This year marks a historic moment in college football as the College Football Playoff (CFP) expands to include 12 teams vying for the coveted national championship title. For the first time ever, fans will witness a month-long playoff extravaganza, commencing on December 20 and culminating in the championship game on January 20. This exciting change promises to elevate the competition and bring more teams into the spotlight.
Exciting New Format
The expansion to 12 teams means that a total of 11 games will be played across ten different locations, creating an exhilarating atmosphere for college football fans. With the bracket now set, the anticipation is building as teams prepare to battle it out for supremacy. The first round will feature thrilling matchups hosted on college campuses, allowing the higher-seeded teams to showcase their home-field advantage.
On December 20, the action kicks off in South Bend, Indiana, where No. 7 Notre Dame will face off against No. 10 Indiana at the iconic Notre Dame Stadium. The following day, fans can look forward to a doubleheader, starting with No. 6 Penn State taking on No. 11 SMU at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania, at noon. Later that day, No. 5 Texas will host No. 12 Clemson in Austin, while No. 8 Ohio State battles No. 9 Tennessee under the lights in Columbus. This lineup promises to deliver unforgettable moments and thrilling plays.
First Round Matchups
Here’s a closer look at the first-round matchups and their locations:
| Date | Location | Stadium | Matchup | Time | TV Channel |
| Dec. 20 | South Bend, IN | Notre Dame Stadium | No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Indiana | 8:00 p.m. ET | ABC and ESPN |
| Dec. 21 | State College, PA | Beaver Stadium | No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 SMU | 12:00 p.m. ET | TNT |
| Dec. 21 | Austin, TX | Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium | No. 5 Texas vs. No. 12 Clemson | 4:00 p.m. ET | TNT |
| Dec. 21 | Columbus, Ohio | Ohio Stadium | No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Tennessee | 8:00 p.m. ET | ABC and ESPN |
The excitement doesn’t stop there! Following the first round, the quarterfinals will showcase the six prestigious New Year’s bowls. These bowls will rotate as hosts for the quarterfinals and semifinals, with the top four seeds automatically advancing. This year, the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Sugar Bowl will all play a significant role in determining which teams move forward in the playoff.
Quarterfinals and Semifinals
As we look ahead, here’s what to expect in the quarterfinals:
| Date | Bowl Game | Matchup | Location | Stadium | Time | TV Channel |
| Dec. 31 | Fiesta Bowl | No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State/No. 11 SMU | Glendale, AZ | State Farm Stadium | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Peach Bowl | No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas/No. 12 Clemson | Atlanta, GA | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 1:00 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Rose Bowl | No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State/No. 9 Tennessee | Pasadena, CA | Rose Bowl Stadium | 5:00 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Sugar Bowl | No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame/No. 10 Indiana | New Orleans, LA | Caesars Superdome | 8:45 p.m. ET | ESPN |
The semifinals will follow closely, hosted by the final two New Year’s bowls a week later. Fans can expect intense matchups as teams fight for a spot in the championship game.
Championship Showdown
The grand finale will take place on January 20, when the CFP National Championship will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This will be the second time Atlanta has hosted the championship, the first being in 2018 when Alabama triumphed over Georgia in a thrilling overtime showdown.
With the expanded playoff format, the excitement is palpable, and the stakes have never been higher. College football fans are in for a treat as they witness a month filled with unforgettable moments, fierce rivalries, and the quest for glory. Who will rise to the occasion and claim the national championship? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this year’s playoff will be one for the history books!
