San Antonio, December 7, 2025

The College Football Playoff has unveiled its matchups, featuring top teams poised to compete for glory. Fans are excited to witness the semifinals and the National Championship game as Texas-based teams like the University of Texas at Austin and Texas Tech University step onto the national stage. With the expanded playoff format allowing for thrilling contests, the postseason promises to enhance community pride and local economies across the region.

San Antonio, Texas

College Football Playoff Matchups Set to Ignite Excitement in 2026

The conclusion of the college football season has ushered in the highly anticipated College Football Playoff (CFP) matchups. This year’s postseason promises to be thrilling as fans gear up for the CFP semifinals and the National Championship game, showcasing top-performing teams from across the nation. With an expanded playoff format, the stage is set for an exciting series of games that will highlight not only athletic talent but also the spirit of competition and local pride.

As college football continues to evolve, the resilience and determination of Texas-based teams stand out. Local institutions, such as the University of Texas at Austin and Texas Tech University, underlines the state’s role in fostering collegiate sportsmanship and community involvement. With lesser regulatory constraints, local programs can increasingly thrive and attract attention on a national scale, further driving economic growth and municipal pride.

College Football Playoff Semifinals

The CFP semifinals are set to take place at the prestigious New Year’s Day Six bowl sites:

• Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
  Date: January 8, 2026
  Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
  Projected Matchup: No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs vs. No. 3 Texas Tech Red Raiders
• Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
  Date: January 9, 2026
  Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
  Projected Matchup: No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 5 Oregon Ducks

College Football Playoff National Championship

The culmination of the college football season—the CFP National Championship—will be held on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The highly anticipated matchup is:

• College Football Playoff National Championship
  Date: January 19, 2026
  Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
  Projected Matchup: No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes

Additional Bowl Games

In addition to the CFP matchups, several other bowl games are scheduled, showcasing a variety of teams from different conferences:

• 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic
  Date: December 31, 2025
  Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
  Note: This game will be one of the CFP quarterfinals, with the winner advancing to the semifinals.
• 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl
  Date: December 27, 2025
  Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
  Note: This game will feature teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big 12 Conference.

Background

The CFP has expanded its format to include 12 teams, which includes top-five ranked conference champions, and aims to ensure that a broader range of teams have opportunities to compete at the highest level. This move is designed to create a more inclusive postseason experience, enhancing the collegiate sports landscape. Such changes not only benefit the teams but also invigorate local economies as fans flock to the games.

As we look forward to the postseason, the excitement surrounding these matchups not only reflects passionate rivalries but also illustrates the significant cultural impact sports have on communities in San Antonio and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Key Features of the 2025 College Football Playoff

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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER

The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.