How to Watch the College Football National Championship

The College Football National Championship is the culmination of the college football season, a single game that determines the national champion. For fans, it's the most exciting game of the year, and knowing how to watch it is essential. This article provides comprehensive information on how to watch the College Football National Championship, covering various aspects from game schedules to broadcast details and related events.

2025-26 FCS Championship

The 2025-26 FCS Championship is scheduled for Monday, Jan. The game will be held at FirstBank Stadium on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Broadcast Information

The title game will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks. This ensures wide accessibility for viewers across the country.

Teams and Bracket

The participants in the 2025-26 FCS Championship Game will be determined as the championship bracket progresses. The bracket selections for the 2025-26 FCS Championship will be announced on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. A total of twenty-four teams will compete for the 2025-26 FCS Championship.

Selection Process

At the end of the regular season, 11 conferences (or conference partnerships/alliances) will receive automatic bids to the playoffs. The FCS Championship Committee will select the remaining 13 at-large bids.

Playoff Structure

The 2025-26 FCS playoffs feature a 24-team bracket. The top 16 teams are seeded, and the top eight seeds receive automatic byes to the second round. First-round matchups are regionalized, with the No. 9 to No. 16 seeds playing unseeded teams to minimize travel for teams. There are minimum bids required for hosting games.

2025-26 College Football Playoff Schedule

The schedule for the 2025-26 College Football Playoff bracket includes games from Dec. 19, 2025, to Jan. 19, 2026. All times are Eastern.

First Round: Dec. 19-20, 2025
Quarterfinals: Dec. 31, 2025 - Jan. 1, 2026
Semifinals: Jan. 8-9, 2026
CFP National Championship Game: Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla.

First Round Matchups

Friday, Dec. 20: No. 7 Notre Dame vs. Unseeded Team
Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 6 Penn State vs. Unseeded Team
Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 5 Texas vs. Unseeded Team
Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 8 Ohio State vs. Unseeded Team

Quarterfinal Matchups

Fiesta Bowl: No. 6 Penn State vs. Unseeded Team
Peach Bowl: No. 5 Texas vs. Unseeded Team
Rose Bowl: No. 8 Ohio State vs. Unseeded Team
Sugar Bowl: No. 7 Notre Dame vs. Unseeded Team

Semifinal Matchups

Orange Bowl: No. 7 Notre Dame vs. Unseeded Team
Cotton Bowl: No. 8 Ohio State vs. Unseeded Team

Recent National Championship Games

Reviewing recent games can provide context and excitement for the upcoming championship.

2024: Michigan vs. Washington

In 2024, the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines defeated the No. 2 Washington Huskies 34-13 to win their first national title since 1997, completing a perfect 15-0 season. Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy passed for 140 yards and had a crucial 22-yard run. Defensive back Will Johnson earned Defensive MVP, while running back Blake Corum earned Offensive MVP with 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Jim Harbaugh secured his first national championship with Michigan.

Other Notable Games

No. 4 Ohio State 42, No. Unseeded Team
No. 2 Alabama 45, No. Unseeded Team
No. 2 Clemson 35, No. Unseeded Team
No. 4 Alabama 26, No. Unseeded Team
No. 2 Clemson 44, No. Unseeded Team
No. 1 LSU 42, No. Unseeded Team
No. 1 Alabama 52, No. Unseeded Team
No. 3 Georgia 33, No. Unseeded Team
No. 1 Georgia 65, No. Unseeded Team

2025 CFP National Championship: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

In 2025, the eighth-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes and seventh-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish will meet on Jan. 20 at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the CFP National Championship. ESPN will provide extensive coverage across its networks and digital platforms.

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Team Backgrounds

Both Ohio State and Notre Dame are seeking to end their national championship droughts. Notre Dame aims for its first title since 1988, while Ohio State seeks its first since 2014.

Coaching Matchup

Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman and Ohio State's Ryan Day are both vying for their first national championship as head coaches.

Experiencing the Championship in Atlanta

For those attending the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta, there are numerous activities to enhance the experience.

Media Day

Head to the Georgia World Congress Center for Media Day, featuring student-athletes and coaches from Notre Dame.

College Football Hall of Fame

Visit this interactive museum to explore the history of college football, with exhibits dedicated to legendary players, teams, and coaches.

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AT&T Playoff Playlist Live

Attend this music festival at State Farm Arena, featuring top musical acts.

Trophy Trot

Join the Trophy Trot, a 5K and 10K race through downtown Atlanta.

Community Service

Participate in the Notre Dame Alumni Association's service project at The Center for Children & Young Adults.

Pep Rally

Attend a pep rally with music, cheerleaders, and special guest appearances to support the Irish.

Taste of the Championship

Enjoy gourmet dishes prepared by local Atlanta chefs.

Watch Party

For those not attending the game, join the Notre Dame Club of Atlanta for their official watch party at Taco Mac Prado in Sandy Springs.

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