What's Happening?
The College Football Playoff (CFP) has announced the schedule for the first round of its 12-team playoff format. The opening game is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on December 19, 2025, and will be broadcast
on ABC and ESPN. This will be followed by a tripleheader on December 20, with games starting at noon, 3:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. The games will be aired on ABC, ESPN, and TNT, with streaming available on the ESPN App and HBO Max. The first-round games will be played on campuses, which will be announced on Selection Day, December 7. This marks the second year of ESPN's expanded package, which includes sublicensing some games to TNT Sports.
Why It's Important?
The announcement of the CFP schedule is significant as it highlights the growing interest and reach of college football in the United States. The collaboration between ESPN and TNT Sports ensures that fans have multiple viewing options, enhancing accessibility and engagement. The CFP's coordination with the National Football League to optimize scheduling reflects the importance of accommodating both college and professional football audiences. The previous season's viewership numbers, with the CFP National Championship attracting 22.1 million viewers, underscore the event's popularity and its role as a major sporting spectacle.
What's Next?
Further details regarding the CFP schedule, including MegaCast information, are expected to be released later this year. As the Selection Day approaches, anticipation will build around which campuses will host the first-round games. The collaboration between networks and the NFL suggests potential future partnerships to enhance the viewing experience for fans. The upcoming games will likely continue to draw significant viewership, contributing to the ongoing expansion and evolution of the college football playoff system.
