College Football Playoff Selection Show Reveals Historic 12-Team Bracket

The final College Football Playoff bracket for the 2025 season will be unveiled this Sunday. The Selection Show airs on ESPN at noon Eastern Time. This historic reveal will set the field for the first-ever 12-team playoff format.

Millions of fans will tune in to see which teams make the cut. The CFP Selection Committee’s rankings determine seeding and matchups. The new format promises more drama and opportunity for teams across the country.

How to Watch the Playoff Bracket Announcement

You can watch the College Football Playoff Selection Show exclusively on ESPN. Coverage begins at 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT. The broadcast is scheduled to run for three hours with full analysis.

Viewers can stream the show live using the ESPN app. Streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo also carry ESPN. The complete bracket is typically revealed within the first 30 minutes of the program.

According to ESPN, the show will feature committee chair explanations. Analysts will break down each matchup immediately after the announcement. This marks a pivotal shift from the old four-team system.

Understanding the New 12-Team Playoff Format

The new format includes the five highest-ranked conference champions. They receive automatic bids into the playoff field. Seven at-large bids are then awarded to the next highest-ranked teams.

The top four ranked teams receive a first-round bye. Seeds 5 through 8 will host seeds 9 through 12 at campus sites. These first-round games are scheduled for December 19 and 20.

The quarterfinals will be played at the New Year’s Six bowl games. This structure significantly increases the number of teams with a national championship path. It also makes conference championship games even more critical.

National Championship Implications and Contenders

This new format makes the playoff race more unpredictable. Traditional powerhouses must still perform, but more teams have a shot. A two-loss conference champion could now realistically make the field.

The ultimate goal remains the National Championship game on January 19, 2026. It will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The expanded field makes the path to Miami longer but more accessible.

Fans can expect intense debate over the final at-large selections. The committee’s decisions will be scrutinized more than ever before. Every seed from 1 to 12 carries major strategic implications for the title chase.

The College Football Playoff Selection Show sets the stage for a month of high-stakes football. This new 12-team era begins with Sunday’s bracket reveal. The road to the national championship starts now.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

What time is the College Football Playoff selection show?

The show starts at noon Eastern Time on Sunday, December 7th. It will be broadcast live on ESPN. Pacific Time viewers can tune in at 9:00 AM.

How does the new 12-team playoff work?

The five highest-ranked conference champions get automatic bids. Seven at-large teams fill the remaining spots. The top four seeds get a bye to the quarterfinals.

Where can I stream the selection show?

You can stream it live on the ESPN app or website. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo also carry the ESPN broadcast. A cable login is typically required.

When do the first playoff games start?

The first-round games on campus sites are scheduled for December 19th and 20th. The quarterfinals at the New Year’s Six bowls follow in late December. The semifinals are in early January.

Who is on the College Football Playoff selection committee?

The committee is composed of 13 members, including former coaches, players, and administrators. Their identities are publicly listed by the CFP. They meet weekly to produce rankings throughout the season.