CFP reveals quarterfinal, semifinal dates and bowls for 2026-27

Field Level Media
04 Feb 2026, 02:35 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)

The College Football Playoff announced the dates and bowl games for the quarterfinals and semifinals for the next two seasons on Tuesday.

Of note, there will be approximately a two-week break between those rounds in both years.

The 2026 season:

CFP quarterfinals:

--Dec. 30, 2026, at the Fiesta Bowl

--Jan. 1, 2027 at the Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl and Rose Bowl

CFP semifinals:

--Jan. 14, 2027 at the Orange Bowl

--Jan. 15, 2027 at the Sugar Bowl

The championship game following the 2026 regular season already was announced for Las Vegas on Jan. 25, 2027.

The 2027 season:

CFP quarterfinals

--Dec. 31, 2027 at the Sugar Bowl

--Jan. 1, 2028 at the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl and Rose Bowl

CFP semifinals:

--Jan. 13, 2028 at the Orange Bowl

--Jan. 14, 2028 at the Cotton Bowl

The championship game following the 2027 regular season already was announced for New Orleans on Jan. 24, 2028.

'These dates allow us to maintain competitive balance, maximize the fan experience, and provide consistency for everyone involved in the Playoff,' said Rich Clark, executive director of the CFP. 'I also want to thank our bowl partners and their local communities for the incredible work, collaboration, and commitment they've shown throughout the first two years of the expanded playoff. The bowl games and the people behind them embraced change, delivered at the highest level, and helped ensure the expanded format was a success for student-athletes, fans, and the sport.'

Additional details regarding game times and television network assignments for the 2026 and 2027 CFP games will be announced later this year.

--Field Level Media

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