CFP Schedule Confirmed; Rose Bowl Time Slot Shifted Earlier
The 2026 quarterfinals and semifinals, as well as the national championship game, were announced by the College Football Playoff on Tuesday.
The CFP championship, which will take place in Miami Gardens, Fla., will occur on the third Monday of January for the second consecutive year, specifically on January 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The quarterfinals will be divided between New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The Cotton Bowl will be played on December 31 at 7:30 ET, followed by a tripleheader on January 1 consisting of the Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Sugar Bowl.
Notably, the Rose Bowl will begin at 4 ET/1 PT, an hour earlier than its usual start time. Known for its picturesque sunset during the game, the earlier start time means the sunset may occur later in the game or even after the game has ended.
The Orange Bowl will kick off the tripleheader at noon ET, while the Sugar Bowl will begin at 8 ET.
In 2026, the Fiesta and Peach Bowls will serve as the hosts for the semifinal games. The Fiesta Bowl will take place on Thursday, January 8 at 7:30 ET, followed by the Peach Bowl on Friday, January 9 at the same time.
