New College Football Playoff Format Set for 2025-26 Season

ARLINGTON, Texas — The new College Football Playoff format will debut in the 2025-26 season, expanding the tournament to 12 teams. The revamped system aims to bring more excitement and inclusivity to college football.

This new playoff model allows for the top four conference champions to earn an automatic bid, while teams ranked five through 12 will compete for the remaining spots. The playoff will take place over a three-week span in December, culminating in a national championship game on January 19, 2026.

The increased playoff format is expected to enhance fan engagement and provide more teams a chance to compete for the national title. “We are excited about this change and believe it will generate a lot of buzz leading up to the postseason,” said College Football Playoff Executive Director Bill Hancock in a press statement.

For the 2025 season, several notable matchups have already been announced as teams gear up for the playoff. The playoffs will feature games like the Cotton Bowl and the Orange Bowl among other prominent bowls on New Year’s Day. Each game is subject to broadcast on major networks including ESPN and ABC.

Additionally, the first round of the playoffs will be played at the home stadiums of the higher-seeded teams, a significant change from previous formats. This is intended to reward teams for their regular-season performance.

As the season progresses, fans will closely monitor the matchups and rankings that determine which teams secure a spot in this exciting new playoff. The December schedule will be one to watch as teams aim for the postseason.