The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship

The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship marks a historic moment in college football as it introduces a new 12-team playoff format. Scheduled for January 20, 2025, this highly anticipated game will crown the champion of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) for the 2024 season. Hosted at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, fans and teams alike are set for an unforgettable showdown to close out the seazon.

Background and Venue Change

Originally, Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, was chosen as the 2025 host. However, a scheduling conflict with the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas led to a change of plans. On May 5, 2022, the CFP committee announced that Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta would take over as the venue. This is familiar ground for college football fans, as the stadium also hosted the 2018 CFP National Championship, where Alabama edged out Georgia in a thrilling overtime victory.

About Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with a seating capacity of 71,000, offers a premier fan experience in Atlanta, Georgia. Known for its unique retractable roof, the stadium is home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, as well as numerous major events. It regularly hosts the Peach Bowl, the SEC Championship Game, and the Aflac Kickoff Game. The stadium has also welcomed international sporting events, including Super Bowl LIII and is set to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fans can expect top-notch facilities, a vibrant atmosphere, and iconic views of downtown Atlanta.

The 2024–25 College Football Playoff. New 12-Team Format

The 2025 National Championship will be the first to feature the expanded 12-team playoff format, offering more opportunities for teams to compete for the title. This shift brings added excitement to the bowl season, with four additional playoff games preceding the national semifinals and finals. The expanded format aims to provide a more inclusive playoff experience, ensuring that more top-ranked teams have a shot at the championship.

Broadcasting the Game

ESPN holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the College Football Playoff, and they’re pulling out all the stops for the 2025 National Championship. The main broadcast will air on ESPN, marking the eleventh consecutive year of coverage, but that’s just the beginning. The network’s popular “Megacast” will give fans numerous ways to experience the game, including:

• Field Pass on ESPN2 – A dynamic broadcast hosted by The Pat McAfee Show with exclusive field-level commentary.
• Command Center on ESPNU – For viewers who want real-time statistics, multiple angles, and in-depth analysis.
• Skycast on ESPNews – Offering a unique aerial view of the game that captures the full-field action.
• Spanish-language broadcast on ESPN Deportes – A dedicated broadcast for Spanish-speaking viewers.

Fans in Canada can tune in via TSN, while ESPN Radio will provide the national radio coverage for U.S. listeners. Additionally, fans can access “Hometown Radio” feeds on WatchESPN, which will feature each team’s local radio commentators for a personalized experience.