The 2024-25 College Football Playoff (CFP) season is back, and it’s bigger and better with its new 12-team format. This exciting change makes the playoff race more competitive, as more teams will have a shot at the National Championship, giving fans more high-stakes games to enjoy.
If you’re a die-hard fan of College Football, you won’t want to miss the playoff race that determines the national champion.
Here’s everything you need to know, including the full schedule, bracket, how it works, and a viewing guide. Plus, you’ll get a printable and fillable bracket to keep track of your favorite teams throughout the playoffs!
When is the CFP 2024-25 Game?
The 2024-25 College Football Playoff season kicks off on December 20, 2024, with the first round of games held at campus sites. It all leads up to the grand finale—the CFP National Championship on January 20, 2025, at the Mercedes – Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Here are the College Football Playoffs key dates at a glance:
- First round: Dec. 20-21
- Quarterfinals: Dec. 31-Jan. 1
- Semifinals: Jan. 9-10
- CFP National Championship: Monday, Jan. 20
Get ready, for a journey filled with games and increased chances for teams to compete for the coveted championship title.
2024-25 College Football Playoff Complete Schedule
First Round Schedule
The season kicks off with first-round games on December 20 and 21, 2024, at the higher-seeded teams’ home stadiums.
| Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, Dec. 20 | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Saturday, Dec. 21 | 12 p.m. | TNT Sports |
| Saturday, Dec. 21 | 4 p.m. | TNT Sports |
| Saturday, Dec. 21 | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
Quarterfinals Schedule
The quarterfinals will take place on December 31 and January 1 at iconic venues like the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Sugar Bowl.
| Bowl Game | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta Bowl | Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Peach Bowl | Wednesday, Jan. 1 | 1 p.m. | ESPN |
| Rose Bowl | Wednesday, Jan. 1 | 5 p.m. | ESPN |
| Sugar Bowl | Wednesday, Jan. 1 | 8:45 p.m. | ESPN |
Semifinals Schedule
The semifinals will be held on January 9 and 10, 2025 at the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl, leading up to the grand finale
| Bowl Game | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Bowl | Thursday, Jan. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Cotton Bowl | Friday, Jan. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
CFP National Championship
The winners of the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl will meet in this game on Monday, January 20, 2025.
| Event | Date | Time (ET) | Channel | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFP National Championship | Monday, Jan. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN | Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia |
Download the Printable & Fillable College Football Playoff Bracket for Free
Want to keep track of all the action? You can download and print your own College Football Playoff bracket to follow along as the tournament progresses. It’s a great way to stay engaged and see how your predictions hold up against the actual results.
The bracket will feature all 12 teams and their path to the championship, making it easy to fill in as each game concludes.
How Does the CFP Bracket Work in 2025?
The 2024-25 CFP introduces a 12-team bracket for the first time, making it a bit different from previous years. Here’s how it works:
- Top 4 Seeds: The top four teams in the final CFP rankings receive a bye into the quarterfinals. This gives them a significant advantage as they get to rest and prepare while the lower-seeded teams battle it out in the first round.
- First-Round Games: Seeds 5 through 12 will compete in the first-round games, held at the higher-seeded teams’ campus sites on December 20-21, 2024. This new element brings a unique atmosphere as campus stadiums will host these crucial playoff matchups.
- Quarterfinals and Beyond: The winners of the first-round games will advance to face the top four seeds in the quarterfinals, which will be held at traditional bowl sites on December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025. The semifinals and championship game follow, as usual, at neutral sites.
This format not only adds more excitement but also gives more teams a shot at the title, ensuring a diverse and competitive postseason.
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Which TV Will Broadcast Playoffs Games?
ESPN will be the primary broadcaster for most of the College Football Playoff games, including the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the National Championship. However, ABC will also share the spotlight, airing some of the first-round games. Additionally, TNT Sports will broadcast two first-round games on December 21, 2024, adding even more options for fans to tune in.
So, whether you’re watching from home, at a bar, or with friends, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch all the action on TV. Just make sure you have your channels set and your snacks ready!
