College Football Today: New Year’s Eve Playoff Quarterfinals & Bowl Game Schedule

New Year’s Eve 2025 isn’t just for champagne toasts—it’s a full-blown football feast. The College Football Playoff quarterfinals kick off today, marking the most critical day of the season where national title dreams are either realized or shattered. Alongside the playoff drama, a slate of major bowl games fills the schedule, offering a full day of action from morning until night. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, here’s your complete guide to the games, times, and storylines you can’t miss.

The playoff field is set, featuring powerhouse programs and surprising contenders. With games spread across Wednesday and Thursday, today’s matchups will set the tone for the entire championship chase. Let’s break down the schedule, the key matchups, and how to watch every pivotal moment.

Today’s College Football Schedule: December 31, 2025

From early morning bowl games to the prime-time playoff clashes, here is the complete lineup for Wednesday, December 31st. All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST).

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Previews

The road to the national championship narrows to eight teams. The first two quarterfinals today feature contrasting styles and high stakes.

#1 Ohio State vs. #8 Miami (FL) – 3:30 PM EST

This is a classic clash of strengths. The top-ranked Buckeyes bring one of the nation’s most explosive offenses into the game. Miami, however, is battle-tested after surviving a brutal 10-3 defensive slugfest against Texas A&M in the first round. The key storyline here is whether Miami’s formidable defense can contain Ohio State’s firepower and turn this into a low-possession, gritty fight.

#4 Texas Tech vs. #5 Oregon – 7:30 PM EST

Expect points in this nightcap. Both teams are known for their offensive creativity and speed. Texas Tech’s air raid attack will go head-to-head with Oregon’s balanced, up-tempo scheme. This matchup often comes down to which defense can get a critical stop or force a turnover in what promises to be a back-and-forth shootout.

“The quarterfinals are where seasons are defined. You can have a great year, but if you don’t win today, it all feels incomplete. The pressure is absolute,” said a veteran CFP analyst, capturing the day’s magnitude.

Key Bowl Games & AP Top 25 Implications

While the playoff games dominate the narrative, the New Year’s Eve bowl games have major implications for the final AP Top 25 rankings and bragging rights for major conferences.

Both #23 Iowa and #18 Michigan look to cap their seasons with a win, which could push them higher in the final poll. A strong showing from teams like Arizona State can also reshape the back end of the rankings. These games are crucial for program momentum heading into the offseason.

Current AP Top 25 Snapshot (Relevant to Today’s Games)

How to Watch All the Action

The ESPN family of networks is the home for the entire day. The playoff quarterfinals will be exclusively on ESPN, with the bowl games split between ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC. Streaming is available through the ESPN app, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV, provided you have a subscription that includes these channels.

Set your reminders now. The 3:30 PM EST kickoff for Ohio State-Miami begins a continuous block of high-stakes football that will run well into the night, perfectly setting the stage for New Year’s celebrations.

Common Questions

What time do the College Football Playoff games start today?

The first CFP Quarterfinal (Ohio State vs. Miami) kicks off at 3:30 PM Eastern Time. The second game (Texas Tech vs. Oregon) starts at 7:30 PM Eastern Time.

Are there any college football games on New Year’s Day 2026?

Yes. The College Football Playoff quarterfinals continue on Thursday, January 1st, with the other two matchups: Indiana vs. Alabama and Georgia vs. Ole Miss.

What channel are the college football games on today?

All games are broadcast on the ESPN family of networks. Specifically, the playoff games are on ESPN. Bowl games are on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC. Check your local listings for the specific channel.

Who is number one in the college football rankings?

Entering the playoff quarterfinals, the Ohio State Buckeyes are the consensus number one team in both the AP Top 25 and the College Football Playoff rankings.