The 2025-26 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling yet. Fans are already buzzing about the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals, a packed bowl game schedule, and all the new ways to stream games this year.
Whether you live and breathe college football or just tune in for the big moments, this season’s got something for everyone. With so many games and platforms to choose from, let’s break down what you need to know so you don’t miss out.
CFP Semifinals Schedule
The College Football Playoff semifinals are the high point of the season. The top four teams in the country will square off for a shot at the National Championship.
This year, the semifinals land on December 31, 2025. The games will be played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Honestly, you couldn’t ask for better backdrops for these matchups. Both venues have a way of making the games feel even bigger.
Key Dates and Matchups
A couple dates you should probably jot down:
- December 31, 2025: CFP Semifinals at the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl
- January 12, 2026: CFP National Championship Game
The CFP selection committee will decide which teams make the cut, ranking them based on performance all season long. Matchups will be No. 1 vs. No. 4 and No. 2 vs. No. 3—so, yeah, expect fireworks.
Where to Stream Bowl Games
Streaming’s taken over, and college football isn’t any different. Whether you stick with cable or have jumped to streaming, there are plenty of ways to watch.
Here are some of the top options for catching the 2025-26 college football season:
Major Streaming Platforms
Several major platforms will carry the bowl games, so you’ve got choices:
- ESPN: Still the main home for college football. They’ll have most bowl games, plus the CFP semifinals and National Championship. You can stream on the ESPN app or website.
- ABC: Some of the bigger bowls will show up here too. Stream through the ABC app or online.
- Fox Sports: Fox has a few key games as well, available on their app or site.
- Streaming Services: Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and Sling TV all offer packages with ESPN, ABC, and Fox. It’s a solid way to keep up without cable.
How to Ensure You Never Miss a Game
Want to make sure you catch every play? Try these tips:
- Set Reminders: Use your phone or a calendar app to remind you of game times.
- Subscribe to Alerts: Many streaming platforms and sports apps offer push notifications for updates and kickoff times.
- Check Local Listings: Some games might pop up on local channels, so check your TV listings just in case.
Bowl Game Schedule
The 2025-26 bowl schedule is absolutely loaded. From the New Year’s Six to some underrated showdowns, it’s going to be a wild ride.
Here’s a quick look at some of the bowl games people are already talking about:
New Year’s Six Bowls
The New Year’s Six bowls are always a big deal. These include:
- Rose Bowl: The “Granddaddy of Them All” usually features top teams from the Big Ten and Pac-12.
- Sugar Bowl: Expect top teams from the SEC and Big 12 to clash here.
- Orange Bowl: Typically an ACC team takes on a Big Ten or SEC squad.
- Fiesta Bowl: Two of the highest-ranked teams not in the CFP semifinals face off in this one.
- Peach Bowl: Another heavyweight matchup between top-ranked teams.
- Cotton Bowl: Usually features an at-large team and a top Group of Five contender.
Other Noteworthy Bowl Games
Beyond the big six, there are plenty of other bowls worth your time:
- Alamo Bowl: Pits Big 12 teams against Pac-12 squads.
- Outback Bowl: SEC vs. Big Ten, always a fun one.
- Holiday Bowl: Another clash between the Pac-12 and Big Ten, and it rarely disappoints.
Conclusion
The 2025-26 college football season looks like it could be one for the books. There’s a jam-packed bowl game lineup ahead and of course, the high-stakes CFP semifinals everyone’s buzzing about.
With more streaming options than ever, it’s honestly hard to keep up. But if you want to catch every play, you’ll need to stay on top of the news and schedules—nobody wants to miss the big moments.
Need a deeper dive on where and how to watch? Check out this guide: how to watch the 2025-26 college football season.
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