College Football Playoff Schedule: Key Games on December 20, 2025
The college football bowl season is heating up, and you can feel the anticipation as we get closer to the College Football Playoff (CFP).
With the first round of games kicking off on Saturday, December 20, fans everywhere are getting ready to watch their favorite teams fight for a shot at the national title.
This weekend is packed with thrilling matchups—Texas A&M faces Miami, and we’ve also got Ole Miss and Oregon in action.
If you want a full look at the schedule and how to tune in, check out the breakdown below.
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College Football Playoff First Round: Key Matchups
The first round of the College Football Playoff will bring three big games that set the tone for what’s next.
Let’s take a closer look at the matchups you probably don’t want to miss.
Texas A&M vs. Miami (Fla.)
The No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies take on the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes at noon ET on ESPN and ABC.
This one’s happening at Kyle Field in College Station, so the Aggies have home-field advantage. Both teams have had strong seasons, and this feels like a high-stakes clash with a spot in the next round up for grabs.
Ole Miss vs. Tulane
At 3:30 p.m. ET, the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels meet the No. 20 Tulane Green Wave at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi.
You can catch it on TNT, HBO Max, and truTV. Ole Miss has been a powerhouse, but Tulane’s grit and determination shouldn’t be underestimated. This could get interesting late in the game.
Oregon vs. James Madison
Wrapping up the day, the No. 5 Oregon Ducks host the No. 24 James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
This one’s set for 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT, HBO Max, and truTV. Oregon’s been dominant, but James Madison’s underdog energy and recent performances make this a must-see.
What to Expect from the First Round Games
- High-Stakes Competition: With a spot in the next round on the line, teams will be giving it everything, so expect some intense, competitive matchups.
- Star Players in Action: Watch for Texas A&M’s quarterback and Miami’s defensive standouts—they could be game-changers.
- Home-Field Advantage: Texas A&M and Oregon will try to ride the energy of their home crowds.
- Underdog Potential: James Madison and Tulane could shake things up if they pull off an upset. That’s always fun, right?
How to Watch the Games
If you’re looking to catch all the action, here’s where to find each game:
- Texas A&M vs. Miami (Fla.): ESPN, ABC
- Ole Miss vs. Tulane: TNT, HBO Max, truTV
- Oregon vs. James Madison: TNT, HBO Max, truTV
Check your local listings or streaming options so you don’t miss a play.
The Road to the National Championship
The College Football Playoff is built to find out who’s really the best in the country, all through a series of do-or-die games.
As the rounds go on, the drama and pressure only ramp up.
Semifinals and Championship Game
After the first round, the winners move on to the semifinals, scheduled for January 1.
The two semifinal winners will then square off in the National Championship Game on January 13. It’s a tough road, and every team left is hungry for glory.
Teams to Watch
Every team in this playoff earned their shot, but a few have really made some noise this year:
- Texas A&M Aggies: Their defense is tough, and their offense can light it up. Not an easy team to bet against.
- Oregon Ducks: High-powered offense, solid track record. They could go deep if things break their way.
- Ole Miss Rebels: The Rebels play with resilience and skill, and they’ve surprised people before. Keep an eye on them.
Conclusion
The College Football Playoff first round is shaping up to be a wild ride. There are some seriously exciting matchups on deck, with plenty at stake for every team.
Whether you live and breathe college football or just tune in now and then, you probably won’t want to miss these games. The atmosphere? Electric, honestly.
Want the full schedule or more details? Check out The Big Lead.
So yeah, buckle up—this weekend could set the tone for the whole run to the National Championship.
