San Diego, December 2, 2025
The College Football Playoff (CFP) Management Committee has revealed projected bowl matchups, showcasing top contenders after the conclusion of the college football regular season. Fans are eagerly anticipating the semifinals, which will take place in January. Notable teams include the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Indiana Hoosiers, among others. Additionally, the committee has implemented new seeding policies aimed at improving competition in the postseason. This news highlights the vibrant and competitive nature of college football, engaging communities and fans nationwide.
San Diego, California
College Football Playoff Projections and Bowl Matchups Announced Following Week 15
As the 2025 college football regular season concludes, the College Football Playoff (CFP) Management Committee has unveiled the projected matchups for the upcoming postseason, highlighting the top contenders and anticipated bowl games. This announcement not only captures the excitement of fans across the nation but also underscores the role of collegiate sports in fostering community spirit and local economic engagement.
Projected College Football Playoff Semifinals
The CFP semifinals are set to take place at the following venues:
- Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
Scheduled for January 8, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, this quarterfinal matchup features the No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish against the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders. - Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
On January 9, 2026, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, will host the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs facing the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers.
College Football Playoff National Championship
The culmination of the CFP will be the National Championship game on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The projected matchup is between the No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers.
Upcoming Bowl Games
In addition to the CFP matchups, several other bowl games have been scheduled:
- 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic
Set for December 31, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, this game is part of the CFP quarterfinals. - 2025 Sun Bowl
Also on December 31, 2025, at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, featuring teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Pac-12 Conference. - 2025 Gator Bowl
Scheduled for December 27, 2025, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, this game will showcase teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Southeastern Conference. - 2025 Citrus Bowl
Taking place on December 31, 2025, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, featuring teams from the Big Ten Conference and the Southeastern Conference.
College Football Playoff Seeding Modifications
The CFP Management Committee has announced changes to the seeding and bye policies for the 2025-26 season. The new policy guarantees the five highest-ranked conference champions a place in the Playoff, with the four highest-ranked teams receiving a first-round bye. This adjustment aims to enhance the competitiveness and fairness of the postseason structure.
Top 25 Rankings and Conference Championship Games
The latest Associated Press Top 25 college football rankings have seen significant shifts:
- Georgia Bulldogs
Climbed to No. 3, following a victory over a ranked Georgia Tech team. - Oregon Ducks
Rose to No. 4 after a decisive win over West Virginia. - Texas Tech Red Raiders
Reached No. 5, marking their highest ranking since 2008.
Key conference championship games to watch include:
- Big Ten Championship
No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Indiana. - SEC Championship
No. 3 Georgia vs. Alabama. - Big 12 Championship
No. 5 Texas Tech vs. No. 11 BYU.
Coaching Changes Impacting Bowl Season
In coaching news, Lane Kiffin has been hired as the new head football coach at LSU, leaving Ole Miss after leading the Rebels to an 11-1 season and a potential College Football Playoff berth. His request to remain with Ole Miss through the postseason was denied, and defensive coordinator Pete Golding has been promoted to head coach for the CFP. These developments set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2025 college football season, with numerous high-stakes games and potential upsets on the horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the projected matchups for the College Football Playoff semifinals?
The projected College Football Playoff semifinals are:
- Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders on January 8, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
- Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs vs. No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers on January 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
When and where is the College Football Playoff National Championship game scheduled?
The College Football Playoff National Championship game is scheduled for January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The projected matchup is between the No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers.
What changes have been made to the College Football Playoff seeding and bye policies for the 2025-26 season?
The College Football Playoff Management Committee has modified the seeding and bye policies for the 2025-26 season. The new policy guarantees the five highest-ranked conference champions a place in the Playoff, with the four highest-ranked teams receiving a first-round bye. This adjustment aims to enhance the competitiveness and fairness of the postseason structure.
Which teams are projected to participate in the upcoming bowl games?
Several bowl games have been scheduled, including:
- 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic: December 31, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
- 2025 Sun Bowl: December 31, 2025, at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas.
- 2025 Gator Bowl: December 27, 2025, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida.
- 2025 Citrus Bowl: December 31, 2025, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
What coaching changes have occurred recently in college football?
Lane Kiffin has been hired as the new head football coach at LSU, leaving Ole Miss after leading the Rebels to an 11-1 season and a potential College Football Playoff berth. His request to remain with Ole Miss through the postseason was denied, and defensive coordinator Pete Golding has been promoted to head coach for the CFP.
| Event | Date | Location | Matchup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vrbo Fiesta Bowl | January 8, 2026 | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona | No. 9 Notre Dame vs. No. 4 Texas Tech |
| Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl | January 9, 2026 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia | No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 2 Indiana |
| College Football Playoff National Championship | January 19, 2026 | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida | No. 9 Notre Dame vs. No. 2 Indiana |
| 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic | December 31, 2025 | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas | TBD |
| 2025 Sun Bowl | December 31, 2025 | Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas | TBD |
| 2025 Gator Bowl | December 27, 2025 | TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida | TBD |
| 2025 Citrus Bowl | December 31, 2025 | Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida | TBD |
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