College football bowl game schedule: The entire postseason lineup through CFP

Postseason Overview

This college football postseason lineup is full of familiar faces in the College Football Playoff and some newcomers to the postseason field. The schedule spans all bowl games and culminates with the playoff bracket that determines the national champion. Teams vie for seeding, prestige, and a shot at the CFP title.

CFP Teams and Playoff Bracket

The College Football Playoff features four teams selected to compete in two semifinal games.
Winners advance to the national championship game.
Seeding and matchups are designed to maximize competitive balance and television viewership.

Notable Bowl Matchups

Traditional powerhouses frequently appear in prominent New Year’s bowls.
First-time participants may join established programs, introducing fresh storylines and rivalries.
The lineup includes a mix of conference champions and at-large selections.

Schedule Structure

Early-bowl games kick off the postseason, gradually leading to high-profile semifinals.
Each bowl has its own tie-ins with conferences and sponsors.
The sequence helps fans track progression from initial matchups to the CFP semifinals and final.

Key Considerations

Team health, travel, and rest can influence outcomes in the later rounds.
Surprises in seeding generate debates among analysts and fans.
The postseason crown hinges on disciplined execution and strategic matchup advantages.

Author’s Summary

A concise, balanced preview of the full postseason lineup, highlighting CFP contenders, notable bowls, and the path to the national championship.

USA Today — 2025-12-07