The 2025-26 college football postseason is set to captivate fans from December 13, 2025, to the grand finale on January 19, 2026, with the College Football Playoff (CFP) title game. The schedule is packed with exciting matchups, high stakes, and memorable moments, and this list will be regularly updated as each game concludes. But here's where it gets controversial: some critics argue that the playoff system still doesn't fully satisfy the desire for completely fair and transparent team selection, sparking ongoing debates around college football's postseason structure.
Full Schedule of 2025-26 College Football Bowl Games, Scores, and TV Details
All times are listed in Eastern Time.
Saturday, December 20
- College Football Playoff First Round
- No. 7 Texas A&M vs. No. 10 Miami (Fla.) — 12 p.m. on ESPN and ABC at Kyle Field, College Station, TX
- No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 20 Tulane — 3:30 p.m. on TNT, HBO Max, truTV at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
- No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 24 James Madison — 7:30 p.m. on TNT, HBO Max, truTV at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
Monday, December 22
- Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Washington State vs. Utah State — 2 p.m. on ESPN at Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID
Tuesday, December 23
- Boca Raton Bowl (time and channel TBD)
- New Orleans Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. Southern Miss — 5:30 p.m. on ESPN at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
- Frisco Bowl: UNLV vs. Ohio — 9 p.m. on ESPN at Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX
Wednesday, December 24
- Hawai'i Bowl: Cal vs. Hawai'i — 8 p.m. on ESPN at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, HI
Friday, December 26
- GameAbove Sports Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Northwestern — 1 p.m. on ESPN at Ford Field, Detroit, MI
- Rate Bowl: New Mexico vs. Minnesota — 4:30 p.m. on ESPN at Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
- First Responder Bowl: FIU vs. UTSA — 8 p.m. on ESPN at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX
Saturday, December 27
- Multiple bowls including the Military Bowl, Pinstripe Bowl, Fenway Bowl, Pop-Tarts Bowl, Arizona Bowl, New Mexico Bowl, Gator Bowl, and Texas Bowl, with kickoff times starting from 11 a.m. through 9:15 p.m., broadcast across ESPN, ABC, and other networks in notable venues like Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, and NRG Stadium.
December 29 - January 2
- The lineup continues with prestigious bowls such as the Independence Bowl, Music City Bowl, Alamo Bowl, Citrus Bowl, and the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals held across different iconic stadiums, including the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The semifinals take place on January 8 and 9 at State Farm Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, respectively, leading up to the grand National Championship on January 19, broadcast live from Miami.
Important note: The schedule is subject to updates and game outcomes, with scores and match results filling in as the games happen.
A Brief Reflection on the Legacy of the CFP
Since its inception in 2014, the College Football Playoff has evolved dramatically, featuring classic matchups like Ohio State vs. Oregon, Alabama vs. Clemson, and Georgia’s memorable titles. Each season brings new storylines—underdogs attempting giant-killing runs, rivalries reignited, and debates over playoff expansion. Could expanding the playoff field create more exciting opportunities, or would it dilute the prestige of the current system? Are current selection committees truly fair, or do inherent biases influence which teams get to compete for the title?
And this is the part most people miss—many believe that the thrill of a playoff isn't just about crowning a champion but also about showcasing the depth, talent, and unpredictability that makes college football uniquely captivating. Do you agree that the current system reflects the true spirit of college football, or do you think a different approach might better serve fans and teams alike? Share your thoughts below—this debate is far from over!
