The College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket for the 2024-25 season is set, with thrilling matchups and intense rivalries. The journey to the national championship begins with a historic 12-team playoff format, promising unforgettable moments for fans of Notre Dame football, Penn State, and other top teams. Here’s everything you need to know about the schedule, rankings, and results leading up to the ultimate showdown at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
2024-25 College Football Playoff Bracket Overview
The CFP bracket, announced on Dec. 8, features the top 25 teams, with seeding determined by the highest-ranked conference champions and at-large bids. Unlike the rankings, seeding prioritizes the four highest-ranked conference champions for byes, regardless of their position in the top 25.
Key Details:
- Where is the Orange Bowl 2025? At the iconic Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
- Semifinals start on Jan. 9, with Penn State Nittany Lions football facing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Orange Bowl.
College Football Playoff Schedule and Scores
First Round Results
- Notre Dame 27, Indiana 17
(Notre Dame Fighting Irish football showcased dominance in their first-round win.) - Penn State 38, SMU 10
(PSU football proved unstoppable with Drew Allar leading the charge.) - Texas 38, Clemson 24
- Ohio State 42, Tennessee 17
Quarterfinals
- Notre Dame 23, Georgia 10 (Sugar Bowl)
- Penn State 31, Boise State 14 (Fiesta Bowl)
- Texas 39, Arizona State 31 (2OT, Peach Bowl)
- Ohio State 41, Oregon 21 (Rose Bowl)
Semifinals (All times in ET)
Thursday, Jan. 9
- No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame (Orange Bowl) | 7:30 PM | ESPN
Friday, Jan. 10
- No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State (Cotton Bowl) | 7:30 PM | ESPN
National Championship
Monday, Jan. 20
- TBD vs. TBD (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta) | 7:30 PM | ESPN
College Football Playoff Rankings and Seeds
The top seeds reflect the unique rules of the CFP, emphasizing conference champions:
- Oregon (Big Ten) – Seeded No. 1
- Georgia (SEC) – Seeded No. 2
- Boise State (Mountain West) – Seeded No. 3
- Arizona State (Big 12) – Seeded No. 4
Teams like Notre Dame (seeded No. 7) and Penn State (seeded No. 6) secured at-large bids, creating the highly anticipated ND vs. PSU showdown.
Highlights to Watch
- Where is the Orange Bowl being played? At the Hard Rock Stadium, a venue known for its electrifying atmosphere.
- Notre Dame vs. Penn State prediction: Both teams boast strong offenses. Drew Allar and Nick Singleton are key players for PSU, while Notre Dame’s depth chart remains a formidable challenge.
- Orange Bowl kickoff time: 7:30 PM ET on Jan. 9.
How to Watch the Games
Fans can catch all the action on ESPN or stream online. Don’t miss the thrilling encounter between Notre Dame Fighting Irish football vs. Penn State Nittany Lions football.
Final Thoughts
As the playoffs unfold, the stakes rise for every team. Whether you’re cheering for the Nittany Lions, Notre Dame, or another contender, this year’s CFP promises to deliver unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for updates, scores, and predictions as we march toward the national championship.
