This year marks a significant evolution in college football, as the College Football Playoff (CFP) adopts a thrilling new format that expands the field from four to an exhilarating 12 title contenders. Fans are buzzing with excitement as this change promises to bring more teams into the mix, creating a more dynamic and competitive landscape.
Understanding the New Format
The 2024-25 edition of the College Football Playoff will feature the five highest-ranked conference champions along with the next seven highest-ranked teams. This means that not only the traditional powerhouses but also underdogs will have a shot at the national title. The bracket will be filled out based on the final rankings determined by the CFP committee, ensuring that the most deserving teams get their chance to compete for glory.
In this revamped setup, the top conference champions will earn a coveted bye, allowing them to rest and prepare for their quarterfinal matchups. Meanwhile, the remaining teams will clash in the first round, with the higher-seeded squads enjoying the advantage of home-field games. This format is designed to heighten the stakes and excitement, making every game a must-watch event.
Get Ready for the Action: College Football Playoff Schedule
With the new format in place, fans are eager to know when and where they can catch all the action. Here is everything you need to know about the College Football Playoff schedule, including TV and streaming options for each game.
College Football Playoff games will be broadcast across major networks like ABC, ESPN, and TNT. For those who prefer to stream, cord-cutters can catch the games on platforms like Fubo and Sling. If you’re looking to save some money, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99, which is a $30 savings. This subscription allows you to stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and over 200 top channels of live TV and sports without the need for cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
First Round Matchups
The excitement kicks off on Friday, December 20, with the first round of the CFP:
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFP First Round | No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Indiana | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN, Fubo |
The action continues on Saturday, December 21, with more thrilling matchups:
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFP First Round | No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 SMU | Noon | TNT, Sling |
| CFP First Round | No. 5 Texas vs. No. 12 Clemson | 4 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| CFP First Round | No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Tennessee | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN, Fubo |
Quarterfinals and Beyond
As the tournament progresses, the excitement only intensifies. The quarterfinals will take place on December 31 and January 1, featuring some of the best teams in the nation. Here’s a look at the schedule:
Tuesday, December 31:
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFP Quarterfinal (Fiesta Bowl) | No. 3 Boise State vs. Penn State/SMU | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
Wednesday, January 1:
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFP Quarterfinal (Peach Bowl) | No. 4 Arizona State vs. Texas/Clemson | 1 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
| CFP Quarterfinal (Rose Bowl) | No. 1 Oregon vs. Ohio State/Tennessee | 5 p.m. | ABC, ESPN, Fubo |
| CFP Quarterfinal (Sugar Bowl) | No. 2 Georgia vs. Notre Dame/Indiana | 8:45 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
The semifinals will follow on January 9 and 10, leading up to the highly anticipated national championship game on January 20, 2025, in Atlanta.
Previous National Championship Highlights
As we gear up for this year’s playoff, let’s take a moment to reflect on past national championship games. The history of the CFP has been filled with unforgettable moments and thrilling matchups. Here are some scores from previous national championship games:
| Year | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Ohio State 42, Oregon 20 | AT&T Stadium |
| 2016 | Alabama 45, Clemson 40 | State Farm Stadium |
| 2017 | Clemson 35, Alabama 31 | Raymond James Stadium |
| 2018 | Alabama 26, Georgia 23 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| 2019 | Clemson 44, Alabama 16 | Levi’s Stadium |
| 2020 | LSU 42, Clemson 25 | Caesars Superdome |
| 2021 | Alabama 52, Ohio State 24 | Hard Rock Stadium |
| 2022 | Georgia 33, Alabama 18 | Lucas Oil Stadium |
| 2023 | Georgia 65, TCU 7 | SoFi Stadium |
| 2024 | Michigan 34, Washington 13 | NRG Stadium |
| 2025 | TBD | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| 2026 | TBD | Hard Rock Stadium |
As the countdown to the playoffs begins, fans can only imagine the thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments that await. The excitement is palpable, and the stage is set for a college football season that promises to be one for the ages. Who will rise to the occasion and claim the coveted national championship? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this year’s College Football Playoff will be an event you won’t want to miss!
