Games are Dec. 19, 2025 to Jan. 19, 2026, with the first round on Dec. 19-20, quarterfinals on Dec. 31-Jan. 1, semifinals on Jan. 8-9 and finally the CFP National Championship Game on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Here's a look at every playoff team's betting odds to win a national title

If the playoff expands to 14 teams and there are more at-large berths added to the field (from seven to nine), Notre Dame is guaranteed a spot in the playoff field if it is ranked No. 13 or better, according to the memorandum of understanding.

The nine conference championships at the FBS level will be decided on Friday and Saturday, ahead of Sunday’s selection of the 12-team field for the College Football Playoff.

For the first time in the 16-team era, the Big 12 Championship Game is a rematch. BYU and Texas Tech played for the first time in Lubbock on Nov. 8, a dominant 29-7 victory for the Red Raiders. Running back Cameron Dickey rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown in a breakout performance against the Cougars.

Let’s rank the conference championship games and lay out their CFP implications, but not before a little FCS love to get things started. (All point spreads are courtesy BetMGM. All kickoff times are Eastern.

Ohio State will begin its College Football Playoff journey in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Here is how you can get tickets to the game.

Which College Football Playoff Game is the most compelling? We ranked the four matchups base don intrigue.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football’s matchup with Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game averaged 18.3 million viewers on Saturday, with the contest peaking at nearly 20 million viewers. It was the most-watched college football event during conference championship weekend, and it helped OSU achieve an impressive feat.