The 2026-27 College Football Playoff Schedule is set. The 12-team format returns for a third season, with expanded television coverage that includes ABC simulcasts and TNT Sports’ first semifinal broadcast. Selection Day is Sunday, December 6, when the full bracket and first-round matchups will be revealed.
The playoff runs 39 days and ends with the National Championship at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Monday, January 25, 2027. This will be the first time the title game is played in Las Vegas, adding a new destination to the rotation of championship sites.
Here is the complete 2026-27 College Football Playoff Schedule with dates, times, TV channels, and venues.
College Football Playoff Selection Day
Sunday, December 6
The full 12-team bracket, seeds, and four first-round matchups will be announced. Fans will learn the exact campus sites for the opening round and the order of the New Year’s Day quarterfinals on this date.
First Round Schedule – College Football Playoff Tv Schedule
All first-round games are hosted by the higher seed. Exact locations will be confirmed on Selection Day.
| Date | Time (ET) | TV Network |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, Dec. 18 | 8:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| Saturday, Dec. 19 | 12:00 p.m. | ABC / ESPN |
| Saturday, Dec. 19 | 3:30 p.m. | TNT / truTV / HBO Max |
| Saturday, Dec. 19 | 7:30 p.m. | TNT / truTV / HBO Max |
The Friday night opener gives one team a primetime stage, while the Saturday tripleheader creates a full day of playoff football.
Quarterfinal Bowl Schedule – College Football Playoff Dates
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | TV Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Dec. 30 | Vrbo Fiesta Bowl | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ | 7:30 p.m. | TNT / truTV / HBO Max |
| Friday, Jan. 1, 2027 | Rose Bowl | Pasadena, CA | TBD* | ABC / ESPN or TNT family |
| Friday, Jan. 1, 2027 | Goodyear Cotton Bowl | Arlington, TX | TBD* | ABC / ESPN or TNT family |
| Friday, Jan. 1, 2027 | Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl | Atlanta, GA | TBD* | ABC / ESPN or TNT family |
*Exact order of the three New Year’s Day games (12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. ET windows) will be assigned on Selection Day. These traditional bowl sites continue to host the quarterfinal round under the 12-team format.
Semifinal Schedule – College Football Playoff Schedule 2026
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | TV Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Jan. 14 | Capital One Orange Bowl | Miami Gardens, FL | 7:30 p.m. | TNT / truTV / HBO Max |
| Friday, Jan. 15 | Allstate Sugar Bowl | New Orleans, LA | 7:30 p.m. | ABC / ESPN |
The back-to-back weeknight semifinals keep the momentum high heading into the championship. TNT Sports will broadcast its first College Football Playoffs semifinal with the Orange Bowl.
National Championship – 2026-27 College Football Playoff Schedule
| Date | Location | Time (ET) | TV Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, Jan. 25, 2027 | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas | 7:30 p.m. | ABC |
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. local time). Allegiant Stadium becomes the newest venue to host the sport’s biggest game.
Full 2026-27 College Football Playoff Schedule at a Glance
- Selection Day: Sunday, December 6
- First Round: Friday–Saturday, December 18–19 (campus sites)
- Quarterfinals: Wednesday, December 30 (Fiesta) and Friday, January 1 (Cotton, Rose, Peach)
- Semifinals: Thursday, January 14 (Orange) and Friday, January 15 (Sugar)
- National Championship: Monday, January 25, 2027 – Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Recent National Champions
| Year | Champion | Runner-up | Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Indiana | Miami (FL) | Miami Gardens |
| 2025 | Ohio State | Notre Dame | Atlanta |
| 2024 | Michigan | Washington | Houston |
| 2023 | Georgia | TCU | Inglewood |
| 2022 | Georgia | Alabama | Indianapolis |
Future National Championship Sites
- 2028: New Orleans (Caesars Superdome) – January 24
- 2029: Tampa (Raymond James Stadium) – January 22
- 2030: Miami Gardens (Hard Rock Stadium) – January 21
More: 2026 College Football Rankings: All 138 FBS Teams Ranked
Key Television Notes
For the first time, one game from each round will be available over-the-air on ABC, expanding access for fans without cable. TNT Sports takes on a larger role and will air its first College Football Playoffs semifinal. ESPN remains the primary rights holder across most of the bracket, ensuring broad national coverage throughout the 39-day playoff window.
The 2026-27 College Football Playoff Schedule delivers a clear path from Selection Day through the first championship game in Las Vegas. Mark the dates and get ready for another high-stakes postseason.
FAQ
When does the 2026-27 College Football Playoff start?
First-round games begin Friday, December 18, 2026.
When is the 2027 National Championship?
Monday, January 25, 2027, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
When is Selection Day?
Sunday, December 6, 2026.
Which networks will broadcast the playoff?
ESPN, ABC, TNT, truTV, and HBO Max will share coverage across the rounds.
