2026-27 College Football Playoff Schedule Announced: Key Dates and Matchups

The Washington Huskies football team is gearing up for a big season in 2026. Preseason projections have them in the mix for a College Football Playoff (CFP) spot, which would be a pretty big deal.

If the Huskies manage to snag a spot in the new 12-team CFP, it’d be their third time in the tournament. It would also be their second appearance in just four seasons.

This would stand out, especially after all the recent hurdles. The loss of key players and head coach Kalen DeBoer following their tough defeat to Michigan in the 2024 CFP National Championship game still stings a bit.

Now, as part of the Big Ten, the Huskies want to make the most of their strong roster. Junior quarterback Demond Williams Jr. leads the charge, and there’s hope they can avoid the grind of long travel as they fight through a tough conference slate.

Washington Huskies’ Road to the College Football Playoffs

The Huskies have been to the College Football Playoffs twice already under the old four-team system. Their first shot came in the 2016-17 season, and then again in 2023-24—both times as Pac-12 champs.

With the move to the Big Ten, there’s a chance to use that experience and talent to grab a spot in the expanded 12-team CFP format. No one’s saying it’ll be easy, but there’s some optimism in the air.

The Significance of the 2026 Season

For Washington, 2026 is a turning point. The exit of coach Kalen DeBoer and several key players after the 2024 title game left some big shoes to fill.

Still, with Demond Williams Jr. returning—he led the Big Ten in total yards last year—there’s a decent foundation for a bounce-back. The team’s hoping he can steady the ship and maybe even spark a little magic.

College Football Playoff Schedule for 2026-27

The CFP schedule for 2026-27 is out, which helps fans and teams plan ahead. The quarterfinals kick off with the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 30.

Then it’s the Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Rose Bowl all set for Jan. 1, 2027. Semifinals land in mid-January: the Orange Bowl on Jan. 14, and the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 15, 2027.

Key Dates and Locations

• Quarterfinals: Fiesta Bowl (Dec. 30, 2026), Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl (Jan. 1, 2027)
• Semifinals: Orange Bowl (Jan. 14, 2027), Sugar Bowl (Jan. 15, 2027)

The 2027-28 schedule is set, too. Quarterfinals start with the Sugar Bowl on Dec. 31, 2027, and then the Fiesta, Peach, and Rose Bowls on Jan. 1, 2028.

Semifinals follow: Orange Bowl on Jan. 13, 2028, and the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 14, 2028. There’s a new twist this season—a two-week gap between quarterfinals and semifinals, instead of just one week. Not sure how that’ll play out, but it’s something to watch.

Washington’s Competitive Edge

Joining the Big Ten puts Washington in a pretty fierce conference. But it’s not all bad news.

Last season, three Big Ten teams made the CFP: Indiana Hoosiers (who took the title), Ohio State, and Oregon. The Huskies also get a break from those brutal east coast trips, so maybe they’ll be a little fresher for conference games.

Impact of Key Players

Demond Williams Jr. is back, and that’s huge for Washington. He led the Big Ten in total yards last year, so there’s no doubt he can move the offense.

His play will be a big factor as the Huskies try to survive a loaded conference and chase another CFP bid. There’s a lot riding on his shoulders, but he seems up for it.

Fan Engagement and Community

Washington Huskies fans can jump into the HUSKIES on ROUNDTABLE community—it’s free, by the way. Folks can share thoughts in text or video, and chat with Roundtable staff and other fans.

It’s a good spot to swap insights, celebrate wins, or just vent about the season’s ups and downs. If you’re a Huskies fan, it’s worth checking out.

Join the Conversation

Fans can grab the Roundtable APP for free and jump into the lively Huskies community. Chatting with other fans and catching up on news and analysis makes following the Huskies a lot more fun.

Want more info about the College Football Playoff schedule? Stay in the loop on the Huskies’ latest moves by checking out the official announcement.