2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Matchups and Schedule Announced
The College Football Playoff (CFP) Quarterfinal matchups for the 2025-26 season are finally set. Fans are buzzing about a series of games that’ll decide who gets to chase the National Championship.
The top four teams get a first-round bye, so the quarterfinals should be a real showcase of talent. These games will be played on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with teams like the Indiana Hoosiers, Ohio State Buckeyes, Georgia Bulldogs, and Texas Tech Red Raiders in the spotlight.
People can’t wait for these high-stakes matchups, all airing on ESPN. If you want the official rundown, here’s the announcement on fbschedules.com.
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Quarterfinal Matchups Breakdown
The CFP Quarterfinals start with a bang on New Year’s Eve. Three more games follow on New Year’s Day, each with its own flavor.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Miami vs. Ohio State
The first quarterfinal hits on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes host the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes at 7:30pm ET.
Ohio State’s got a strong offense and a tough defense, so they’re the favorites. But Miami’s a wildcard, and honestly, who’s counting them out?
Capital One Orange Bowl: Oregon vs. Texas Tech
New Year’s Day brings the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. At noon ET, No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders take on the No. 5 Oregon Ducks.
Both teams have been impressive this season. Texas Tech’s offense is explosive, but Oregon’s defense isn’t easy to crack, so it could be a real chess match.
Rose Bowl Game: Alabama vs. Indiana
Later, the Rose Bowl Game features No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers hosting No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide in Pasadena, Calif. Kickoff’s at 4:00pm ET, which is 45 minutes earlier than usual.
Indiana’s had a dream run and wants to keep it going. Alabama’s always dangerous, though—never count out the Crimson Tide in a big game.
Allstate Sugar Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Georgia
The day wraps up with the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs host No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels, with an 8:00pm ET kickoff—also 45 minutes earlier than in past years.
Georgia’s defense is legendary, and their offense isn’t too shabby either. Ole Miss has been tough all season, so this one could get wild.
Semifinal Matchups and Schedule
Winners from the quarterfinals move on to the College Football Playoff Semifinals. Here’s when and where those games go down:
- Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: Cotton Bowl (Miami-Ohio State) winner faces Sugar Bowl (Ole Miss-Georgia) winner on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Kickoff’s at 7:30pm ET on ESPN.
- Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Orange Bowl (Oregon-Texas Tech) winner meets Rose Bowl (Alabama-Indiana) winner on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. That one also starts at 7:30pm ET on ESPN.
Road to the National Championship
The semifinal winners will clash in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. That final game’s Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, with a 7:30pm ET kickoff on ESPN.
What to Expect from the Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals should deliver some of the most intense football we’ll see all year. Each team brings something different, and honestly, it’s tough to pick favorites across the board.
- High-Stakes Drama: With a semifinal spot up for grabs, expect teams to leave it all on the field. There’s going to be drama—count on it.
- Star Players: Watch for those breakout moments from players who always seem to show up when it matters most.
- Coaching Strategies: Coaches will have to get creative, especially if the games stay close. Every call could swing the outcome.
Fan Experience
For fans, this is the good stuff—top-tier college football, big crowds, big stakes. Whether you’re lucky enough to snag a ticket or just watching from your couch, it’s hard not to get swept up in the excitement.
Tickets are available, but they’ll go fast. If you’re thinking about going, you might want to move quickly.
Conclusion
The 2025-26 College Football Playoff Quarterfinals are right around the corner. You can just feel the tension building already.
Top teams are set to battle it out for a shot at the semifinals. The National Championship is within reach, but only for those who can rise to the occasion.
If you’re a fan, you probably don’t want to miss these matchups. There’ll be big plays, wild momentum swings, and, if history’s any indication, at least a few jaw-dropping moments.
Curious about dates or just want to keep tabs on the latest? Check out the official schedule for updates and details.
