2026-2027 College Football Playoff Schedule Announced, Las Vegas Hosts 2027 Championship
The College Football Playoff (CFP) has dropped its official schedule and host bowls for the 2026-2027 seasons. They’re sticking with the 12-team format that kicked off in 2024.
This announcement brings some big dates for quarterfinals, semifinals, and the national championship game—set for Las Vegas, which is a first. It’s a move that really nods to the CFP’s focus on competitive balance and fan experience.
There’s also a two-week gap between quarterfinals and semifinals, which is the longest since this 12-team thing started. The Rose Bowl isn’t in the semifinal rotation this time, and there are no plans to go beyond 12 teams for now.
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2026-2027 College Football Playoff Schedule
The CFP schedule for 2026-2027 is locked in, aiming for a smooth ride for teams and fans alike. Quarterfinals land on December 30 at the Fiesta Bowl, then pick up again on January 1 at the Cotton, Peach, and Rose Bowls.
Semifinals are set for January 14 and 15 at the Orange and Sugar Bowls. The national championship will wrap things up on January 25 in Las Vegas.
Quarterfinals
Quarterfinals start December 30 at the Fiesta Bowl. This bowl has deep roots in the community and always draws a crowd.
Then, on January 1, the action moves to the Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Rose Bowl. Not a bad way to kick off the new year if you ask me.
- December 30: Fiesta Bowl
- January 1: Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl
Semifinals
Semifinals will go down January 14 and 15 at the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl. That two-week buffer before these games? It gives teams some breathing room to regroup and get healthy.
- January 14: Orange Bowl
- January 15: Sugar Bowl
National Championship
Everything builds to the big one—January 25 in Las Vegas. It’s the city’s first time hosting the CFP national championship, which feels like a pretty big deal for both Vegas and college football.
- January 25: National Championship in Las Vegas
Key Highlights and Changes
The CFP is sticking with the 12-team format for at least the next few seasons. This setup has proved popular, and honestly, it seems to work.
Automatic berths go to conference champions from the Power 4 and the highest-ranked Group of 6 champion. Notre Dame? If they’re in the top 12, they’re in too.
Automatic Berths and Seeding
Here’s how those automatic berths shake out:
- Conference champions from the Power 4 conferences
- The highest-ranked Group of 6 champion
Notre Dame can grab a spot if it lands in the top 12. Top four seeds get byes, and seeds five through 12 host the opening round.
Rose Bowl Rotation
The Rose Bowl won’t be in the semifinal rotation this time around. It’s part of the ongoing shuffle to keep things fair between the big bowls.
Commitment to Consistency and Fan Experience
The CFP’s updated calendar and format are designed to keep things competitive and, honestly, a bit more fun for fans. There’s a real push for consistency too, which is refreshing in a sport that can feel a bit chaotic at times.
Rich Clark, Executive Director of the CFP, pointed out how much it matters to have bowl partners and local communities on board. Their support is pretty crucial if this expanded playoff is going to work.
Curious about all the dates and details for the 2026-2027 College Football Playoff? You can check out the official announcement for more information.
