College Football Playoff Announces 2026-27 and 2027-28 Schedules
The College Football Playoff (CFP) just dropped the quarterfinal and semifinal sites and dates for the next two years. It’s shaping up to be a wild ride for fans and could shake up how we think about college football’s biggest stage.
These updates highlight not just the venues and dates, but also hint at how the CFP keeps evolving. There’s a lot for college football diehards to chew on as the next seasons approach.
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2026-27 College Football Playoff Schedule
The 2026-27 College Football Playoff starts with the quarterfinals on December 30 and January 1. Mark your calendars—these games will set the tone for everything that follows.
Quarterfinals
Here’s what’s on tap for the quarterfinals:
- December 30: Fiesta Bowl
- January 1: Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl
It’s a classic lineup. The Fiesta Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Rose Bowl are legends in their own right. Having them in the CFP quarterfinals just feels right, doesn’t it?
Semifinals
The semifinals are set for January 14 and 15:
- January 14: Orange Bowl
- January 15: Sugar Bowl
These games will decide who gets a shot at the title. The Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl bring serious history and energy—perfect for the stakes.
National Championship
The 2026-27 national championship game lands on January 25 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. That place is brand new and flashy, honestly a fitting spot for the biggest game of the year.
2027-28 College Football Playoff Schedule
Jumping to the 2027-28 season, the excitement isn’t letting up. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship are all set and, if we’re being real, it’s hard not to get pumped thinking about what’s coming.
Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals will be held on December 31 and January 1:
- December 31: Sugar Bowl
- January 1: Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl
It’s another killer lineup. The Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Rose Bowl always bring a certain magic—kind of makes you wish the games started tomorrow.
Semifinals
The semifinals are locked in for January 13 and 14:
- January 13: Orange Bowl
- January 14: Cotton Bowl
Two games, everything on the line. The Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl have seen their share of drama, and now they’ll decide who gets to play for it all.
National Championship
The 2027-28 championship showdown will be January 24 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. That place has hosted so many huge games—feels right for the season’s biggest moment.
Future National Championship Venues
And if you like to plan ahead, the CFP also revealed where the championships will be after that:
- 2028-29: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
- 2029-30: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Both stadiums have hosted their share of classic moments. Should be a blast watching the best teams in the country battle it out in those cities.
Format and Future Considerations
The 2026-27 College Football Playoff sticks with the 12-team format. First-round games will be played at campus sites.
What happens after that? Well, nobody really knows yet. The format for future seasons is still up in the air.
This constant shifting in the CFP setup says a lot about how unpredictable college football can be. Everybody wants the best possible experience, whether you’re a player or just a fan watching from your couch.
Quarterfinal and semifinal sites and dates for the next two years are already set. The same goes for the national championship venues.
If you’re curious about more details on the schedule and where everything’s happening, check out the official announcement.
