2025 College Football Playoff TV Schedule and Streaming Guide
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, brought a jolt of energy to the college football world. The day was stacked with College Football Playoff first round games and FCS Playoff semifinal showdowns.
Fans got a front-row seat to wild matchups, big upsets, and plenty of jaw-dropping moments. The season’s nearly at its peak, and honestly, the tension’s off the charts.
Let’s dig into the day’s biggest games and the moments that had everyone talking.
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College Football Playoff First Round: High-Stakes Showdowns
The first round gave us three games, each with its own flavor and a handful of heroes. These weren’t just about advancing—they were a stage for players to make their mark.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Noon ET saw the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies hosting the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. Even with the home crowd behind them, the Aggies couldn’t quite get it done—Miami edged out a 10-3 win.
ABC carried the game (also on ESPN), and Miami’s defense was relentless, shutting down the Aggies’ offense. The Hurricanes’ pass rush stood out, and a late-game interception pretty much sealed it.
Tulane Green Wave vs. Ole Miss Rebels
Next up, No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels took on the No. 11 Tulane Green Wave at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. TNT (plus truTV and HBO Max) had the broadcast, and honestly, most folks expected a close one.
But Ole Miss ran away with it, dominating Tulane 41-10. Their quarterback looked unstoppable, and the defense barely let Tulane breathe.
James Madison Dukes vs. Oregon Ducks
The last College Football Playoff first round game featured No. 12 James Madison Dukes against the No. 5 Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. This one had a prime-time slot on TNT and truTV, with streaming on HBO Max.
Oregon pulled off a 51-34 win, thanks to a wild offensive showing and some key defensive stops. James Madison put up a fight, but Oregon’s depth was just too much.
FCS Playoff Semifinals: Battle for Supremacy
The FCS Playoff semifinals added their own layer of drama. Two games decided who’d move on to the championship, and both were worth tuning in for.
Montana Grizzlies vs. Montana State Bobcats
At 4:00pm ET, the second-seed Montana State Bobcats faced off with the third-seed Montana Grizzlies at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana. ABC aired this one nationally, and you could stream it on the ESPN app.
Montana State took control early and never really let go, winning 48-23. Their offense was balanced, and the defense made life tough for the Grizzlies.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Villanova Wildcats
The second FCS semifinal kicked off at 7:30pm ET, with the 12th-seed Villanova Wildcats hosting Illinois State Redbirds at Villanova Stadium in Pennsylvania. ESPN2 had the coverage, plus streaming on the ESPN app.
Illinois State pulled off a huge upset, knocking off Villanova 30-14. Their defense was the story here, shutting down Villanova and forcing turnovers that swung the game their way.
Final Thoughts
The college football season just keeps getting better. You can almost feel the energy ramping up with each game.
The next round of playoff matchups? Yeah, they’re shaping up to be wild. If you want to keep tabs on schedules or catch breaking news, check out this comprehensive resource.
Honestly, with so much on the line, it’s hard to look away. Even if you’re just tuning in for the big games, there’s something about this playoff season that grabs you.
