College Football Playoff Selection Show 2025: Date, Time, How to Watch

The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection show is always one of the most hyped-up moments in college sports. This year, it’s got fans buzzing as we inch closer to December 7.

Everyone’s waiting for the official 12-team bracket and those final top 25 rankings. If you’re looking for the where, when, and how of the selection show—plus a peek at the new 12-team format—you’re in the right spot.

College Football Playoff Selection Show Details

The CFP selection show is set for Sunday, December 7, running from noon to 3 p.m. ET. ESPN’s got the live broadcast, and you can stream it on WatchESPN if you’re not near a TV.

This is only the second year we’re seeing the expanded 12-team bracket, and it’s definitely shaken things up a bit.

Key Changes in the 12-Team Format

Moving from four to 12 teams changed the playoff landscape in a big way. Here’s a quick look at what’s different:

• Automatic Qualifiers: The five top-ranked conference champs lock in their spots.
• At-Large Bids: Seven more teams get in based on ranking—no conference title needed.
• First Round Byes: Top four teams, no matter their conference, get a bye in round one.
• Home Games: Teams seeded 5 through 12 face off in the first round, with higher seeds hosting.

There’s no re-seeding after the bracket’s out. So, those matchups? They’re set in stone from the moment you see them.

In-Season Rankings and Final Selection

Throughout the season, six ranking shows keep fans in the loop. The final reveal comes December 7, when the bracket drops for real.

If you want the nitty-gritty on how it all works, here’s the NCAA’s detailed guide. It’s not a bad read if you’re into the details.

Game Times and Broadcast Information

While the actual matchups will be announced on December 7, the schedule for every CFP game is already locked in. Here’s what’s on the calendar:

First Round (Dec. 19-20)

• Friday, Dec. 19: 8 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN, WatchESPN
• Saturday, Dec. 20: 12 p.m. on ABC, ESPN, WatchESPN
• Saturday, Dec. 20: 3:30 p.m. on TNT, truTV, HBO Max
• Saturday, Dec. 20: 7:30 p.m. on TNT, truTV, HBO Max

Quarterfinals (Dec. 31-Jan. 1)

• Wednesday, Dec. 31: Cotton Bowl (Arlington, Texas) | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, WatchESPN
• Thursday, Jan. 1: Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens, Fla.) | 12 p.m. | ESPN, WatchESPN
• Thursday, Jan. 1: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Calif.) | 4 p.m. | ESPN, WatchESPN
• Thursday, Jan. 1: Sugar Bowl (New Orleans) | 8 p.m. | ESPN, WatchESPN

Semifinals (Jan. 8-9)

• Thursday, Jan. 8: Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Ariz.) | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, WatchESPN
• Friday, Jan. 9: Peach Bowl (Atlanta) | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, WatchESPN

National Championship Game

• Monday, Jan. 19: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, WatchESPN

Historical Context and Previous Winners

Looking back at past championship games helps you appreciate just how much the CFP means. Here’s a rundown of every CFP title game so far:

• 2014: No. 4 Ohio State 42, No. 2 Oregon 20 (Arlington, Texas)
• 2015: No. 2 Alabama 45, No. 1 Clemson 40 (Glendale, Ariz.)
• 2016: No. 2 Clemson 35, No. 1 Alabama 31 (Tampa, Fla.)
• 2017: No. 4 Alabama 26, No. 3 Georgia 23 (Atlanta, Ga.)
• 2018: No. 2 Clemson 44, No. 1 Alabama 16 (Santa Clara, Calif.)
• 2019: No. 1 LSU 42, No. 3 Clemson 25 (New Orleans, La.)
• 2020: No. 1 Alabama 52, No. 3 Ohio State 24 (Miami Gardens, Fla.)
• 2021: No. 3 Georgia 33, No. 1 Alabama 18 (Indianapolis, Ind.)
• 2022: No. 1 Georgia 65, No. 3 TCU 7 (Inglewood, Calif.)
• 2023: No. 1 Michigan 34, No. 2 Washington 13 (Houston, Texas)
• 2024: No. 8 Ohio State 34, No. 7 Notre Dame 23 (Atlanta, Ga.)

Last Season’s Highlights

The 2024-25 season was the very first for the 12-team playoff. All four home teams won their opening games, which set up some wild matchups.

No. 8 Ohio State ended up taking the trophy, beating No. 7 Notre Dame in the championship. Here’s how the 2024-25 games played out:

First Round (Dec. 20-21)

• Friday, Dec. 20: No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 10 Indiana 17
• Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 6 Penn State 38, No. 11 SMU 10
• Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 5 Texas 38, No. 12 Clemson 24
• Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 8 Ohio State 42, No. 9 Tennessee 17

Quarterfinals (Dec. 31-Jan. 1)

• Fiesta Bowl: No. 6 Penn State 31, No. 3 Boise State 14
• Peach Bowl: No. 5 Texas 39, No. 4 Arizona State 31 (2OT)
• Rose Bowl: No. 8 Ohio State 41, No. 1 Oregon 21
• Sugar Bowl: No. 7 Notre Dame 23, No. 2 Georgia 10

Semifinals (Jan. 9-10)

• Orange Bowl: No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 6 Penn State 24
• Cotton Bowl: No. 8 Ohio State 28, No. 5 Texas 14

CFP National Championship

• Final: No. 8 Ohio State 34, No. 7 Notre Dame 23 (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta)

The expanded format has brought a fresh spark to the playoff race. More teams now have a real shot at chasing the national title.

Folks are already buzzing about this year’s selection show. The anticipation is hard to ignore.

Don’t forget—December 7 is when all eyes turn to the reveal. Who’s in? Guess we’ll find out together for the 2025-26 College Football Playoff.

For more info or updates, check out the NCAA’s official page.