College Football Playoff bracket: Results, schedule for semifinals and championship

Posted by author January 8, 2025 Football

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The College Football Playoff has reached its final four as we inch closer to a new national champion.

After the top four seeds were eliminated in the CFP quarterfinals, the semifinal games should prove intense.

On Thursday, the No. 6 seed Penn State Nittany Lions square off against the No. 7 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first semifinal at the Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, Florida. The following day, the Cotton Bowl will have the No. 5 seed Texas Longhorns facing the No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes Friday in Arlington, Texas.

The winners then face one final gauntlet later this month – the national championship game in Atlanta for the College Football Playoff crown.

A look at the upcoming schedule plus results from the College Football Playoff quarterfinals and first-round games:

When are the College Football Playoff semifinals?

The College Football Playoff semifinal games will be played on Jan. 9 and 10 (All times ET).

Thursday, Jan. 9 — Orange Bowl

∎ No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. (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. (ESPN)

at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas

Watch the CFP semifinals on 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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