Get ready for an exciting season of college football as we dive into the 2025-26 College Football Playoff! This year promises to be even more thrilling with the expanded 12-team format, and we've got all the details you need to stay in the loop.
The Schedule Unveiled
The bracket and matchups were officially announced on December 7th, setting the stage for an action-packed month of football. Mark your calendars for the first round on December 19th and 20th, followed by the quarterfinals on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The semifinals will take place on January 8th and 9th, leading up to the highly anticipated CFP National Championship Game on January 19th, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Semifinals Showdown
On Thursday, January 8th, No. 10 Miami (Fla.) will face off against No. 6 Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl, held in Glendale, AZ. The following day, Friday, January 9th, No. 1 Indiana will battle it out with No. 5 Oregon in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta. These semifinal games will determine which teams advance to the championship, so get ready for some intense competition!
National Championship Preview
The CFP National Championship Game on January 19th will feature No. 10 Miami (Fla.) against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. This game will be played at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, and promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike.
First Round and Quarterfinals
The first round of the playoffs kicks off on December 19th with No. 9 Alabama taking on No. 8 Oklahoma. On December 20th, No. 10 Miami (Fla.) will face No. 7 Texas A&M, while No. 6 Ole Miss battles No. 11 Tulane, and No. 5 Oregon goes head-to-head with No. 12 James Madison.
The quarterfinals will be held on December 31st and January 1st, with some highly anticipated matchups. On New Year's Eve, No. 10 Miami (Fla.) will take on No. 2 Ohio State, and on New Year's Day, No. 5 Oregon will face No. 4 Texas Tech, No. 1 Indiana will battle No. 9 Alabama, and No. 6 Ole Miss will go up against No. 3 Georgia.
A Look Back at Championship History
The College Football Playoff National Championship Game has a rich history, with some memorable matchups and outcomes. From Ohio State's victory over Oregon in 2015 to Alabama's thrilling win over Georgia in 2022, each championship game has left its mark. Here's a glimpse at some of the past championship games:
- 2015: No. 4 Ohio State 42, No. 2 Oregon 20 (Arlington, Texas)
- 2016: No. 2 Alabama 45, No. 1 Clemson 40 (Glendale, Arizona)
- 2017: No. 2 Clemson 35, No. 1 Alabama 31 (Tampa, Florida)
- 2018: No. 4 Alabama 26, No. 3 Georgia 23 (Atlanta, Georgia)
- 2022: No. 3 Georgia 33, No. 1 Alabama 18 (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Future Championship Locations
The CFP National Championship Game will continue to bring excitement to different cities across the country. In 2026, the championship will be held in Miami, Florida, and in 2027, it will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Importance of Seeding
While securing a seed in the FCS playoffs is advantageous, recent history has shown that being a top seed carries even more weight. The top seeds have consistently proven their worth, and this year's playoff bracket will showcase the importance of earning that top spot.
Montana State's Championship Victory
In a thrilling overtime game, Montana State clinched the 2025 FCS national championship by edging out Illinois State 35-34. The Bobcats' win in Nashville, Tennessee, marked their second national title and the program's first since 1984.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we navigate through the exciting world of college football! Don't miss out on the action and be sure to follow FBS Football for all the latest news and scores.
