Big Changes in College Football Playoffs: What You Need to Know

College football fans, get ready for some exciting matches! The 2025-26 season is bringing a bigger playoff bracket with 12 teams. This is only the second year for this new format, and it's already shaking things up. The playoff games will kick off on December 19, 2025, and wrap up with the National Championship on January 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. The first round will see some intense matchups, like No. 9 Alabama taking on No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 10 Miami facing off against No. 7 Texas A&M. The quarterfinals are set for December 31, 2025, through January 1, 2026. Some of the standout games include No. 10 Miami against No. 2 Ohio State and No. 6 Ole Miss challenging No. 3 Georgia. These games are sure to be nail-biters.The semifinals will take place on January 8-9, 2026, with No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 Miami and No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 5 Oregon. The winners will move on to the National Championship, which will be held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Looking back at past championships, it's clear that anything can happen. Teams like Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia have dominated in recent years, but new contenders are always emerging. The 2025 championship saw Ohio State pull off a big win against Notre Dame, proving that underdogs can shine. Future championship games are already set for Las Vegas in 2027, adding even more excitement to the mix. With so many teams in the running, every game is crucial. Fans can expect thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes as the season unfolds.