Unveiling the 2024-25 College Football Playoff Schedule
FIRST ROUND (Dec. 20-21)
On Friday, December 20, No. 10 Indiana takes on No. 7 Notre Dame at 8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN. This matchup promises intense competition as both teams look to advance in the playoff. The next day, on Saturday, December 21, No. 11 SMU faces off against No. 6 Penn State at noon ET on TNT/MAX. It will be a battle between two talented squads. Additionally, No. 12 Clemson takes on No. 5 Texas at 4 p.m. ET on TNT/MAX, and No. 9 Tennessee goes up against No. 8 Ohio State at 8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN. These first-round games will determine which teams move on to the next stage.
The excitement continues as these four matchups unfold, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcomes. Each game holds the potential for upsets and thrilling moments that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
QUARTERFINALS (Dec. 31-Jan. 1)
On Tuesday, December 31, No. 3 Boise State will face off against the winner of No. 6 Penn State and No. 11 SMU at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN. This Fiesta Bowl matchup is sure to be a spectacle. The next day, on Wednesday, January 1, No. 4 Arizona State takes on the winner of No. 5 Texas and No. 12 Clemson at 1 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN. It will be a battle between two conference powerhouses. At 5 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN, No. 1 Oregon goes up against the winner of No. 8 Ohio State and No. 9 Tennessee. This Rose Bowl matchup could be a showdown between two of the top teams in the country. Finally, at 8:45 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN, No. 2 Georgia faces off against the winner of No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 10 Indiana in the Sugar Bowl.
The quarterfinals will narrow the field down to just four teams, setting the stage for the highly anticipated semifinals.
SEMIFINALS (Jan. 9-10)
On Thursday, January 9, the Orange Bowl takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. This game will feature two of the remaining teams vying for a spot in the championship. The next day, on Friday, January 10, the Cotton Bowl also airs at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Another intense matchup will determine which team will advance to the final.
The semifinals will bring the excitement to a fever pitch as the top two teams in the country battle it out for a chance to be crowned national champions.
CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Finally, on Monday, January 20, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, the CFP National Championship will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This is the moment that all the teams have been working towards, and the outcome will determine the national champion.
The entire schedule is filled with thrilling matchups and moments that will be etched in the memories of college football fans for years to come. From the first round to the championship game, every game is a must-watch.