College Football Playoff 2025: Dec. 19 Opener and Triple-Header
The excitement around the College Football Playoff (CFP) is really ramping up as we get closer to the 2025 season opener. With the Ohio State Buckeyes, led by star quarterback Julian Sayin, off to an 8-0 start, fans are buzzing about the upcoming playoff games.
The 2025 College Football Playoff starts December 19, launching with a first-round game at 8 p.m. EST on ABC and ESPN. The next day, December 20, brings a triple-header that kicks off at noon and continues with games at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., airing on TNT, TruTV, and HBO Max.
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Key Dates and Matchups for the 2025 College Football Playoff
This is just the second year for the 12-team playoff format, and it’s already shaking things up. The first-round matchups will be held on campuses and announced December 7—so there’s a lot of speculation about who’ll make the cut.
These games will set the tone for the rest of the playoff. With ESPN and TNT Sports collaborating, fans all over the country can tune in during prime time and not miss a beat.
Quarterfinals: A New Year’s Celebration
The quarterfinals are set to be a real highlight. It all starts with the Cotton Bowl at 7:30 p.m. on December 31 in Arlington, Texas.
On New Year’s Day, the Orange Bowl kicks off at noon in Miami Gardens, Florida. Then there’s the Rose Bowl at 4 p.m. in Pasadena, California, and the Sugar Bowl at 8 p.m. in New Orleans.
Quarterfinal Matchups
These four bowls—Cotton, Orange, Rose, and Sugar—are legendary in their own right. This year, they’ll host some of the best teams in college football, and the stakes are sky-high.
It’s hard not to get caught up in the hype. The atmosphere in these historic venues is always next-level when a playoff spot is on the line.
Semifinals and National Championship
The semifinals roll in early January. The Fiesta Bowl is set for 7:30 p.m. on January 8 in Glendale, Arizona.
The Peach Bowl follows at 7:30 p.m. on January 9 in Atlanta. These two games will decide who gets to play for it all.
Semifinal Showdowns
Fiesta and Peach Bowls have a reputation for drama, and with a national title at stake, that’s not changing anytime soon. Teams will be giving it everything they’ve got.
Whoever wins here moves on to the national championship. The anticipation is already building for what could be an epic finish.
National Championship Game
The College Football Playoff national title game lands at 7:30 p.m. on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It’s the final showdown, and the winner will be crowned the 2025 national champion.
Championship Aspirations
Hard Rock Stadium is going to be buzzing. The two best teams in the country, everything on the line—what more could you ask for?
Fans can expect plenty of drama and some wild moments as the teams fight for the title.
New Playoff Format and Broadcast Collaboration
The 2025 playoff is only the second year with the expanded 12-team setup, and honestly, it seems like most people are loving it. The partnership with ESPN, TNT Sports, and other networks means more ways to watch, which is always a win for fans.
Enhanced Viewing Experience
With games on ABC, ESPN, TNT, TruTV, and HBO Max, there’s no shortage of options. The coverage is about as comprehensive as it gets, so missing out really isn’t an excuse.
The 2025 College Football Playoff is shaping up to be quite the ride. From the opening round to the national championship, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Teams like the Ohio State Buckeyes are right in the thick of things. The schedule? Packed with games that could honestly go either way.
With ESPN and TNT Sports teaming up with the College Football Playoff, fans can expect a top-notch viewing experience. It’s college football on a huge stage, and it’s hard not to get excited.
For more updates and details, check out the official UPI Sports News page.
