This college football postseason lineup is full of familiar faces in the College Football Playoff and some newcomers to the field. The 11 games to decide the national champion will start with first-round games at campus sites on Dec. 19 and 20. Four winners will advance to face the four teams with first-round bye in quarterfinals on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
The semifinals will be played at the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, respectively. The national championship game will be held Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
But there’s also more than just the chase for the national championship. A full lineup of bowl games will kickoff on Dec. 13 and run alongside all the playoff matchups
A look at the entire postseason schedule with dates, times and television details along with all the matchups that will take you through the holiday season and beyond:
LA Bowl: Washington 38, Boise State 10
DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 13, Inglewood, Calif., 8 p.m., ABC
Demond Williams passed for four touchdowns, and the Huskies held the Broncos to under 100 yards of offense in the first half to cruise to their ninth victory of the season. Boise State, playing just eight days after winning the Mountain West title, threw five interceptions between quarterbacks Max Cutforth and Maddux Madsen.
Salute to Veterans Bowl: Jacksonville State 17, Troy 13
DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 16, Montgomery, Ala., 9 p.m., ESPN
The Gamecocks bounced back from their loss in the Conference USA championship to finish their season with nine wins after a 1-yard touchdown run by Andrew Paul in the fourth quarter to defeat the Trojans.
Cure Bowl: Old Dominion 24, South Florida 10
DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 17, Orlando, Fla., 5 p.m., ESPN
Both the Monarchs and Bulls were short-handed with their quarterback sitting out. Old Dominion trailed at halftime, but scored all the game’s 17 points in the second half with touchdown runs by Trequan Jones and Quinn Henicle.
68 Ventures Bowl: Delaware 20, Louisiana-Lafayette 13
DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 17, Mobile, Ala., 8:30 p.m., ESPN
In their first FBS season, the Blue Hens earned their first bowl victory with a defense stand in the final seconds when the Ragin’ Cajuns were close to a tying touchdown. Jo Silver led a ground attack with 115 yards and a score, and Nick Minicucci added a passing touchdown to provide the early scoring.
Xbox Bowl: Arkansas State 34, Missouri State 28
DETAILS: Thursday, Dec. 18, Frisco, Texas, 9 p.m., ESPN2
Arkansas State opened up a big lead before holding off a rally from first-time bowl participant Missouri State. Red Wolves quarterback Jaylen Raynor threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns and wide receiver Corey Rucker passed 4,000 career receiving yards with 166 yards and a score.
Myrtle Beach Bowl: Western Michigan 41, Kennesaw State 6
DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 19, Conway, S.C., 11 a.m., ESPN
The Broncos posted their 10th win of the season that also included a MAC title after starting fast with 27 points in the first quarter. Jalen Buckley had 174 yards and a score on just eight carries, and Broc Lowry threw for two touchdowns in the victory.
Gasparilla Bowl: North Carolina State 31, Memphis 7
DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 19, Tampa, Fla., 2:30 p.m., ESPN
The Wolfpack dominated from the start, scoring the first 24 points of the game with quarterback CJ Bailey throwing for two scores and running for another. NC State closed its season on a two-game win streak, while Memphis lost its fourth in row.
College Football Playoff: Alabama 34, Oklahoma 24
DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m., ABC/ESPN
The Crimson Tide equaled the record for the biggest comeback in College Football Playoff history by overcoming a 17-0 deficit and avenging an earlier loss to the Sooners in the regular season. Ty Simpson threw for two scores, and Zabien Brown returned an interception 50 yards for a score to key the rally.
College Football Playoff: Miami 10, Texas A&M 3
DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 20, noon, ABC/ESPN
The Hurricanes won a defensive struggle with a late touchdown pass from Carson Beck to Malachi Toney and then an interception by Bryce Fitzgerald in the end zone in the final seconds. Texas A&M managed just a third-quarter field goal and committed three turnovers.
College Football Playoff: Mississippi 41, Tulane 10
DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m., TNT/truTV
A rematch of a game comfortably won by the Rebels in September was another easy victory in the playoff. Ole Miss scored a touchdown after three plays and cruised into the quarterfinals. Trinidad Chambliss threw for 282 yards and one score in the victory.
College Football Playoff: Oregon 51, James Madison 34
DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., TNT/truTV
Oregon blew up the first-round matchup with touchdowns on its first five possessions to lead 34-6 at halftime. The Ducks added a couple more scores in the third quarter before the Dukes had a strong finish. Dante Moore led the victory with 313 yards and four passing touchdowns.
