College Football Playoff 2025: Schedule, Dates, Times, How to Watch

The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) is almost here, and the first round is shaping up to be a wild ride. Four matchups, all with big stakes and plenty of intrigue, are set to kick things off.

This year, the 12-team format brings even more energy. Fans are buzzing, and honestly, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement. If you’re looking for how to catch every moment—dates, times, TV, streaming, and a bit about the games themselves—well, you’re in the right place.

College Football Playoff First-Round Matchups

The 2025 CFP first round offers four games that should deliver plenty of drama. Here’s a quick look at the matchups:

• No. 9 Alabama (10-3) at No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2)
• No. 10 Miami (10-2) at No. 7 Texas A&M (11-1)
• No. 11 Tulane (11-2) at No. 6 Ole Miss (11-1)
• No. 12 James Madison (12-1) at No. 5 Oregon (11-1)

The winners will move on to face the top four seeds, who all got byes: Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas Tech. Those are big names waiting in the wings.

Alabama vs. Oklahoma

Alabama and Oklahoma square off Friday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m. MST. You can catch it on ABC and ESPN, or stream it via FUBO TV.

Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit will be on the call, which should add a bit of extra flair to the broadcast.

Miami vs. Texas A&M

Miami takes on Texas A&M on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 10 a.m. MST. This one’s also on ABC and ESPN, with FUBO TV streaming if you prefer.

Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy will handle the announcing duties. Honestly, not a bad way to start your Saturday.

Tulane vs. Ole Miss

Tulane and Ole Miss go head-to-head Saturday, Dec. 20, at 1:30 p.m. MST. TNT and truTV are airing it, and you can stream on Sling TV if that’s more your style.

Joe Tessitore and Jesse Palmer will be in the booth for this one.

James Madison vs. Oregon

James Madison faces Oregon later that same Saturday, Dec. 20, at 5:30 p.m. MST. TNT and truTV have the broadcast, with Sling TV offering streaming.

Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick will provide commentary—should be a good listen.

How to Watch the College Football Playoff Games

Here’s the quick rundown on where and how to watch each game:

• Alabama vs. Oklahoma: Friday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m. MST on ABC and ESPN. Stream on FUBO TV.
• Miami vs. Texas A&M: Saturday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m. MST on ABC and ESPN. Stream on FUBO TV.
• Tulane vs. Ole Miss: Saturday, Dec. 20, 1:30 p.m. MST on TNT and truTV. Stream on Sling TV.
• James Madison vs. Oregon: Saturday, Dec. 20, 5:30 p.m. MST on TNT and truTV. Stream on Sling TV.

If you’re not up for a new subscription, FUBO TV and Sling TV both offer free trials. That’s a nice bonus for folks who just want to watch the games and move on. Other streaming services with ESPN and ABC, like Sling, give you even more options.

Announcers for the First-Round Games

These games feature some of the most familiar voices in college football:

• Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit for Alabama vs. Oklahoma
• Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy for Miami vs. Texas A&M
• Joe Tessitore and Jesse Palmer for Tulane vs. Ole Miss
• Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick for James Madison vs. Oregon

These announcers know their stuff, and their play-by-play should make the games even more enjoyable.

What to Expect from the First-Round Matchups

There’s a real mix here: powerhouse programs and a couple of teams trying to make a name for themselves. Let’s take a closer look at what might happen in each game.

Alabama vs. Oklahoma

Alabama and Oklahoma have both been around the block. They’re two of the most recognizable names in college football, and each brings a strong record into this one.

Alabama’s defense is tough, but Oklahoma’s offense can light up the scoreboard. Could go either way, honestly.

Miami vs. Texas A&M

Miami’s been a pleasant surprise this season. Their turnaround is something fans have been waiting for.

Texas A&M is no pushover, though. This one might come down to which side can avoid mistakes and make the big plays when it counts.

Tulane vs. Ole Miss

Tulane’s run to the playoff wasn’t expected by many. They’ve played with a chip on their shoulder all year.

Ole Miss, meanwhile, has looked like a juggernaut most weeks. Tulane’s got their work cut out for them.

James Madison vs. Oregon

James Madison’s story is pretty remarkable. Not many had them penciled in for a CFP spot at the start of the year.

But Oregon’s been steady and explosive. Their offense is a handful, so James Madison’s defense will be under a lot of pressure.

Conclusion

The 2025 College Football Playoff first round is shaping up to be a wild ride. Four matchups, all loaded with drama and a bit of unpredictability—what more could fans ask for?

Catch the games on ABC, ESPN, TNT, and truTV. If you’re more of a streamer, FUBO TV and Sling TV have you covered.

Want more details or just curious about the full schedule? Check out azcentral for the latest info.