2026-2027 College Football Playoff Dates and Bowl Sites Announced
The College Football Playoff (CFP) just dropped the schedule for its quarterfinal and semifinal games for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Fans, players, and, honestly, anyone who cares about college football will want to know what’s coming up.
CFP executive director Rich Clark says the organization’s all about keeping things fair, making the whole experience awesome for fans, and sticking to a solid plan. Let’s get into the details and see what these dates and sites mean for the next few years of college football.
Contents
2026 College Football Playoff Schedule
The 2026 CFP quarterfinals kick off December 30, 2026, with the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. Then, three more quarterfinals will follow on January 1, 2027:
- Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
- Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
- Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential
Semifinals
Two weeks later, the semifinals begin. The Capital One Orange Bowl is set for January 14, 2027.
The very next day, January 15, 2027, the Allstate Sugar Bowl will decide the other finalist.
National Championship
The 2027 CFP National Championship Game lands on January 25, 2027, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. That’s bound to be a wild scene—Las Vegas knows how to put on a show.
2027 College Football Playoff Schedule
For the 2027 season, quarterfinals start December 31, 2027, with the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The rest of the quarterfinals happen on January 1, 2028:
- Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
- Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
- Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential
Semifinals
Two weeks after that, the semifinals get rolling. The Capital One Orange Bowl is up first on January 13, 2028.
The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic follows on January 14, 2028.
National Championship
The 2028 CFP National Championship Game is set for January 24, 2028, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Can’t really beat the energy of New Orleans for a title game, right?
Importance of Consistency and Competitive Balance
Rich Clark says picking these dates and venues is all about striking a balance and making sure fans get a great experience. That kind of consistency matters for everyone—players, fans, and even the cities hosting these massive games.
Fan Experience
Making sure fans leave with good memories is at the top of the list. These bowl sites bring their own energy and history.
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, for example, is often called the “Granddaddy of Them All.” It’s hard not to get swept up in the whole vibe there.
Student-Athlete Experience
For student-athletes, it’s a chance to show what they’ve got on the biggest stage. The timing and locations are meant to give players a fair shot to get ready and play their best.
Community and Economic Impact
The cities hosting these games play a huge part in the CFP’s success. There’s a real economic boost—tourism jumps, and local businesses get a ton of extra traffic.
It’s a team effort between the CFP and its bowl partners to keep the playoff format working smoothly.
Economic Benefits
Hosting a CFP game can pump millions into the local economy. Hotels fill up, restaurants get packed, and the whole city feels the impact.
Places like Las Vegas and New Orleans, with all their entertainment options, are pretty much made for these kinds of events.
Community Engagement
There’s more to it than just money, though. These games bring people together—volunteers, business owners, local groups—all pitching in to make it special.
It’s not just about football; it’s about the whole community getting in on the action.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 and 2027 College Football Playoff seasons are shaping up to be pretty special. There’s a lot of buzz around the new schedules and venues—honestly, it feels like the organizers are pulling out all the stops.
If you’re a fan, you might already be counting down. There’s just something about college football that keeps folks coming back, season after season.
Want the nitty-gritty on game dates and locations? Check out the official announcement for all the details.