Idaho Potato Bowl: Washington State 34, Utah State 21
DETAILS: Monday, Dec. 22, Boise, Idaho, 2 p.m., ESPN
Zevi Eckhaus threw for yards and three touchdowns to the lead the Cougars to a win against their future Pac-12 opponents. Maxwell Woods added 117 yards on the ground as Washington State piled up 628 yards of offense.
Boca Raton Bowl
DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 23, Boca Raton, Fla., 2 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Louisville (8-4) vs. Toledo (8-4)
The Cardinals stumbled in their last three ACC games after being in contention for the title game. The Rockets, who saw coach Jason Candle leave for Connecticut, have won four games in a row.
New Orleans Bowl
DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 23, New Orleans, 5:30 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Western Kentucky (8-4) vs. Southern Mississippi (7-5)
Two teams that faltered in their last game to miss their respective conference championship games. The Eagles also have lost coach Charles Huff to Memphis.
Frisco Bowl
DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 23, Frisco, Texas, 9 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: UNLV (10-3) vs. Ohio (8-4)
The Rebels had two of their losses to Boise State, including the Mountain West title game. The Bobcats narrowly missed the MAC championship game.
Hawaii Bowl
DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 24, Honolulu., 8 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: California (7-5) vs. Hawaii (8-4)
The Bears are being led by former Hawaii coach Nick Rolovich, who serving as interim coach after the firing of Justin Wilcox. The Rainbow Warriors return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.
GameAbove Sports Bowl
DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 26, Detroit, 1 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Central Michigan (7-5) vs. Northwestern (6-6)
Matt Drinkall had a great debut season for the Chippewas, who will face the Wildcats for just the second time. Northwestern needs to reverse its run of four losses in five games to avoid finishing on down note.
Rate Bowl
DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 26, Phoenix, 1 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Minnesota (7-5) vs. New Mexico (9-3)
It was a great season for the Lobos in Jason Eck’s first year with the program. They’ll stay near home to face the Gophers, making a seventh trip to the postseason under P.J. Fleck.
First Responder Bowl
DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 26, Dallas, 8 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Florida International (7-5) vs. Texas-San Antonio (6-6)
Willie Simmons had a remarkable first season as coach of the Panthers, who enter on a four-game win streak. The Road Runners had an up-and-down year that included impressive wins against Tulane and East Carolina mixed with curious losses.
Military Bowl
DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Pittsburgh (8-4) vs. East Carolina (8-4)
It’s a return trip to this game for the Pirates after they beat North Carolina State last year. They’ll try to take down another ACC team this time. The Panthers must get better on defense to avoid that fate.
Pinstripe Bowl
DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Bronx, N.Y., noon, ABC
MATCHUP: Clemson (7-5) vs. Penn State (6-6)
These are two teams that started in the top five and might have been a College Football Playoff semifinal. Both almost missed bowl games before a string of wins at the end of the year. Which will be motivated to finish out with a victory?
Fenway Bowl
DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Boston, 2:15 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Army (6-5) vs. Connecticut (9-3)
The Black Knights secured their postseason spot with a win at Texas-San Antonio. The Huskies are making a return trip to Boston after beating North Carolina in this game last year.
Pop-Tarts Bowl
DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Orlando, Fla., 3:30 p.m., ABC
MATCHUP: Georgia Tech (9-3) vs. Brigham Young (11-2)
Both the Yellow Jackets and Cougars had great seasons, but their playoff hopes ended with late losses. Look for both teams to be motivated to finish with a win that will help carry momentum into the offseason.
Arizona Bowl
DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Tucson, Ariz., 4:30 p.m., CW
MATCHUP: Miami (Ohio) (7-6) vs. Fresno State (8-4)
It was a disappointing finish to the regular season for the Red Hawks, who lost in the MAC title game. The Bulldogs will ride the running back combination of Rayshon Luke and Bryson Donelson.
New Mexico Bowl
DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Albuquerque., 5:45 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: San Diego State (9-3) vs. North Texas (11-2)
After missing a chance at the playoff, the Mean Green settle for a trip to face the Aztecs, who rebounded from a 3-9 season in 2024 to make a bowl game.
Gator Bowl
DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Jacksonville, Fla., 7:30 p.m., ABC
MATCHUP: Virginia (10-3) vs. Missouri (8-4)
How do the Cavaliers respond after an overtime loss to Duke that cost them a CFP berth? The Tigers will be looking for their third bowl win in row.
Texas Bowl
DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Houston, 9:15 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Houston (9-3) vs. LSU (7-5)
The Cougars had their best season in the Big 12 as Willie Fritz continues his building of the program. It’s a return trip to the Texas Bowl for the Tigers, which may have Lane Kiffin around to help.
