The 2025 College Football Playoff is about to kick off with a bang! But wait, there's a twist in the schedule that has fans buzzing.
The CFP First-Round Games:
Get ready for a thrilling tripleheader on Saturday, December 20, with a new twist! The action begins at noon ET, followed by games at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET. But here's where it gets interesting: the first game on Friday, December 19, will set the stage at 8 p.m. ET, marking the start of an exciting weekend.
ESPN, the exclusive home of CFP since 2015, is partnering with TNT Sports to bring you all the excitement. This year, they've expanded their coverage, sublicensing two of the first-round games to TNT Sports, ensuring fans won't miss a moment.
Broadcast Details:
The 12-team College Football Playoff begins with the CFP First Round on ABC and ESPN, where the top teams will battle it out. The Saturday tripleheader will see ABC and ESPN kick things off, with TNT presenting the subsequent games. All ESPN network games will be available on the ESPN App, and the first-round games on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max will offer streaming options for viewers.
And this is the part most fans have been waiting for: the CFP National Championship returns to Miami! After a thrilling 2025 contest, the championship game will be hosted at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday, January 19, 2026. This marks a highly anticipated return to Miami, creating a buzz among fans and players alike.
Rich Clark, executive director of the College Football Playoff, expressed his enthusiasm: "We're thrilled to partner with ESPN and TNT Sports..." But he also acknowledged the challenges, "...coordinating schedules with the NFL is a delicate dance..."
Controversial Viewership:
Last season's CFP First Round drew a whopping 10.6 million viewers, but some argue that the numbers could have been higher. The CFP Semifinals and Quarterfinals saw record-breaking viewership, but the question remains: can the CFP maintain this momentum?
The 2025 CFP National Championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame was a ratings hit, but some critics believe the CFP could attract even larger audiences. As the CFP continues to evolve, will it live up to its potential as the pinnacle of college football?
Stay tuned for more scheduling updates, including the highly anticipated MegaCast details. The CFP promises an action-packed season, but will it deliver on the hype? Share your thoughts below!
