The 2025-26 College Football Playoff bracket is officially composed, presenting teams a clear pathway towards the national championship. Following an eventful regular season that included dramatic moments and tight conference championships, the top programs now turn their focus to the CFP, seeking their opportunity to claim college football’s highest accolade.

After Indiana’s remarkable Big Ten championship win against Ohio State, the Hoosiers enter this playoff as the No. 1 seed. Despite their defeat, the Buckeyes’ ranking remains strong, landing them in the second spot, while SEC champion Georgia secures the third seed, followed by Big 12 champion Texas Tech at No. 4. All four teams earned first-round byes, but exciting matchups are set for the opening round.

The playoff kicks off with four first-round games scheduled for Friday, December 19, and Saturday, December 20. Quarterfinal winners will proceed to the semifinals on January 8 and 9, with the national championship game planned for Monday, January 20, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Schedule of the 2025-26 College Football Playoff

First Round

Friday, Dec. 19

• (9) Alabama at (8) Oklahoma: 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium – Norman, Oklahoma

Saturday, Dec. 20

• (10) Miami at (7) Texas A&M: Noon | ABC/ESPN Kyle Field – College Station, Texas
• (11) Tulane at (6) Ole Miss: 3:30 p.m. | TNT/truTV Vaught-Hemingway Stadium – Oxford, Mississippi
• (12) James Madison at (5) Oregon: 7:30 p.m. | TNT/truTV Autzen Stadium – Eugene, Oregon

Quarterfinals

Wednesday, Dec. 31

• Cotton Bowl – (2) Ohio State vs. (7/10) Winner: 7:30 p.m. | ESPN AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas

Thursday, Jan. 1

• Orange Bowl – (4) Texas Tech vs. (5/12) winner: Noon | ESPN Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Fla.
• Rose Bowl – (1) Indiana vs. (8/9) Winner: 4 p.m. | ESPN Rose Bowl – Pasadena, Calif.
• Sugar Bowl – (3) Georgia vs. (6/11) Winner: 8 p.m. | ESPN Caesars Superdome – New Orleans

Semifinals

Thursday, Jan. 8

• Fiesta Bowl: 7:30 p.m. | ESPN State Farm Stadium – Glendale, Ariz.

Friday, Jan. 9

• Peach Bowl: 7:30 p.m. | ESPN Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta

National Championship

Monday, Jan. 20

• 7:30 p.m. | ESPN Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Fla.