2025–26 College Football Playoff Schedule: Key Matchups and Viewing Guide

The 2025-26 college football season looks like it could be one for the ages. There’s a lineup of matchups that’ll keep fans glued to their screens, no doubt about it.

Powerhouse programs and a few unexpected underdogs fill this year’s playoff bracket. Every team here has clawed its way to the top.

With the national championship up for grabs, it’s safe to say every game matters. The playoff action starts December 19, 2025, and wraps up with the national championship on January 19, 2026.

Here’s a rundown of the schedule, the big games, and where you can catch all the drama as it unfolds.

First Round Matchups

The first round gets rolling with some serious heat. On Friday, December 19, No. 9 Alabama squares off against No. 8 Oklahoma at 8 PM ET.

This one’s on ABC/ESPN, and honestly, it should be a wild way to kick things off.

Alabama vs. Oklahoma

Alabama’s got history on its side, while Oklahoma brings that fast-paced offense. It’s pretty much can’t-miss stuff for college football fans.

• Date: December 19, 2025
• Time: 8 PM ET
• Watch: ABC/ESPN

Next up, Saturday, December 20 serves up three more games. Kicking off at noon, No. 10 Miami heads to College Station to take on No. 7 Texas A&M.

This one’s also on ABC/ESPN.

Miami vs. Texas A&M

Miami, repping the ACC, meets Texas A&M in what could be a gritty defensive battle. Both squads have had solid seasons, so it’s tough to call.

• Date: December 20, 2025
• Time: 12 PM ET
• Location: College Station, Texas
• Watch: ABC/ESPN

Later, at 3:30 PM ET, No. 11 Tulane travels to Oxford to face No. 6 Ole Miss. Fans can watch on TNT/HBO Max.

Tulane vs. Ole Miss

Tulane’s the underdog story here, coming from the AAC. Ole Miss has looked tough all year, so Tulane’s got its work cut out.

• Date: December 20, 2025
• Time: 3:30 PM ET
• Location: Oxford, Mississippi
• Watch: TNT/HBO Max

The nightcap? No. 12 James Madison heads west to take on No. 5 Oregon at 7:30 PM ET in Eugene. You’ll find it on TNT/HBO Max.

James Madison vs. Oregon

James Madison, representing the Sun Belt, faces a stacked Oregon team. Could be a big opportunity for both programs.

• Date: December 20, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM ET
• Location: Eugene, Oregon
• Watch: TNT/HBO Max

Quarterfinals

Quarterfinals kick off with the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Wednesday, December 31, 7:30 PM ET. No. 10 Miami goes up against No. 2 Ohio State in Arlington, Texas, live on ESPN.

Miami vs. Ohio State

Miami’s playoff run continues, but Ohio State’s no easy out. Both teams can rack up points in a hurry.

• Date: December 31, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM ET
• Location: Arlington, Texas
• Watch: ESPN

On Thursday, January 1, three more quarterfinals hit the schedule. At noon, No. 5 Oregon faces No. 4 Texas Tech in the Capital One Orange Bowl down in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Oregon vs. Texas Tech

Oregon’s hoping to keep the momentum, but Texas Tech isn’t going to make it easy. A trip to the semifinals is on the line.

• Date: January 1, 2026
• Time: 12 PM ET
• Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
• Watch: ESPN

Later, at 4 PM ET, No. 9 Alabama meets No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential. Pasadena’s the place, ESPN’s the channel.

Alabama vs. Indiana

Alabama’s got its hands full with undefeated Indiana. This one feels huge for both teams.

• Date: January 1, 2026
• Time: 4 PM ET
• Location: Pasadena, California
• Watch: ESPN

The last quarterfinal features No. 6 Ole Miss and No. 3 Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Kickoff is 8 PM ET in New Orleans, live on ESPN.

Ole Miss vs. Georgia

Two SEC heavyweights go head-to-head. If you’re a fan of big moments, this is the one to watch.

• Date: January 1, 2026
• Time: 8 PM ET
• Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
• Watch: ESPN

Semifinals

Semifinal action starts with the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Thursday, January 8, at 7:30 PM ET. No. 6 Ole Miss faces No. 10 Miami in Glendale, Arizona, on ESPN.

Ole Miss vs. Miami

Ole Miss and Miami are both fighting for a shot at the title. Each team’s had to dig deep to get here.

• Date: January 8, 2026
• Time: 7:30 PM ET
• Location: Glendale, Arizona
• Watch: ESPN

The other semifinal? No. 1 Indiana takes on No. 5 Oregon in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. That’s Friday, January 9, 7:30 PM ET, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Indiana vs. Oregon

Indiana’s trying to keep its perfect season alive against a tough Oregon squad. This one’s got all the makings of a classic.

• Date: January 9, 2026
• Time: 7:30 PM ET
• Location: Atlanta, Georgia
• Watch: ESPN

National Championship

It all comes down to the national championship game on Monday, January 19, at 7:30 PM ET. No. 1 Indiana faces No. 10 Miami at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, with ESPN carrying the broadcast.

Indiana vs. Miami

Indiana and Miami are set to clash for the top spot in college football. Both teams fought their way through a tough playoff bracket.

This matchup? It could be the kind of finale fans talk about for years.

• Date: January 19, 2026
• Time: 7:30 PM ET
• Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
• Watch: ESPN

If you want all the gritty details—matchups, dates, times, TV channels—check out the full schedule at NBC Sports.