TNT is stepping into the college football arena this season, a move that has fans buzzing with excitement. Traditionally, college football has found its home on networks like Fox Sports, CBS Sports, NBC, and ESPN. However, this year, TNT is joining the fray, bringing the action to viewers across the nation.
What CFP games are on TNT?
In a thrilling twist, TNT will air two first-round College Football Playoff (CFP) games. Fans can look forward to the matchups featuring No. 6 Penn State taking on No. 11 SMU and No. 5 Texas facing off against No. 12 Clemson. Both games are set for Saturday, December 21, with the Nittany Lions and Mustangs kicking off at noon ET, followed by the Longhorns and Tigers at 4 p.m. ET.
Game Schedule
Here’s a quick look at the schedule for these exciting 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 |
Why are CFP games on TNT?
So, why the sudden change? The answer lies in a five-year sublicense agreement between ESPN and TNT Sports. This partnership allows TNT to showcase select CFP games, diversifying the viewing options for fans. Instead of all the action being confined to ESPN, college football enthusiasts can now tune in to TNT for some thrilling playoff action.
Starting in 2024, TNT will not only air these initial games but will also take on two additional quarterfinal games in 2026. This expansion is a significant step for the network, which has primarily focused on other sports like the NBA, NHL, and MLB until now.
What does this mean for fans?
For college football fans, this is an exciting development. The addition of TNT to the lineup means more opportunities to catch the games they love. With the playoffs expanding and more games available on different platforms, fans can enjoy the thrill of college football from various angles.
Luis Silberwasser, the chairman and CEO of TNT Sports, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture. “We’re delighted to reach this agreement with ESPN, providing TNT Sports the opportunity to showcase these College Football Playoff games on our platforms for years to come,” he said. Silberwasser emphasized that TNT Sports aims to enhance fan engagement and reach, making the viewing experience even more enjoyable.
College Football Playoff schedule
As the excitement builds, here’s a complete overview of the College Football Playoff schedule, including all the games and their respective channels:
- TV channels: ABC | ESPN | TNT
- Live streams: Fubo | Sling
Upcoming Games
Here’s a detailed look at the upcoming games leading up to the championship:
Friday, Dec. 20
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFP First Round | No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Indiana | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN, Fubo |
Saturday, Dec. 21
| 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 |
Looking Ahead
As we move into the later rounds of the playoffs, here’s what fans can expect:
Tuesday, Dec. 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, Jan. 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 |
Thursday, Jan. 9
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFP Semifinal (Orange Bowl) | Sugar Bowl winner vs. Fiesta Bowl winner | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
Friday, Jan. 10
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFP Semifinal (Cotton Bowl) | Rose Bowl winner vs. Peach Bowl winner | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
Monday, Jan. 20
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFP National Championship (Atlanta) | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
With all these exciting games lined up, fans have every reason to celebrate. The addition of TNT to the college football landscape promises to elevate the viewing experience, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. Get ready for a thrilling season of college football!
