What's Happening?
The schedule for the 2025-26 College Football Playoff (CFP) and bowl games has been released, featuring the second year of the expanded 12-team playoff format. The CFP will conclude with the national championship game on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The playoff begins with first-round games at campus sites on December 19 and 20, followed by quarterfinals and semifinals at traditional New Year's Six bowl games. In total, 36 bowl games are scheduled, with 42 games airing on ESPN/ABC networks. The bowl season kicks off on December 13 with the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.
Why It's Important?
The expanded playoff format provides more teams with the opportunity to compete for the national championship, increasing the stakes and excitement for college
football fans. The inclusion of more teams can lead to greater parity and unpredictability in the postseason, potentially benefiting smaller programs that might not have had a chance in the previous four-team format. The extensive media coverage and broadcasting of these games also highlight the significant commercial and cultural impact of college football in the U.S., drawing large audiences and generating substantial revenue for participating schools and networks.
