2026 New Year’s Day College Football Playoff Schedule and TV Guide
New Year’s Day football in 2026 is shaping up to be a wild ride. There are three College Football Playoff Quarterfinal matchups on the schedule, so fans everywhere are buzzing.
Some of the best teams in the country will be fighting for a shot at the semifinals. The games are spread across legendary venues and, of course, ESPN has the broadcast rights.
It’s hard not to get a little excited. Let’s take a closer look at what’s coming up on January 1, 2026.
Contents
2026 College Football Playoff Quarterfinals
On New Year’s Day, the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals will feature three games that should have everyone glued to their screens. Each matchup has big stakes—advance to the semifinals, or go home.
It’s also a massive stage for players to show what they’ve got. There’s always a surprise or two when the lights are this bright.
Capital One Orange Bowl: Oregon vs. Texas Tech
The day starts early with the Capital One Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, Florida. At noon ET, the 5-seed Oregon Ducks (Big Ten) take on the 4-seed Texas Tech Red Raiders (Big 12).
Both teams have offenses that can light up the scoreboard. If you like fast-paced football, this one’s for you. Catch it live on ESPN.
- Teams: Oregon Ducks (5) vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4)
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
- Time: 12:00pm ET
- Broadcast: ESPN
Rose Bowl Game: Alabama vs. Indiana
Next comes the Granddaddy of Them All—the Rose Bowl Game at 4:00pm ET. The 9-seed Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC) are up against the top-seed Indiana Hoosiers (Big Ten).
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena is loaded with history, and honestly, there’s nothing else quite like it. ESPN will have all the coverage.
- Teams: Alabama Crimson Tide (9) vs. Indiana Hoosiers (1)
- Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA
- Time: 4:00pm ET
- Broadcast: ESPN
Allstate Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Ole Miss
The nightcap is the Allstate Sugar Bowl at 8:00pm ET. Two SEC teams—3-seed Georgia Bulldogs and 6-seed Ole Miss Rebels—will battle it out in New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome.
This one could turn into a defensive slugfest. Both squads are known for tough, physical play. ESPN wraps up the day with this big-time matchup.
- Teams: Georgia Bulldogs (3) vs. Ole Miss Rebels (6)
- Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
- Time: 8:00pm ET
- Broadcast: ESPN
Looking Ahead: College Football Playoff Semifinals and National Championship
Once the dust settles on New Year’s Day, everyone’s eyes will turn to the semifinals. The winners of the Cotton and Sugar Bowls will meet in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on January 8, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Orange and Rose Bowl champs will square off in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 9, 2026. These games will decide who gets a shot at the title.
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl hosts one semifinal on January 8, 2026. It’ll be the winners of the Cotton Bowl and Sugar Bowl going head-to-head for a championship berth.
- Date: January 8, 2026
- Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
The other semifinal is the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 9, 2026. That game will pit the Orange and Rose Bowl winners against each other.
- Date: January 9, 2026
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
College Football Playoff National Championship
It all leads up to the big one—the National Championship on January 19, 2026. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens will host the two semifinal winners.
Only one team will walk away as national champs. It’s the game everyone’s been waiting for.
- Date: January 19, 2026
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
Get Ready for an Unforgettable New Year’s Day
There’s something electric about the New Year’s Day 2026 college football lineup. If you’re a fan, this is the kind of day you circle on your calendar.
From the early kickoff in Miami Gardens, the energy will be high. And by the time the late-night showdown in New Orleans rolls around, you’ll probably still be glued to the screen.
Every game, honestly, feels like it could deliver something wild or unexpected. If you’re planning to watch, ESPN’s got the coverage.
Want the nitty-gritty on the schedule or thinking about grabbing tickets? Check out the New Year’s Day football 2026 schedule.
