In a weekend that promises high‑stakes clashes, the College Football Playoff (CFP) has outlined its quarterfinal lineup, confirming that the top four seeds will receive first‑round byes and that the bracket will remain unchanged through the quarterfinals.
The 2025‑26 CFP Quarterfinal Schedule
The quarterfinals will unfold over two nights: New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31, and New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1. The first night will feature the Cotton Bowl, while the remaining three bowls—Rose, Sugar, and Orange—will take place on New Year’s Day.
How the Bracket Works
Unlike the NFL postseason, the CFP will not reseed teams after the opening round. The bracket is fixed, so each seed’s path to the national title game is predetermined. For example, if the No. 12 James Madison Dukes were to upset the No. 5 Oregon Ducks in the first round, they would still face the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders in the quarterfinals, not the top‑seeded Indiana Hoosiers.
Quarterfinal Matchups and Bowl Assignments
The matchups are set as follows:
- No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 8 Oklahoma / No. 9 Alabama – Rose Bowl (Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California)
- No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 7 Texas A&M / No. 10 Miami – Cotton Bowl (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)
- No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 6 Ole Miss / No. 11 Tulane – Sugar Bowl (Caesars Superdome, New Orleans)
- No. 4 Texas Tech vs. No. 5 Oregon / No. 12 James Madison – Orange Bowl (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida)
These pairings reflect the top‑four seeds’ advantage: they receive a bye and a guaranteed slot in the quarterfinals, while seeds five through twelve compete in the opening round.
Bowl Game Locations
Each bowl game will be played at a venue that carries its own history and prestige:
- Cotton Bowl – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (New Year’s Eve)
- Orange Bowl – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (New Year’s Day)
- Rose Bowl – Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California (New Year’s Day)
- Sugar Bowl – Caesars Superdome, New Orleans (New Year’s Day)
These locations are part of the traditional CFP bowl rotation, offering fans a chance to experience iconic stadiums during the holiday season.
Why the Bracket Stays the Same
The CFP’s decision to keep the bracket intact through the quarterfinals was highlighted as a way to preserve the integrity of the initial seedings. By avoiding reseeding, the playoff organizers ensure that the path to the title game remains transparent and that each team’s performance in the opening round directly determines its quarterfinal opponent.
The Stakes for the Top Seeds
The unbeaten No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers, the defending champions No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs, and the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders all enjoy a first‑round bye. Their quarterfinal matchups pit them against the winners of the opening‑round games, giving them a chance to rest and prepare while the lower‑seeded teams battle it out.
Anticipated Rivalries
While the matchups are set, the real excitement lies in the potential for classic rivalries and high‑profile showdowns. The Rose Bowl could feature a showdown between the Hoosiers and either Oklahoma or Alabama, both storied programs with passionate fan bases. The Cotton Bowl may bring the Buckeyes into a clash with Texas A&M or Miami, both teams that have showcased strong defensive play.
The Sugar Bowl’s pairing of Georgia with Ole Miss or Tulane offers a Southern football spectacle, while the Orange Bowl could see Texas Tech face Oregon or James Madison, adding a touch of unpredictability to the slate.
Key Takeaways
- The CFP quarterfinals are scheduled for Dec. 31 (Cotton Bowl) and Jan. 1 (Rose, Sugar, Orange).
- The bracket remains unchanged after the first round, so seeded matchups are fixed.
- Top four seeds receive first‑round byes and will face opening‑round winners.
- Bowl games are hosted at AT&T Stadium, Hard Rock Stadium, Rose Bowl Stadium, and Caesars Superdome.
The 2025‑26 College Football Playoff has laid out a clear, bracket‑based path to the national title, offering fans a concise roadmap to the most anticipated games of the season. As the opening round approaches, the stakes will rise, and the quarterfinal matchups promise to deliver the drama and excitement that define college football’s postseason.
