College Football Playoff Bracket Takes Shape as Bowl Games Commence

ARLINGTON, Texas — The College Football Playoff bracket is filling out as bowl season kicks off for the 2025-26 season. With games starting on December 13 and culminating in the championship on January 19, fans are eager to see how the playoffs unfold.

This year, a variety of exciting matchups are scheduled across the country, including the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. The College Football Playoff quarterfinals will take place at eight venues, with the first game beginning at 12 p.m. ET on December 31 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Keith Jenkins, a sports writer, stated, “This is an exciting time for college football fans. Bowl games not only determine champions but also spotlight the sport’s best talents.” The atmosphere across stadiums is expected to be electric during these high-stakes games.

In total, there will be 43 bowl games leading up to the national championship. Notably, the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio offers a 9 p.m. ET kickoff, featuring teams eager to vie for bowl supremacy.

As teams prepare for the postseason, many players are looking to make a lasting impression. This is especially crucial for those considering the NFL draft. Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar, for instance, faces pressure to shine in his final game, as do many others across various teams.

Florida’s Liberty Bowl is among the highlights of the holiday week. With strong fan interests, games like these are pivotal for schools financially and in terms of prestige.

With so much on the line, both players and fans are eagerly awaiting the results of these thrilling matchups that could redefine college football history.