The 2025-26 College Football Playoff quarterfinals schedule is now set. The CFP has reached the quarterfinal stage, with the expanded 12-team format delivering some big games in the New Year’s Six bowls. After the first round at campus sites (Dec. 19-20), the top four seeds advanced directly to the quarterfinals, where they face winners from the opening round.
All quarterfinal games air on ESPN (with streaming available via ESPN app, WatchESPN, or services like YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, etc.). Times are in Eastern Time (ET). We have all of the matchups, dates, times, and TV info for you below.
2025-26 College Football Playoff Quarterfinals Schedule & Matchups
Here’s the 2025-26 College Football Playoff quarterfinals schedule and matchups for you.
- Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX)
No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami (Fla.)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN | Streaming: ESPN app / WatchESPN
Preview: Ohio State, a top seed with a strong defense and dynamic offense, hosts Miami in a rematch of historic clashes. This is the Hurricanes’ first CFP quarterfinal appearance in the new format-expect fireworks under the Dallas lights. - Thursday, January 1, 2026
Capital One Orange Bowl (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL)
No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 4 Texas Tech
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. (Noon) ET
TV: ESPN | Streaming: ESPN app / WatchESPN
Preview: A battle of high-powered offenses-Oregon’s speed meets Texas Tech’s explosive attack. Both teams earned their spots with strong showings; this early New Year’s Day game could set the tone for the holiday. - Thursday, January 1, 2026
Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential (Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA)
No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama
Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN | Streaming: ESPN app / WatchESPN
Preview: Top-seeded Indiana, riding an undefeated season and first Big Ten title in decades, faces Alabama’s tradition and talent. This is a classic matchup of new vs. old guard-don’t miss it from the Rose Bowl. - Thursday, January 1, 2026
Allstate Sugar Bowl (Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA)
No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 6 Ole Miss
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN | Streaming: ESPN app / WatchESPN
Preview: SEC showdown! Georgia’s stout defense clashes with Ole Miss’s high-octane offense. This marks the 50th all-time meeting between the rivals-expect physicality and big plays in the Big Easy.
Printable Bracket & Full CFP Overview
The winners advance to the semifinals (Jan. 8-9 at Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl), with the national championship set for Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
[Download our free printable 2025-26 CFP Bracket PDF here]
2025-26 College Football Playoff Bracket
Here’s the updated, 2025-26 college football playoff bracket for you as well.
Key Notes
- All games are elimination: Winners move on; losers head home.
- Streaming: Available on ESPN platforms; check local listings for cable/satellite options.
- Predictions & Picks: Stay tuned for our updated bracket challenge and expert picks.
This quarterfinal slate promises drama, upsets, and memorable moments-perfect for New Year’s celebrations. Who will advance to the semis?
