The College Football Playoff expanded from a four-team structure to a 12-team playoff bracket for the 2025–2026 season, marking the second year of that size. What you should know about the change is as follows:
How CFP teams are selected under new format
The top five conference winners will automatically bid for a spot on the 12-team College Football Playoff field. The 12-team format will be completed by the seven top-ranked teams that are remaining.
Where CFP games will be played
The teams rated No. 1–4 will likewise be seeded No. 1–4 and have a first-round bye starting in 2025. Prior to this, the four highest-ranked conference champions, regardless of ranking, were given a first-round bye in the inaugural 12-team CFP in the 2024 season.
In the first round, seeds 5–12 will face off against one another. The opening round matches will be hosted by the higher-seeded teams. The first round matchups break down down as follows:
- No. 5 vs. No. 12
- No. 6 vs. No. 11
- No. 7 vs. No. 10
- No. 8 vs. No. 9
The quarterfinal round will see the introduction of New Year’s Six bowl games. While the host venue for the national championship is chosen by bids from potential host sites, the semifinals will be contested in bowls on a rotating basis.
The CFP for the 2025 season:
| Game | Date |
|---|---|
| First round | Dec. 19-20 |
| Cotton Bowl | Quarterfinals | 7:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 31 |
| Orange, Rose, Sugar Bowls | Quarterfinals | 12, 4, 8 p.m. on Jan. 1 |
| Fiesta Bowl | Semifinals | 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 8 |
| Peach Bowl | Semifinals | 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 9 |
| Miami Gardens, Fla. | National Championship | 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 |
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