College Football Playoff National Championship. The Ultimate College Bowl Game

The College Football Playoff National Championship is the pinnacle of college football in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), where the top teams compete to claim the national title. This high-stakes game has captivated fans across the country since its debut in the 2014 college football season. Held annually on the second Monday of January, the championship game is the crowning moment of the College Football Playoff (CFP) tournament, where the best teams in the nation clash to determine the ultimate champion.

How the Teams Compete for a Spot

The CFP National Championship teams are chosen from a playoff bracket consisting of the top five ranked conference champions and the top seven ranked at-large teams, selected by a playoff committee. These teams compete in two semifinal games, hosted by New Year’s Six bowls, which rotate annually. Unlike the former BCS National Championship Game, the final two teams in the championship aren’t directly chosen by a selection committee but earn their place by winning their semifinal matches.

Each year, a neutral site is selected to host the championship game, chosen through a bidding process. Potential host cities propose venues with a seating capacity of at least 65,000, providing a massive atmosphere for college football fans. However, cities hosting a semifinal cannot host the title game in the same year, ensuring a fresh experience for fans and players alike. 

Past host venues have included iconic stadiums like AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where the inaugural game was held on January 12, 2015, with Ohio State securing the victory.

The Coveted College Football Playoff Trophy

The champion of this thrilling event takes home the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy, sponsored by Dr Pepper. This trophy replaced the “crystal football” previously awarded in the BCS era, symbolizing a fresh chapter in college football’s championship legacy. Notably, Alabama holds the record for the most appearances and wins in the CFP Championship, with six appearances and three victories, solidifying its place as a powerhouse in college football history.

The College Football Playoff National Championship has become one of the most highly anticipated events in American sports, celebrating the incredible talent, dedication, and passion of college athletes across the nation.