As the College Football Playoff continues to grow in popularity, there is a growing need for more viewing options. To meet this demand, ESPN has struck a deal with TNT to broadcast two first-round games, while ESPN will still air all other CFP games, including the national championship game. The agreement between the two networks is for five years and could potentially expand in the future.
Starting from the 2026 season through 2028, TNT will have two quarterfinal games each year. This means that viewers may need to tune into TNT if they want to watch certain matchups, especially if ESPN chooses other games with bigger name teams like Ohio State due to their high ratings. However, ESPN will still have first choice in selecting which games to air during the first round.
The College Football Playoff will kick off with the first round games on December 20-21, where the higher seed will host the lower seed. Following the first round, the quarterfinal games will take place on December 31 and January 1 in various bowl games. The semifinals are scheduled for January 9 and 10, and the championship game will be played on January 20 in Atlanta.
As a result of these changes, fans will now have even more options for watching their favorite teams compete for a national title. With more games being added to the schedule, there is no doubt that viewership for the College Football Playoff will continue to grow in popularity.
