College Football Playoff 2025 Schedule: Bracket, Dates, and Game Times

The College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket for 2025 is out, and fans are buzzing about the matchups. The top four seeds get byes, so first-round games will happen on campus—can you imagine the energy?

Let’s break down the matchups, game times, and dates. Here’s what’s coming up soon.

First-Round Matchups

The first round brings four games that should set the tone for the rest of the playoff. Here’s what you need to know:

• No. 9 Alabama (10-3) at Oklahoma (10-2), 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19 (ABC, ESPN)
• No. 10 Miami (10-2) at No. 7 Texas A&M (11-1), noon, Saturday, Dec. 20 (ABC, ESPN)
• No. 11 Tulane (11-2) at No. 6 Ole Miss (11-1), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20 (TNT, truTV)
• No. 12 James Madison (12-1) at No. 5 Oregon (11-1), 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20 (TNT, truTV)

Winners from these games move on to face the top four seeds. Each one feels like it could go either way—pressure’s on.

Alabama vs. Oklahoma

Alabama’s rolling in with a 10-3 record and heading to Oklahoma, who finished 10-2. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, on ABC and ESPN.

Both teams have big histories and high-powered offenses. This one’s got “can’t-miss” written all over it.

Miami vs. Texas A&M

Saturday, Dec. 20, at noon, Miami (10-2) heads to Texas A&M (11-1). You’ll catch it on ABC and ESPN.

The Aggies are favored, but Miami’s got the kind of roster that could shake things up if they hit their stride.

Tulane vs. Ole Miss

At 3:30 p.m. that same Saturday, Tulane (11-2) faces Ole Miss (11-1). TNT and truTV have the broadcast.

Ole Miss had a strong season, but Tulane’s shown real grit. This could get interesting fast.

James Madison vs. Oregon

Wrapping up the first round, James Madison (12-1) takes on Oregon (11-1) at 7:30 p.m., again on TNT and truTV.

The Dukes have surprised everyone this year, but Oregon’s no pushover. Should be a wild one.

Second-Round Showdowns

Winners from the first round will meet the top four seeds in the next stage. Here’s the slate:

• Cotton Bowl: No. 2 Ohio State (12-1) vs. Miami/Texas A&M winner, 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31 (ESPN)
• Orange Bowl: No. 4 Texas Tech (12-1) vs. Oregon/JMU winner, noon, Thursday, Jan. 1 (ESPN)
• Rose Bowl: No. 1 Indiana (13-0) vs. Alabama/Oklahoma winner, 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 1 (ESPN)
• Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Georgia (12-1) vs. Ole Miss/Tulane winner, 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 1 (ESPN)

Cotton Bowl: Ohio State vs. Miami/Texas A&M Winner

Ohio State, sitting at 12-1, faces off against whoever comes out on top between Miami and Texas A&M. The Cotton Bowl kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, on ESPN.

The Buckeyes bring a tough offense and a defense that doesn’t give up much. They’re always a threat.

Orange Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Oregon/JMU Winner

Texas Tech (12-1) will battle the winner of Oregon vs. James Madison in the Orange Bowl. That’s at noon, Thursday, Jan. 1, on ESPN.

The Raiders have been fun to watch this year, but they’ll get tested here for sure.

Rose Bowl: Indiana vs. Alabama/Oklahoma Winner

Indiana, undefeated at 13-0, meets the Alabama/Oklahoma winner in the Rose Bowl. That one’s at 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 1, on ESPN.

Indiana’s run has been unexpected, honestly. Still, they’ve earned their shot and then some.

Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Ole Miss/Tulane Winner

Georgia (12-1) faces the winner of Ole Miss vs. Tulane in the Sugar Bowl. It’s set for 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 1, on ESPN.

Georgia’s got a balanced squad and a defense that can turn games around in a hurry.

Final Rounds and Championship

The winners from the second round move on to the semifinals, then the championship. Here’s what’s coming up:

• Fiesta Bowl: TBD, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8 (ESPN)
• Peach Bowl: TBD, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9 (ESPN)
• Championship Game: At Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., TBD, 7:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 19 (ESPN)

The Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl will decide who gets a shot at the title. Both games are set for prime time on ESPN.

Winners from those matchups head to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The championship game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, and yes, it’s on ESPN.

Can you feel the tension? It’s going to be wild seeing who comes out on top this season.

For more info, check out the full article on USA Today.