Get ready, college football fans — the 2025-26 postseason is about to explode with excitement! On Sunday, the full College Football Playoff lineup will finally be revealed, and this year’s 12-team format promises plenty of drama and unexpected twists. But here’s where it gets controversial: while last year’s system guaranteed the top four conference champions a spot in the quarterfinals, that rule has been scrapped. Now, only the four highest-ranked teams overall will receive automatic byes, although the top five conference champions still earn a guaranteed entry into the playoff. And this is the part most people miss — teams ranked 5 through 8 gain the strategic advantage of hosting first-round matchups, potentially shaking up the path to the semifinals.
Sunday is not just about the playoff bracket. Fans can also expect official announcements for dozens of bowl game matchups, which form the heart of the traditional Bowl Season. By the end of the day, the entire landscape of college football’s postseason will be clear, setting the stage for unforgettable clashes on the gridiron.
We’ll be tracking every announcement and update as the postseason picture comes into focus, keeping you informed in real time. Here’s a closer look at the projected College Football Playoff schedule, based on expert analysis from CBS Sports bowl analyst Brad Crawford.
College Football Playoff Projection (2025-26)
Championship Game: Jan. 19 -- Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
Peach Bowl Semifinal: Jan. 9
Fiesta Bowl Semifinal: Jan. 8
Quarterfinals:
- Rose Bowl, Jan. 1: (1) Indiana vs. Winner of (8/9)
- Cotton Bowl, Jan. 1: (2) Ohio State vs. Winner of (7/10)
- Orange Bowl, Jan. 1: (3) Georgia vs. Winner of (6/11)
- Sugar Bowl, Dec. 31: (4) Texas Tech vs. Winner of (5/12)
First Round:
- (12) James Madison at (5) Oregon -- Winner faces (4) Texas Tech
- (9) Notre Dame at (8) Oklahoma -- Winner faces (1) Indiana
- (11) Tulane at (6) Ole Miss -- Winner faces (3) Georgia
- (10) Alabama at (7) Texas A&M -- Winner faces (2) Ohio State
2025 Bowl Games: Official matchups will be revealed alongside the playoff bracket, completing the full postseason schedule and offering fans a glimpse of the high-stakes showdowns to come.
Here’s a question to spark debate: With the new bye system favoring the highest-ranked teams over conference champions, do you think this makes the playoff fairer — or does it undervalue traditional conference achievements? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
