San Antonio TX, November 22, 2025
The college football postseason is set to showcase a thrilling lineup as the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) structure ramps up. The competition commences with first-round games on December 19 and 20, followed by quarterfinals at traditional bowl games. This new format not only provides more teams a chance at the national title but also reflects a commitment to inclusivity and excitement that resonates throughout the sport and local communities.
Exciting Bowl Games Ahead: The 2025-26 College Football Playoff Schedule
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable postseason showdown!
San Antonio, Texas – The excitement of college football reaches new heights as the 2025-26 season gears up for its thrilling bowl game lineup. As fans anticipate the culmination of the season with the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, the expanded 12-team format promises a competitive and inclusive postseason experience. This innovative approach aligns with a broader trend that celebrates the spirit of competition and resilience, especially among local Texas entrepreneurs who mirror these values in their business endeavors.
The expansion of the playoff structure not only increases the chances for more teams to compete for the national title, but it also reflects a growing commitment to recognizing achievement on and off the field. Just as local businesses in San Antonio strive to innovate and grow in a landscape of regulation, the broader dynamics of college football are adapting to enhance engagement and excitement among fans.
Upcoming Bowl Games and Playoff Schedule
The postseason kicks off with the first-round games on December 19 and 20, 2025, hosted at the home fields of the higher-seeded teams. The matchups schedule is as follows:
- Friday, December 19, 2025:
- 8 p.m. ET: Game 1
- Saturday, December 20, 2025:
- 12 p.m. ET: Game 2
- 3:30 p.m. ET: Game 3
- 7:30 p.m. ET: Game 4
Following the first round, fans can look forward to the quarterfinals scheduled at traditional New Year’s Six bowl games:
- Wednesday, December 31, 2025:
- 7:30 p.m. ET: Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
- Thursday, January 1, 2026:
- 12 p.m. ET: Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
- 4 p.m. ET: Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California
- 8 p.m. ET: Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans
The semifinals will take place at the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl on January 8 and 9, 2026, respectively, culminating in the National Championship Game on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium. All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET), with broadcast details accessible through official NCAA channels.
Background on the College Football Playoff Expansion
This season marks the second year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format, a change aimed at creating a more inclusive and competitive postseason. The selection committee utilizes performance metrics that consider conference championships, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and comparisons against common opponents to rank teams. The top four teams receive coveted first-round byes while seeds 5 through 12 engage in the first round on the home turf of the higher-seeded team.
The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate among six traditional bowl games – Cotton, Fiesta, Orange, Peach, Rose, and Sugar. The Championship Game is held at a predetermined neutral site, showcasing Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens for the current season. This new structure enhances the postseason experience for both teams and fans, ensuring a fair path to the national title, much like the dynamic economic landscape that fosters innovation and resilience in local communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the schedule for the 2025-26 college football bowl games?
The postseason begins with first-round games on December 19 and 20, 2025, followed by quarterfinals on December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026. Semifinals are scheduled for January 8 and 9, 2026, with the National Championship Game on January 19, 2026. All times are in Eastern Time (ET).
How does the 12-team College Football Playoff format work?
The top four teams receive first-round byes, while teams seeded 5 through 12 compete in the first round at the home field of the higher-seeded team. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate among six traditional bowl games: Cotton, Fiesta, Orange, Peach, Rose, and Sugar. The National Championship Game is held at a predetermined neutral site.
Where can I watch the college football bowl games?
Broadcast details for each game are available through official NCAA channels.
Key Features of the 2025-26 College Football Playoff
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Expanded Playoff Format | 12-team bracket with first-round byes for top four teams and home-field advantage for teams seeded 5-12. |
| Traditional Bowl Games | Quarterfinals and semifinals rotate among six traditional bowl games: Cotton, Fiesta, Orange, Peach, Rose, and Sugar. |
| National Championship Game | Held at a predetermined neutral site, with Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, hosting the 2025-26 championship. |
As the 2025-26 college football season ramps up, local engagement and support for the sport can echo the entrepreneurial drive found within San Antonio’s small businesses. By celebrating and participating in these events, we not only uplift the competitive spirit but also foster a sense of community. Let’s rally behind our teams as they strive for greatness while recognizing our local businesses that embody similar resilience.
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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.
