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When is the College Football Playoff?

The matchups are set. See dates for the College Football Playoff semifinals and title game. 
When is the College Football Playoff?
When is the College Football Playoff?

The College Football Playoff is approaching.

On Sunday, the selection committee announced the four teams that will head to the Peach Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl for the Playoff Semifinals: Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson and Washington.

Washington and Alabama will meet in the Peach Bowl, while Ohio State and Clemson will face off in the Fiesta Bowl. 

The playoff games will be moved from their New Year's Eve slots during the 2018 season, but the two playoff games this year will be played on Dec. 31. 

Officials previously announced the games would begin at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. E.T., which is an hour earlier than the 2015 semifinals.

The dates for the College Football Playoff can be found below:

College Football Bracket Challenge

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No purchase necessary. 50 U.S./D.C. 18+. Entry opens 3PM ET Dec 6, 2026 and closes 8PM ET Dec 18, 2026. Void where prohibited.See for complete details. The College Football Playoff (CFP) is not a sponsor or administrator of this contest.

2016-2017

Playoff Semifinals

Peach Bowl (No. 4 Washington vs. No. 1 Alabama): Dec. 31

Fiesta Bowl (No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Clemson): Dec. 31

National Championship

Tampa: Jan. 9

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SI Wire
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