College Football Playoff bracket: Results, schedule for semifinals and championship
Surging Ohio State will face Texas in the Cotton Bowl for a spot in the CFP title game
USA TODAY Sports’ Jordan Mendoza previews the 2025 Cotton Bowl between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns.
Sports Pulse
The College Football Playoff has narrowed down to four teams and is just days away from two highly anticipated semifinal games. These games will determine which teams will secure a spot in the national championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a moment that every football fan eagerly awaits.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish demonstrated their resilience by securing a spot in the semifinals with a 23-10 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl, which had been delayed due to a tragic terror attack in New Orleans. Meanwhile, the Penn State Nittany Lions showcased their strength by defeating Boise State 31-14 in the Fiesta Bowl.
On the other side of the bracket, the Texas Longhorns emerged victorious over Arizona State in a thrilling double-overtime game, winning the Peach Bowl by a score of 39-31. Meanwhile, the Ohio State Buckeyes achieved a notable upset in the newly formatted playoff by dominating the once-unbeaten Oregon Ducks, defeating them 41-21 in the Rose Bowl and ending their national title aspirations.
The action now moves to the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinals. Here is a look at the bracket and schedule.
When are the College Football Playoff semifinals?
The College Football Playoff semifinal games will be played on Jan. 9 and 10.
Thursday, Jan. 9: Orange Bowl
No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
Friday, Jan. 10: Cotton Bowl
No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
Watch the College Football Playoff with Fubo
When is College Football Playoff national championship?
- Date: Monday, Jan. 20
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
College Football Playoff quarterfinals
Tuesday, Dec. 31
Wednesday, Jan. 1
Thursday, Jan. 2
College Football Playoff first round
Friday, Dec. 20
Saturday, Dec. 21
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