All the Ways to Watch the 2024-25 NCAA College Football Playoffs
Don’t miss a second of the 2024-25 CFP. Learn when, where, and how to watch every round and game while on the go or from the comfort of your own home.
The year’s NCAA College Football Playoffs (CFP) are set to be an all-timer, with the highest-ranked teams competing for the championship. The expanded playoff format means more games, closer finishes, and a clearer-cut champion.
The best part is, you don’t have to miss a second of the action. Learn the where, how, and when to watch this year’s playoff bowl games.
What Channels Can You Watch the NCAA College Football Playoffs On?
The 2024-25 NCAA College Football Playoffs will be broadcast across various channels to ensure fans don’t miss a beat. Key broadcasters include:
- ESPN: From first-round matchups to the semifinals to the championship game, you can catch all the top games on ESPN.
- ABC: Will broadcast select first-round games.
- TNT: For the first time, TNT will expand beyond NBA coverage and air some of the first-round matchups.
Furthermore, sports networks like the SEC Network and ACC Network will offer coverage by providing expert analysis and extra content on the top four highest-ranked teams from each conference.
Major Storylines to Follow
From Prime Time to Jordan James to the arm on Cam Ward, this season has been a joy and the playoffs won’t be any different:
- New Format: For the first time, the CFP will include 12 teams, which means more close matchups, surprise heroes, and historic games.
- Powerhouse Alley: It’s coming down to the wire, but you can expect to see the usual suspects like Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, Oregon, and possibly Georgia. Some have all but secured their spots, while others are still fighting.
- Iconic Bowl Games: The road to becoming champion will go through iconic stadiums that host the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Peach Bowl, and finally, the Fiesta Bowl.
- Grand Opening, Grand Closing: The National Championship will be hosted by the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Playoff Schedule and Channels for Each Round
Here’s a rundown of the playoff schedule and which channels you can watch for each round:
First Round (Dec. 20-21, 2024)
- Channels: ABC, TNT, ESPN
Quarterfinals (Dec. 31, 2024-Jan, 1, 2025)
- Fiesta Bowl: Dec. 31, 2024 on ESPN
- Peach Bowl: Jan. 1, 2025 on ESPN
- Rose Bowl: Jan. 1 on ESPN
- Sugar Bowl: Jan. 1 on ESPN
Semifinals (Jan. 9-10, 2025)
- Orange Bowl: Jan. 9 on ESPN
- Cotton Bowl: Jan. 10 on ESPN
National Championship Game (Jan. 20, 2025)
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- Channel: ESPN
Top TV Providers and Streaming Services With NFL Playoff Games
Regardless of whether you have access to cable TV, there are plenty of streaming services that’ll carry this year’s College Football Playoff Games:
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Fubo (does not offer TNT)
- And more
Other than Fubo TV, each of the options listed above offers access to ESPN, ABC, and TNT. With an added DVR option, you can even watch the games wherever you’re at and whenever you’d like.
Where Can I Watch the NCAA College Football Playoffs for Free?
If subscriptions aren’t your thing, there are still a few ways you can catch the CFP this year for free:
- You can watch the games on ABC for free with a digital antenna.
- Sign up for a free trial with a popular streaming service (don’t forget to cancel).
- Go to a local sports bar or restaurant.
Cable: The Most Reliable & Flexible Way to Watch
Cable TV provides the best of both worlds. It’s reliable, and in most cases, you can bundle your cable TV package with your Internet and phone services to save money. Plus, most cable providers offer mobile apps so you can watch on the go.
A few of the best TV providers offering cable, streaming TV services, and full access to the college playoffs include:
Don’t miss a second of the playoffs this year. Whether you’re using a streaming service, traditional cable TV provider, or something in between — we can help.
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