College football fans in India and around the world are in for a spectacular start to 2026. The new year kicks off with a blockbuster tripleheader of College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal action on January 1st. This marks the continuation of the exciting new 12-team playoff format, with three iconic bowl games hosting the clashes that will determine who advances to the semifinals.
New Year's Day Playoff Schedule and Key Matchups
The action begins at noon ET with the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This game will be broadcast live on ESPN. The matchup features the No. 4 seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders, the Big 12 champions, taking on the No. 5 seeded Oregon Ducks from the Big Ten. Texas Tech, enjoying a first-round bye, brings a formidable defense led by linebackers David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez. Their offense, quarterbacked by Behren Morton, is balanced by running backs Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams.
Oregon enters fresh off a convincing first-round victory over James Madison. Their attack is powered by quarterback Dante Moore, with running back Noah Whittington providing crucial protection. The Ducks' defense, anchored by edge rushers Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei and linebacker Bryce Boettcher, will look to contain the Red Raiders. Experts are calling this 4 vs. 5 seed game the most unpredictable of the quarterfinals.
Historic Clash at the Rose Bowl and SEC Rematch
At 4 PM ET on ESPN, the spotlight shifts to the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. In a classic showdown, the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers will face the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide. Indiana, under coach Curt Cignetti, earned the No. 1 ranking after a stunning Big Ten championship win over Ohio State. Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza will target receivers Omar Cooper and Elijah Sarratt against an Alabama secondary featuring Bray Hubbard and Zabien Brown.
Alabama, navigating its first playoff in the post-Nick Saban era after beating Oklahoma, will rely on quarterback Ty Simpson. He faces a tough challenge from Indiana's pass defense, led by Louis Moore and D’Angelo Ponds. This game pits a playoff newcomer against a program with a rich championship pedigree.
The nightcap at 8 PM ET on ESPN is the Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. This all-SEC battle is a rematch between the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs and the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels. Georgia is in peak form, having dominated Alabama for the conference title. Quarterback Gunner Stockton boasts a 70.7% completion rate, and the offense converts 45.2% of its third downs. Linebacker CJ Allen spearheads a stifling run defense.
Ole Miss, which cruised through its first-round game, is hungry for revenge after a regular-season loss to the Bulldogs. Their offensive hopes rest on quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy. To pull off the upset, edge rushers Princewill Umanmielen and Will Echoles must pressure Stockton from the opening whistle.
Road to the National Championship
The stakes could not be higher on New Year's Day. The winners of these three quarterfinals will advance to the playoff semifinals, scheduled for January 8-9, 2026. The ultimate prize is a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, which will be held on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. This expanded playoff format ensures a marathon of high-stakes football, culminating in a single champion being crowned later in the month.
