> At a Glance
> – The 2025-26 College Football Playoff quarterfinals feature the top four seeds against first-round winners.
> – Games start Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 at neutral sites, with all matchups televised on ESPN.
> – Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas Tech are the top seeds; Oregon, Ole Miss, Alabama, and Miami are the underdogs.
> – Why it matters: Fans will see historic upsets, the first CFP appearance for Texas Tech, and the Heisman-winning quarterback’s final game.
College football fans have the full schedule for the 2025-26 playoff quarterfinals, including matchups, kickoff times, and viewing options. The top four seeds-Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas Tech-will face the first-round winners in neutral-site bowls, all broadcast on ESPN. The quarterfinals also set the stage for the Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s final college game.
Quarterfinals: Matchups & Schedule
The quarterfinals pit the top seeds against the first-round winners in four classic bowl games. Each game is scheduled at a neutral venue, with kickoff times ranging from early afternoon to late evening. Fans can follow the action on ESPN, with live streams available on ESPN.com and the ESPN app.
- Orange Bowl: No. 4 Texas Tech vs. No. 5 Oregon
- Rose Bowl: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama
- Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 6 Ole Miss
- Cotton Bowl: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami
| Game | Date & Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton Bowl | Wed, Dec 31 7:30 p.m. ET | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas |
| Orange Bowl | Thu, Jan 1 12 p.m. ET | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida |
| Rose Bowl | Thu, Jan 1 4 p.m. ET | Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California |
| Sugar Bowl | Thu, Jan 1 8 p.m. ET | Caesars Superdome, New Orleans |
Viewing Options
All four quarterfinal games will air on ESPN, ensuring national coverage across the country. Viewers can also stream the games live on ESPN.com and through the ESPN app, which offer real-time commentary and multiple camera angles. No other network holds broadcast rights for the 2025-26 playoff quarterfinals.
Semifinals & Heisman Highlight
After the quarterfinals, the semifinals will take place on Thursday, Jan 8, and Friday, Jan 9. The winners of Ohio State-Miami and Georgia-Ole Miss will meet in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, while the Texas Tech-Oregon and Indiana-Alabama victors will clash the following day in the Peach Bowl, Atlanta, Georgia. In the meantime, Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, will play his final college game against Alabama.
- Semifinals dates: Jan 8 (Fiesta Bowl) & Jan 9 (Peach Bowl)
- Venues: Glendale, Arizona & Atlanta, Georgia
- Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza will face Alabama in the Rose Bowl
Key Takeaways
- The quarterfinals feature neutral-site bowls and top-seed matchups.
- All games are broadcast on ESPN, with online streaming available.
- Semifinals follow on Jan 8-9, with the Heisman-winning quarterback playing his last college game.
With kickoff times set and viewing options confirmed, college football fans can prepare for a historic playoff season that promises upsets, record-setting performances, and a fitting farewell for a Heisman champion.
