2026-27 College Football Playoff Schedule And TV Broadcast Details

The 2026-27 College Football Playoff (CFP) season promises to be an exhilarating spectacle, with a 12-team bracket that should keep fans on the edge of their seats. This season marks the third year of the expanded playoff format, bringing more matchups and, likely, plenty of unforgettable moments. From the first round to the national championship game, the schedule is packed with high-stakes action. Let’s look at the key dates, venues, and what fans can expect from this highly anticipated event.

First Round: Dec. 18-19

The CFP first round begins with four games at campus sites, giving the higher-seeded teams a unique home-field advantage. The action starts Friday, Dec. 18, with an 8 p.m. ET prime-time game on ESPN.

The excitement continues Saturday, Dec. 19, with three games scheduled throughout the day:

12 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN
3:30 p.m. ET | TNT/truTV/HBO Max
7:30 p.m. ET | TNT/truTV/HBO Max

Key Matchups and Storylines

These first-round games will determine which teams move on to the quarterfinals. With the higher seeds hosting, the atmosphere should be electric, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Fans can expect tense battles as teams fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Quarterfinals: Dec. 30-Jan. 1

The quarterfinals will take place at some of college football’s most iconic bowl games. The schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, Dec. 30 | Fiesta Bowl | 7:30 p.m. ET | TNT/truTV/HBO Max
Friday, Jan. 1 | Cotton Bowl, Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl

Historic Venues and High Stakes

The quarterfinals will be played at historic venues, adding another layer of prestige to the matchups. The Fiesta Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Peach Bowl are tied closely to college football tradition, and hosting CFP games only raises their significance.

Fans can look forward to top teams clashing in these storied settings. It’s hard to ask for a better backdrop for playoff football.

Semifinals: Jan. 14-15

The semifinals will feature two marquee matchups, with the winners advancing to the national championship game. The schedule is as follows:

Thursday, Jan. 14 | Orange Bowl | 7:30 p.m. ET | TNT/truTV/HBO Max
Friday, Jan. 15 | Sugar Bowl | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN

Clash of the Titans

The semifinals are where the competition reaches its peak. The Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl will host these pivotal games, and fans can expect a true clash of the titans.

The winners will earn a spot in the national championship game, making these matchups must-watch events.

National Championship Game: Jan. 25

The CFP season ends with the national championship game on Monday, Jan. 25, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The game will air at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

A Night to Remember

Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, will provide a spectacular setting for the national championship game. The modern venue is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and lively atmosphere, making it a fitting stage for college football’s biggest night.

Fans can expect a thrilling contest as the top two teams battle for supremacy.

History of the College Football Playoff National Championship

The CFP national championship game has delivered unforgettable moments and legendary performances since its inception. Here’s a look at the history of the championship game:

2015 | No. 4 Ohio State 42, No. 2 Oregon 20 | Arlington, Texas
2016 | No. 2 Alabama 45, No. 1 Clemson 40 | Glendale, Ariz.
2017 | No. 2 Clemson 35, No. 1 Alabama 31 | Tampa, Fla.
2018 | No. 4 Alabama 26, No. 3 Georgia 23 | Atlanta, Ga.
2019 | No. 2 Clemson 44, No. 1 Alabama 16 | Santa Clara, Calif.
2020 | No. 1 LSU 42, No. 3 Clemson 25 | New Orleans, La.
2021 | No. 1 Alabama 52, No. 3 Ohio State 24 | Miami Gardens, Fla.
2022 | No. 3 Georgia 33, No. 1 Alabama 18 | Indianapolis, Ind.
2023 | No. 1 Georgia 65, No. 3 TCU 7 | Inglewood, Calif.
2024 | No. 1 Michigan 34, No. 2 Washington 13 | Houston, Texas
2025 | No. 8 Ohio State 34, No. 7 Notre Dame 23 | Atlanta, Ga.
2026 | No. 1 Indiana 27, No. 10 Miami (Fla.) 21 | Miami Gardens, Fla.

Memorable Moments

Every national championship game has its own story, complete with dramatic turns and standout performances. From Ohio State’s stunning victory in 2015 to Indiana’s historic win in 2026, these games have earned a lasting place in college football lore.

Looking Ahead: Future Championship Venues

The CFP has announced the locations for future national championship games, giving fans more iconic venues and high-profile contests to look forward to:

2028 | Jan. 24 | New Orleans
2029 | Jan. 22 | Tampa, Fla.
2030 | Jan. 21 | Miami Gardens, Fla.

Exciting Venues on the Horizon

New Orleans, Tampa, and Miami Gardens are set to host future national championship games. The tradition of staging these marquee matchups in premier locations will continue, with each city bringing its own atmosphere and rich football heritage to college football’s biggest event.

As we look forward to the 2026-27 College Football Playoff season, fans can expect a thrilling journey from the first round to the national championship game.

With high-stakes matchups, historic venues, and unforgettable moments, this season promises to be one for the ages. Stay tuned and get ready for an epic ride through the world of college football.

2026-27 College Football Playoff Schedule and TV Broadcast Details