The world of college football is changing, and the 2025 season will mark the second year of the College Football Playoff 12-team format. This expansion focuses on creating more opportunities for schools nationwide to be able to compete for the national title while also being able to amplify the excitement for fans.
The new format for the playoff was introduced back in the 2024 season. This included 12 teams which were selected based off of the College Football Playoff rankings. The format was designed to balance conference representation and at-large bids, giving both dominant programs and rising teams an opportunity to have a path to the National Championship.
The top five conference champions with the highest rankings automatically secure a spot in the playoffs. Seven additional teams are selected based on their performance regardless of conference affiliation. Teams ranked five through 12 face off in early matchups that are held at the home stadium of the higher-seeded team. The quarterfinals and semifinals take place at the New Year’s Six bowl games, which include the Cotton, Fiesta, Orange, Peach, Rose and Sugar Bowls. The National Championship Game is played at a neutral site to crown the ultimate champion.
The expansion has tackled a long-standing frustration among college football fans. In recent years, several teams that seemed deserving of a playoff spot were left out under the previous four-team system. Critics claimed that factors like strength of schedule, conference politics and selection committee decisions often overshadowed teams that had legitimate claims to contend for the national title. The new playoff format aims to reduce these controversies by offering more teams a fair opportunity to compete on the field.
The 2025-2026 season schedule closely mirrors the structure of the initial 12-team playoff. First-round matchups will be played on December 19-20, 2025, at campus sites. The quarter finals are set for December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, hosted by major bowl sites. Semifinal contests will follow on January 8-9, 2026, taking place at the Fiesta and Peach Bowls before the season’s conclusion with the National Championship Game being played on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
For teams beyond the traditional power conferences, the expanded format provides a genuine opportunity to chase national success. Schools that once felt sidelined now have stronger motivation to fight for a prized playoff spot. Additionally, fans can expect more high-stake matchups throughout December and January, adding more intensity and excitement to the college football season.
Notre Dame, who is known for being in an independent conference, is now facing a unique situation under the new structure. Without a conference title opportunity, the Fighting Irish will need to maintain a high ranking to earn an at-large bid. However, despite this challenge, Notre Dame has made it clear that they will not pursue conference affiliation just to secure an easier path to the playoffs.
The expanded format has sparked excitement across college football, offering more thrilling matchups, greater representation and unforgettable moments. As the 2025 season approaches, fans can expect fresh storylines, unexpected underdog victories and potential new dynasties on the journey to the National Championship.
