Get Ready for the Epic 12-Team College Football Playoff: Dates, Matchups, and Broadcasts Revealed

Get Ready for the Epic 12-Team College Football Playoff: Dates, Matchups, and Broadcasts Revealed

By: Brooks L | 06/06/2024

College Football Playoff

The schedule for the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff is now official, bringing a new era of excitement to college football fans. The expanded playoff format features 11 games, starting on Friday, Dec. 20, and culminating in the national championship on Monday, Jan. 20.

First Round Action

The first round consists of four games spread over Dec. 20 and Dec. 21. The opening game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 20, broadcast by ABC. Saturday’s action includes two games on TNT Sports at Noon and 4 p.m. ET, and the final game of the day at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. This marks TNT Sports' return to broadcasting college football after nearly two decades, adding a new dimension to the playoff viewing experience.

Quarterfinals and Semifinals

The quarterfinals begin with the Fiesta Bowl at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Three more quarterfinal games are set for New Year’s Day: the Peach Bowl at 1 p.m., the Rose Bowl at 5 p.m., and the Sugar Bowl at 8:45 p.m., all on ESPN.

The semifinals will be held in the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl. The Orange Bowl is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jan. 9, followed by the Cotton Bowl at the same time on Friday, Jan. 10, both broadcast by ESPN.

Championship Showdown

The College Football Playoff National Championship game will take place on Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET. This event marks a significant shift from the traditional four-team playoff format, promising more thrilling matchups and opportunities for upsets.

Impact and Future

This new 12-team format aims to bring more teams into the championship conversation, with the top five conference champions automatically qualifying. The top four conference champions will receive byes into the quarterfinals, while seeds 5-8 will host first-round games at their home stadiums, adding a unique home-field advantage element.

The shift to a 12-team playoff is expected to generate unprecedented excitement and competition, as teams vie for the ultimate prize in college football. With the schedule set and broadcast partners announced, fans can now look forward to a month of high-stakes action that will redefine the college football landscape.

Wrap-Up

The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff is set to revolutionize the landscape of college football, offering more teams a shot at the national title and enhancing the excitement for fans. The new format promises to deliver intense matchups and unforgettable moments, as schools from across the country compete for the ultimate prize in college football. With the dates, matchups, and broadcast details now finalized, anticipation is at an all-time high. Fans can prepare for a thrilling postseason that will bring a new level of competition and drama to the sport we all love.

  • Published
    Jun 6, 2024
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