2024 College Football Playoff guide: What to know about the new 12-team format, at-large bids
New York TimesCollege football entered a new era Sunday with the unveiling of the first 12-team Playoff bracket. For most of its century-plus existence, college football had a “mythical national champion.” The sport’s season champion was determined after teams played in bowl games by various polls and rankings, which, of course, led to significant debate. The four quarterfinal games and both semifinals will be played at current New Year’s Six bowls. CFP Bowl Games Bowl Date Location Round Fiesta Dec. 31 Glendale, Ariz. Quarterfinals Peach Jan. 1 Atlanta Quarterfinals Rose Jan. 1 Pasadena, Calif. Quarterfinals Sugar Jan. 1 New Orleans Quarterfinals Orange Jan. 9 Miami, Fla. “They’re as much a part of college football as anything.” One possible wrinkle after the current contract ends in 2026: The Rose Bowl has asked to be left out of the semifinal rotation going forward in favor of keeping its traditional New Year’s Day time slot.