2024-25 College Football Playoff: 12-Team Bracket Schedule, Games, Kickoff Times, and Locations

2024-25 College Football Playoff: Expanded 12-Team Bracket Schedule Unveiled

The landscape of college football is undergoing a seismic shift with the introduction of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) for the 2024-25 season. This new format promises heightened excitement and deeper competition in the quest for the national championship. Here's everything fans need to know about the schedule, games, kickoff times, and locations for the initial rounds:

The New Playoff Format

The CFP's expansion from four to twelve teams is designed to give more teams a shot at the championship while ensuring that the regular season games remain as crucial as ever. The new playoff system includes:

• The six highest-ranked conference champions.
• Six at-large selections determined by the CFP Selection Committee.

The format ensures that the top four conference champions receive byes into the quarterfinals, highlighting the importance of strong conference performance.

Round 1 (First Four)

Game 1:
- Teams: #9 vs. #8
- Date: December 14, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM EST
- Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA

Game 2:
- Teams: #10 vs. #7
- Date: December 15, 2024
- Time: 4:30 PM EST
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

Game 3:
- Teams: #11 vs. #6
- Date: December 16, 2024
- Time: 8:00 PM EST
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

Game 4:
- Teams: #12 vs. #5
- Date: December 17, 2024
- Time: 8:30 PM EST
- Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

These initial matchups are set to be thrilling underdogs battles, often played in major NFL stadiums which not only provide a larger venue but also enhance the playoff atmosphere with big fan bases and high stakes.

Quarterfinals

Following the excitement of the first round, the quarterfinals are where the real drama begins:

Quarterfinal 1:
- Teams: Highest Ranked Seed vs. Winner Game 1
- Date: December 29, 2024
- Time: 2:00 PM EST
- Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ

Quarterfinal 2:
- Teams: Second Highest Seed vs. Winner Game 2
- Date: December 29, 2024
- Time: 8:15 PM EST
- Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

Quarterfinal 3:
- Teams: Third Highest Seed vs. Winner Game 3
- Date: December 30, 2024
- Time: 1:00 PM EST
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Quarterfinal 4:
- Teams: Fourth Highest Seed vs. Winner Game 4
- Date: December 30, 2024
- Time: 7:30 PM EST
- Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA

These games will decide which teams move onto the semifinals, often showcasing high-stakes clashes between national giants.

Semifinals

The semifinals are where legends are born and legacies are cemented:

Semifinal 1:
- Date: January 9, 2025
- Time: TBD
- Location: ESPN Rose Bowl Game®, Pasadena, CA

Semifinal 2:
- Date: January 10, 2025
- Time: TBD
- Location: Allstate Sugar Bowl®, New Orleans, LA

The return to traditional bowls for the semifinals adds a layer of tradition and prestige, making these contests not just about winning but also about history and rivalry.

Championship Game

The grand finale:

National Championship Game:
- Date: January 20, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM EST
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

This game will determine the college football champion for the 2024-25 season, showcasing the finest talent and strategy in Division I football.

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This expansion promises a more inclusive and exhilarating postseason in college football, giving teams across the country a real shot at glory and fans a plethora of reasons to cheer. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the kickoff of this historic playoff season.