Birmingham Bowl
DETAILS: Monday, Dec. 29, Birmingham, Ala., 2 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Georgia Southern (6-6) vs. Appalachian State (5-7)
The Eagles hopefully won’t take it personally that the a swath of teams with five wins refused this game. It’s a rare rematch of conference foes here, but as Sun Belt divisional rivals played in the regular season with Georgia Southern winning 25-23.
Independence Bowl
DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 30, Shreveport, La., 2 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Coastal Carolina (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (7-5)
The Chanticleers finished second in the Sun Belt division, but will be without coach Tim Beck, who was fired after the season. The Bulldogs are assured of their first winning season since 2019.
Music City Bowl
DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 30, Nashville, Tenn., 5:30 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Illinois (8-4) vs. Tennessee (8-4)
Orange will be the color of the day in this game. Both teams had playoff aspirations entering the season but didn’t play consistently enough. At least one of them will finish on high note.
Alamo Bowl
DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 30, San Antonio, Texas, 9 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Southern California (9-3) vs. TCU (8-4)
The Trojans will be making their 57th bowl appearance, and this will be their first in the Alamo Bowl. The home crowd should favor the Horned Frogs, who will look to quarterback Josh Hoover to lead them to their third nine-win season in four years.
ReliaQuest Bowl
DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Tampa, Fla., noon, ESPN
MATCHUP: Iowa (8-4) vs. Vanderbilt (10-2)
It’s the best season ever for the Commodores with Diego Pavia possibly playing in his last game. The Hawkeyes were the victim of four close losses, including two at home to Oregon and Indiana.
Sun Bowl
DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, El Paso, Texas, 2 p.m., CBS
MATCHUP: Arizona State (8-4) vs. Duke (8-5)
This is an opportunity for the Sun Devils to erase a disappointing finish. The Blue Devils will be riding the momentum of their ACC title that ended a long championship drought.
Citrus Bowl
DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Orlando, Fla., 3 p.m., ABC
MATCHUP: Michigan (9-3) vs. Texas (9-3)
Two of the winningest programs meet in their first postseason matchup since a memorable Rose Bowl won by the Longhorns in the 2004 season. Texas also won the other time the schools met – in last season’s opener.
Las Vegas Bowl
DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Las Vegas, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Nebraska (7-5) vs. Utah (10-2)
After a strong start, the Cornhuskers limped to a 1-3 record down the stretch after an injury to quarterback Dylan Raiola. The Utes will ride the dynamic playoff quarterback Devon Dampier after a season where it only lost to Texas Tech and Brigham Young.
Cotton Bowl
DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Arlington, Texas, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Ohio State (12-1) vs. Texas A&M-Miami winner
Orange Bowl
DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 1, Miami Gardens, Fla., noon, ESPN
MATCHUP: Texas Tech (12-1) vs. Oregon (12-1)
Rose Bowl
DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 1, Pasadena, Calif., 4 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Indiana (13-0) vs. Alabama (11-3)
Sugar Bowl
DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 1, New Orleans., 8 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Georgia (12-1) vs. Mississippi (12-1)
Armed Forces Bowl
DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, Fort Worth, Texas, 1 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Rice (5-7) vs. Texas State (6-6)
A matchup of Lone Star State schools that played in the postseason two years ago. The Owls benefit from several schools skipping bowl games to get a postseason spot.
Liberty Bowl
DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, Memphis, Tenn., 4:30 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Navy (9-2) vs. Cincinnati (7-5)
The Midshipmen first have a chance to win the Commander-in-Chiefs Trophy against Army before turning their attention to the Bearcats, who lost their last four after getting into contention in the Big 12.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl
DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, Charlotte, N.C., 8 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: Wake Forest (8-4) vs. Mississippi State (5-7)
The arrival of coach Jake Dickert was the catalyst for the Demon Deacons having a resurgent season. The Bulldogs had a series of near-misses, including overtime defeats to Tennessee and Texas, which caused them to fall short of six wins, but they still made the postseason.
Holiday Bowl
DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, San Diego, 8 p.m., Fox
MATCHUP: Arizona (9-3) vs. SMU (8-4)
Brent Brennan started his second season with the Wildcats under pressure, but quarterback Noah Fifita helped lead a resurgent season. The Mustangs had the chance to make the playoff before stumbling against California in its regular-season finale.
Fiesta Bowl
DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 8, Glendale, Ariz., 7:30 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: College Football Playoff semifinal
Peach Bowl
DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 9, Atlanta, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: College Football Playoff semifinal
College Football Playoff championship game
DETAILS: Monday, Jan. 19, Miami Gardens, Fla., 7:30 p.m., ESPN
MATCHUP: College Football Playoff semifinal winners
