The excitement is palpable as we gear up for the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff! Twelve elite programs are ready to battle it out for the coveted title of national champion in a format that promises to be thrilling and unpredictable. This year marks a significant change in the playoff landscape, as teams will need to secure three or four victories to claim the ultimate prize.
New playoff format and its implications
For the first time, playoff games will be hosted on college campuses, adding an electrifying atmosphere to the postseason. Imagine the roar of the home crowd as their team fights for glory! This shift not only enhances the excitement but also gives higher-seeded teams a distinct advantage, making every game crucial.
Will No. 1 Oregon rise to the occasion in their inaugural Big Ten season? Can the dynamic star running back Ashton Jeanty propel No. 3 Boise State to unprecedented heights? Or will we witness a Cinderella story with No. 10 Indiana making a surprising splash? The questions are endless, and the stakes are higher than ever.
Understanding the playoff bracket
So, how was this year’s College Football Playoff bracket determined? The playoff features five conference champions alongside seven at-large participants. The four highest-ranked conference champions earned a bye, while the remaining eight teams were seeded based on their positions in the final College Football Playoff rankings.
It’s essential to note that teams will not be reseeded in subsequent rounds, meaning each team’s journey to the championship is set from the start. This adds a layer of strategy and anticipation as teams prepare for their specific matchups.
Full playoff bracket breakdown
Here’s a look at the full bracket for the 2024 College Football Playoff:
First round matchups
- No. 5 Texas vs. No. 12 Clemson
- No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 SMU
- No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Indiana
- No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Tennessee
Quarterfinals
- No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State/No. 9 Tennessee
- No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame/No. 10 Indiana
- No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State/No. 11 SMU
- No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas/No. 12 Clemson
Semifinals
National Championship
Playoff schedule and key dates
Mark your calendars! The College Football Playoff kicks off on December 20, 2024, and will wrap up with the National Championship on January 20, 2025. Here’s a detailed look at the schedule:
First round
| Date | Matchup | Result | Location | Time | TV Channel |
| Dec. 20 | No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Indiana | TBD | South Bend, IN | 8:00 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN, Fubo |
| Dec. 21 | No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 SMU | TBD | University Park, PA | 12:00 p.m. ET | TNT |
| Dec. 21 | No. 5 Texas vs. No. 12 Clemson | TBD | Austin, TX | 4:00 p.m. ET | TNT |
| Dec. 21 | No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Tennessee | TBD | Columbus, OH | 8:00 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN, Fubo |
The first round will take place at the home field of the higher-ranked team, which means no bowl games are associated with these matchups.
Quarterfinals and beyond
The quarterfinals will be held at various bowl games, with the following matchups:
| Date | Bowl Game | Matchup | Result | Location | Time | TV Channel |
| Dec. 31 | Fiesta Bowl | No. 3 Boise State vs No. 6 Penn State/No. 11 SMU | TBD | Glendale, AZ | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN, Fubo |
| Jan. 1 | Peach Bowl | No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas/No.12 Clemson | TBD | Atlanta, GA | 1:00 p.m. ET | ESPN, Fubo |
| Jan. 1 | Rose Bowl | No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State/No. 9 Tennessee | TBD | Pasadena, CA | 5:00 p.m. ET | ESPN, Fubo |
| Jan. 1 | Sugar Bowl | No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame/No. 10 Indiana | TBD | New Orleans, LA | 8:45 p.m. ET | ESPN, Fubo |
The semifinal matchups will be determined after the quarterfinals conclude, leading us to the highly anticipated National Championship game.
TV channels and streaming options
For those eager to catch every thrilling moment, the majority of the playoff games will be broadcast on ESPN, with additional coverage on ABC and TNT. Streaming options include ESPN+, Max, and Fubo, ensuring fans have multiple ways to follow their favorite teams throughout the playoffs.
When does the College Football Playoff end?
The College Football Playoff is set to span exactly one month, starting on December 20, 2024, and culminating with the National Championship on January 20, 2025. Get ready for a month filled with intense matchups, unforgettable moments, and the crowning of a new champion!
As the excitement builds, fans across the nation are gearing up for what promises to be a historic playoff season. Will your team rise to the challenge? The journey begins soon!
