The 2025-26 college football season is set to begin in just three months, but for now, teams are navigating the offseason, working hard to rebuild their rosters for the new campaign. However, the most anticipated part, the CFB Playoff, is still seven months away, with the quarterfinals set to begin on December 31, 2025, and the championship game scheduled for January 19, 2026.
Although it’s months out, teams are already preparing for the second year of the expanded 12-team format, and fans are eager to see how the new structure will impact the postseason. Here are some key dates you need to know so you don’t miss any major moments.
2025-26 College Football Playoff Expands with 41 Bowl Games and 6 in the Playoff
The 2024-25 season introduced fans to a new era of college football with the 12-team playoff format, replacing the old four-team system. It brought more chances, more drama, and way more excitement. And just like last year, the 2025-26 season will again give more teams a real shot at the national title run.
This expanded format includes four quarterfinal matchups, with the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl set to host the semifinals. The top two teams will then face off in the championship game to decide who takes home the crown.
The 2025-26 college football postseason will feature 41 bowl games. That means even more teams will get to keep their seasons alive after December. Out of these, six games are part of the College Football Playoff. The structure is expected to remain the same as last season, though there’s still plenty of time for adjustments before the real action begins.
Key Dates and Locations
The quarter finals will take place at the following locations:
- Cotton Bowl – December 31, 2025
- Orange Bowl – January 1, 2026
- Rose Bowl – January 1, 2026
- Sugar Bowl – January 1, 2026
The semifinals will be hosted by:
- Fiesta Bowl – January 8, 2026
- Peach Bowl – January 9, 2026
All roads lead to the CFP National Championship, which will take place on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
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Fans are already making some surprising predictions online and on social media. The regular season hasn’t even started, and teams are still rebuilding their rosters through the transfer portal.
So, while the excitement is building, it’s too soon to predict who will make it to the playoffs and the finals. However, the road to the playoffs will be full of brutal battles.
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