The 2025 College Football Playoff is officially locked in, and for the first time, we’re getting a taste of the expanded 12-team format in full swing. The action kicks off Friday, Dec. 19, and the first round is packed with intriguing matchups, fresh broadcast dynamics, and a whole lot of playoff energy. Let’s break it all down.
A New Era: First Round, Four Games, Multiple Networks
This year’s CFP first round features four games spread across two days-Friday and Saturday-and for the first time, not every game is airing on ESPN. While the network still holds the primary rights to the Playoff, they’ve sublicensed a pair of first-round games to TNT Sports, marking a significant shift in how fans will experience postseason college football.
So what’s the deal with TNT getting in on the action? It’s part of a multi-year agreement that began in 2024.
Under this deal, TNT will air two first-round games each year through 2025. Then, starting in 2026, they’ll also pick up two quarterfinal matchups.
It’s a move designed to broaden the reach of the CFP and put marquee games in front of more fans through additional platforms like truTV and HBO Max.
First-Round Matchups: What to Watch
Let’s take a closer look at the opening-round games and where you can catch them:
Friday, Dec. 19
- **No. 8 Oklahoma vs.
No. 9 Alabama**
📍 Norman, Oklahoma
🕗 *8:00 p.m.
ET*
📺 ABC, ESPN, Fubo
This one’s a classic heavyweight clash. Oklahoma hosts Alabama in a battle of blue bloods, and while both teams missed the top four, don’t mistake this for a consolation prize.
The Sooners bring their high-octane offense into a matchup against an Alabama squad that’s still loaded with NFL-caliber talent. Expect fireworks.
Saturday, Dec. 20
- **No. 7 Texas A&M vs.
No. 10 Miami**
📍 College Station, Texas
🕛 *12:00 p.m.
ET*
📺 ABC, ESPN, Fubo
This early Saturday tilt has all the makings of a physical, grind-it-out game. Texas A&M’s front seven will be tested by a Miami offense that’s found its rhythm late in the season. The Aggies have home-field advantage, but the Hurricanes won’t be intimidated.
- **No. 6 Ole Miss vs.
No. 11 Tulane**
📍 Oxford, Mississippi
🕞 *3:30 p.m.
ET*
📺 TNT, truTV, HBO Max
Here’s where things get interesting. Ole Miss, led by an explosive offense, takes on a Tulane team that’s no stranger to upsetting the status quo.
Tulane’s been one of the most consistent Group of Five programs in recent years, and they’ll look to make a statement on a national stage. This one airs on TNT-part of the new broadcast arrangement.
- **No. 5 Oregon vs.
No. 12 James Madison**
📍 Eugene, Oregon
🕢 *7:30 p.m.
ET*
📺 TNT, truTV, HBO Max
Oregon draws the highest seed in the first round and gets a home game against a James Madison team that’s been one of the best stories in college football this season. The Dukes are making the most of their FBS transition, and now they get a shot at a Pac-12 powerhouse under the lights at Autzen Stadium. Don’t sleep on this one.
Looking Ahead: Quarterfinals Set for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Once the first round wraps, the winners move on to face the top four seeds, who earned byes into the quarterfinals. These matchups are set across four iconic bowl games:
Wednesday, Dec. 31 - Cotton Bowl
- **No. 2 Ohio State vs.
Texas A&M/Miami winner**
📍 Arlington, Texas
🕢 7:30 p.m. ET
📺 ESPN, Fubo
Thursday, Jan. 1 - Orange Bowl
- **No. 4 Texas Tech vs.
Oregon/James Madison winner**
📍 Miami, Florida
🕛 12:00 p.m. ET
📺 ESPN, Fubo
Thursday, Jan. 1 - Rose Bowl
- **No. 1 Indiana vs.
Oklahoma/Alabama winner**
📍 Pasadena, California
🕓 4:00 p.m. ET
📺 ESPN, Fubo
Thursday, Jan. 1 - Sugar Bowl
- **No. 3 Georgia vs.
Ole Miss/Tulane winner**
📍 New Orleans, Louisiana
🕗 8:00 p.m. ET
📺 ESPN, Fubo
From there, it’s on to the semifinals and the national title game. The Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl will host the semis on Jan. 8 and 9, respectively, with both games airing on ESPN.
The Takeaway
The 2025 College Football Playoff isn’t just about crowning a champion-it’s about ushering in a new era of the sport. With a 12-team format, expanded broadcast partners, and high-stakes matchups from the jump, this postseason feels bigger, bolder, and more accessible than ever.
Whether you’re tuning in on ESPN or flipping over to TNT, one thing’s for sure: the road to the national championship just got a whole lot more exciting.