College Football Playoff: Schedule, Scores, Rankings & Bracket Details

College Football Playoff: Schedule, Scores, Rankings & Bracket Details

The 2025-26 College Football Playoff (CFP) culminated with Indiana defeating Miami (Fla.) in the National Championship game on January 19. This marked a significant win for Indiana, concluding their impressive season with a perfect record of 13-0.

2025-26 College Football Playoff Schedule

Key dates for the College Football Playoff include several rounds leading to the championship:

  • First Round: December 19-20
  • Quarterfinals: December 31 and January 1
  • Semifinals: January 8 and 9
  • National Championship: January 19

CFP Bracket and Rankings

The playoff bracket is determined by the final top 25 rankings released by the CFP selection committee on December 7. The top four highest-ranked teams receive byes into the quarterfinals:

  • 1. Indiana (13-0)
  • 2. Ohio State (12-1)
  • 3. Georgia (12-1)
  • 4. Texas Tech (12-1)

Additionally, the five highest-ranked conference champions automatically qualify, even if they are ranked lower than other teams:

  • Oregon (11-1)
  • Ole Miss (11-1)
  • Texas A&M (11-1)
  • Oklahoma (10-2)
  • Miami (Fla.) (10-2)

Quarterfinals and Venue Details

The quarterfinal games are held at renowned bowl venues:

  • Cotton Bowl
  • Orange Bowl
  • Rose Bowl
  • Sugar Bowl

The winners from the quarterfinals proceed to the semifinals at either the Fiesta Bowl or the Peach Bowl on January 8 and 9. If the rankings are maintained, the matchups would see Indiana potentially face Texas Tech and Ohio State take on Georgia.

Looking Ahead: 2026 College Football Season

With the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, college football fans are looking forward to the next season. The 2026 season is scheduled to kick off with FBS games on August 29, following FCS games on August 27.