left to do now is get things settled on the field as 12 teams compete for the national title.
No wonder that Indiana secured first place in the overall standings after being eliminated Ohio in the Big Ten Championship Game. This is the highest ranking in program history as the Hoosiers enter the postseason as legitimate national contenders fresh off their first conference title in 80 years.
Ohio State wasn't far behind. The Buckeyes, looking to defend their 2024 national championship, finished in second place, followed by the SEC champion. Georgia No. 3 and Big 12 champion Texas Tech at No. 4. These four teams receive first-round byes.
No. 9 Alabama started the CFP with comeback victory in the first round over No. 8 Soloitable.
Oregon (No. 5), Ole Miss (No. 6) and Texas A&M (No. 7) will play the first round games.
The top eight were largely locked out of Sunday's selection show. Then there was intrigue. Alabama was not punished for its lopsided loss in the SEC title game, holding firmly to 9th place. This opens up the possibility of a first-round rematch with Oklahoma, which beat the Crimson Tide earlier this season.
The real controversy came at number 10, where Miami edged Our Lady for his final at-large bid despite trailing the Irish in all previous rankings.
For the first time, two “five” teams reached the playoffs. No. 11 Tulane earned his bid by winning the American Conference, and No. 12 James Madison capitalized on ACC chaos to become Sun Belt champion.
Below you'll find all the information to watch every game, from the four first-round games played on campus to the CFP National Championship.
2025–26 College Football Playoff Schedule
All times Eastern
First round
Saturday, December 20
- (10) Miami at (7) Texas A&M: noon | ABC/ESPN
Kyle Field – College Station, Texas - (11) Tulane and (6) Ole Miss: 15:30 | TNT/truTV
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium – Oxford, Mississippi - (12) James Madison to (5) Oregon: 19:30 | TNT/truTV
Autzen Stadium – Eugene, Oregon
Quarterfinals
Wednesday, December 31
- Cotton Bowl (2) Ohio State vs. (7/10) Winner – : 19:30 | ESPN
AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
Thursday, January 1
- Orange Bowl – Winner (4) Texas Tech vs. (5/12): noon | ESPN
Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida. - Rose Bowl (1) Indiana vs. (8/9) Winner – : 16:00 | ESPN
Rose Bowl – Pasadena, California. - Sugar Bowl (3) Georgia vs. (6/11) Winner – : 20:00 | ESPN
Caesars Superdome – New Orleans
Semi-finals
Thursday, January 8
- Fiesta Bowl: 19:30 | ESPN
State Farm Stadium – Glendale, Arizona.
Friday, January 9
- Peach bowl: 19:30 | ESPN
Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta
College Football Playoff National Championship
Monday, January 20
- 19:30 | ESPN
Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida.
First round
Friday, December 19
- (9. Halbamia 34, (8 Daunchamahahoma 24 | Resume
Oklahoma Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium – Norman, Oklahoma
CBS Sports Graphics
