2025 College Football Playoff Bracket: 12-Team Schedule, Bowl Games, and Championship Dates
A Historic Moment in College Football
The 2025 college football season is poised to make history with the debut of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP). This groundbreaking change promises heightened competition, more thrilling matchups, and greater opportunities for teams to showcase their talent on the national stage. Here’s your comprehensive overview of the 2025 College Football Playoff Bracket, featuring the schedule, bowl matchups, and championship dates.
What is the 12-Team College Football Playoff Format?
The expanded CFP format introduces more depth and excitement to the postseason. Here’s how it works:
- Automatic Bids: The six highest-ranked conference champions earn automatic qualification.
- At-Large Bids: Six additional teams are selected by the CFP Selection Committee based on performance.
- First-Round Byes: The four main conference champions guarantee a place in the quarterfinals.
- Home Field Advantage: Teams ranked 5-8 will host first-round games against teams ranked 9-12.
This structure ensures broader conference representation while amplifying the stakes for every matchup.
Key Dates for the 2025 College Football Playoff
First-Round Games
- Dates: December 20–21, 2024
- Venues: Hosted by higher-seeded teams at their home stadiums.
Schedule:
- Friday, Dec. 20, 8 PM: 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame – Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana.
- Saturday, Dec. 21, 12 PM: No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State – Beaver Stadium, State College, Pennsylvania.
- Saturday, Dec. 21, 4 PM: 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas – Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas.
- Saturday, Dec. 21, 8 PM: 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State – Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio.
Quarterfinals
- Dates: December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025
- Bowl Games:
1. Fiesta Bowl: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7:30 PM – No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State/No. 11 SMU winner.
2. Peach Bowl: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1 PM – No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas/No. 12 Clemson winner.
3. Rose Bowl: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5 PM – No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State/No. 9 Tennessee winner.
4. Sugar Bowl: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 8:45 PM – No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame/No. 10 Indiana winner.
Semifinals
- Dates: January 9–10, 2025
- Bowl Games:
1. Orange Bowl: Thursday, Jan. 9, 7:30 PM – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida.
2. Cotton Bowl: Friday, Jan. 10, 7:30 PM – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas.
National Championship Game
- Date: January 20, 2025
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
2025 College Football Playoff Bracket Overview
First Round: High-Stakes Home Games
The first round brings the excitement of postseason football to campuses across the country. Teams ranked 5-8 host their respective games, creating an electric atmosphere as underdogs attempt to upset higher-seeded opponents. Expect unforgettable moments and game-changing plays during these must-watch matchups.
Quarterfinals: New Year’s Six Bowl Showdowns
The quarterfinals unfold across four iconic New Year’s Six Bowl Games, pitting teams with first-round byes against winners from the first round. These games have historically been high-scoring, competitive, and filled with drama.
Semifinals: The Road to Atlanta
The Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl serve as semifinal venues for the CFP, setting the stage for intense battles between elite programs. These Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl games will determine which two teams will advance to the National Championship.
Championship: Crowning the Best
The 2025 National Championship Game promises to be a great spectacle that will captivate fans at the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This final showdown will determine college football’s ultimate victor in a transformative era for the sport.
Bowl Games: Tradition Meets Modern Excitement
The expanded CFP elevates the significance of traditional bowl games, with the New Year’s Six playing dual roles as quarterfinal and semifinal venues.
- Fiesta Bowl: Known for unexpected upsets.
- Peach Bowl: A showcase of offensive firepower.
- Rose Bowl: The “Granddaddy of Them All” retains its iconic prestige.
- Sugar Bowl: Celebrated for its Southern football traditions.
- Orange Bowl: A premier event with ACC and SEC ties.
- Cotton Bowl: Famous for its thrilling finishes.
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Predictions and Expectations for 2025
The 2025 CFP promises a competitive field with powerhouses like Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State leading the charge. However, expect underdog surprises and breakout performances from emerging programs.
Key Players to Watch: Returning Heisman contenders, standout quarterbacks, and defensive stars will shape the postseason narrative.
College Football’s Best Battle for Glory
The 2025 College Football Playoff Bracket represents a transformative chapter in the sport’s history. From thrilling first-round games to the championship showdown in Atlanta, fans can expect nonstop excitement and unforgettable moments.
Book your tickets, reserve your Mundi Limos transportation, and get ready to witness college football’s brightest stars compete for ultimate glory!