About College Football Playoffs
The College Football Playoff (CFP) is the system used to determine the national champion of NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). It replaced the controversial Bowl Championship Series (BCS) in 2014, marking a significant shift in how college football crowns its champion. Before the CFP, national champions were decided based on a combination of polls and computer rankings, which often left fans, teams, and analysts dissatisfied. The CFP introduced a four-team playoff format, with teams selected by a 13-member committee based on various factors, including win-loss records, strength of schedule, and head-to-head results.
The CFP structure is straightforward yet competitive. Each year, the top four teams are ranked and seeded by the selection committee. These teams face off in two semifinal games, which are hosted by six rotating bowl games known as the "New Year's Six" (Rose, Sugar, Orange, Cotton, Peach, and Fiesta Bowls). The winners of the semifinals then advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship, a standalone game held at a neutral site. This format has brought much-needed clarity and excitement to the determination of college football's champion, fostering intense debates and widespread engagement throughout the season.
Over the years, the CFP has produced numerous memorable moments. In the inaugural 2014-15 season, Ohio State entered as the No. 4 seed and shocked the college football world by defeating top-seeded Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and then dominating Oregon in the championship game. Clemson's rise to prominence has also been a hallmark of the CFP era, highlighted by their stunning victory over Alabama in the 2016 championship game with a last-second touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to Hunter Renfrow. Another standout moment occurred in 2021 when Alabama's dominance continued as they routed Ohio State, solidifying Nick Saban's legacy as one of college football's greatest coaches.
The CFP has not been without its controversies and calls for expansion. Fans and analysts have frequently debated the fairness of the four-team structure, arguing that it excludes worthy teams from consideration. These discussions have led to an upcoming expansion of the playoffs to 12 teams, beginning in 2024, which promises to bring even more excitement and inclusivity to college football's postseason. As the CFP continues to evolve, its impact on the sport and its ability to produce high-stakes drama ensure its place as one of the most captivating events in American sports.
College Football Playoff Tickets and 2025 Schedule
Learn more about CFP tickets and this year's 2024-2025 schedule.
What is the College Football Playoff schedule?
The College Football Playoff schedule will be as follows for the 2024-2025 season:
First round (Dec. 20-21) |
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Friday, Dec. 20: 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
Saturday, Dec. 21: 12 p.m. | TNT |
Saturday, Dec. 21: 4 p.m. | TNT |
Saturday, Dec. 21: 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
Quarterfinals (Dec. 31-Jan. 1) |
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Fiesta Bowl: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 | ESPN |
Peach Bowl: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 | ESPN |
Rose Bowl: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 | ESPN |
Sugar Bowl: 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 | ESPN |
Semifinals (Jan. 9-10) |
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Orange Bowl: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 | ESPN |
Cotton Bowl: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 | ESPN |
How can I buy College Football Playoff tickets?
You can buy College Football Playoff tickets right here on SeatGeek. Here's how to do it:
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When you’re happy with your tickets, select the amount you want to purchase and select ‘Go to checkout.’
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What is the College Football Playoff format?
The College Football Playoff (CFP) uses a four-team format to determine the national champion of NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). At the end of the regular season, a 13-member selection committee ranks the top teams based on criteria such as win-loss record, strength of schedule, and head-to-head performance. The top four teams are then seeded and face off in two semifinal games, which rotate annually among the six major bowl games—Rose, Sugar, Orange, Cotton, Peach, and Fiesta Bowls. The winners of these semifinals advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship, a standalone game held at a neutral site. This format, introduced in 2014, ensures a clear and competitive pathway to determine the national champion, though it has sparked debates about expansion to include more teams.
When did the College Football Playoff start?
The College Football Playoff (CFP) began with the 2014-2015 season, replacing the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) as the method for determining the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) national champion. The first CFP games were held on January 1, 2015, with the championship game following on January 12, 2015.
How are teams selected for the College Football Playoffs?
Teams are selected by a 13-member committee of experts who evaluate them based on a variety of factors, including win-loss record, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and performance against common opponents. The committee meets weekly during the latter part of the season to rank teams, ultimately selecting the top four for the playoff. These rankings are designed to identify the four "most deserving" teams, not necessarily the four most talented.
What are the criteria for the College Football Playoff rankings?
The selection committee uses several key criteria to determine rankings, including:
Win-Loss Record: Overall performance during the season.
Strength of Schedule: Quality of the opponents played.
Conference Championships: Winning a conference title is a significant factor, especially when teams are closely ranked.
Head-to-Head Results: Outcomes of games played between ranked teams.
Performance Against Common Opponents: Comparison of results against shared opponents.
The committee also considers "game control," injuries, and other subjective elements to rank teams.
Who won the College Football Playoffs?
The following teams have won the CFP since its inception:
2014-2015: Ohio State Buckeyes
2015-2016: Alabama Crimson Tide
2016-2017: Clemson Tigers
2017-2018: Alabama Crimson Tide
2018-2019: Clemson Tigers
2019-2020: LSU Tigers
2020-2021: Alabama Crimson Tide
2021-2022: Georgia Bulldogs
2022-2023: Georgia Bulldogs
Alabama and Clemson have dominated the CFP era, with Georgia emerging as a recent powerhouse.
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