The first 12-team College Football Playoff is fast approaching.
For the first time in sports history, 12 teams will compete in a single-elimination tournament as they prepare for the National Championship Game, scheduled for January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
The first round of games begins this weekend, but one of the most exciting developments in the inaugural 12-team playoffs is that these four games will be played at the top teams' stadiums instead of on neutral grounds. It will be held at So weather could be a factor in some of these contests.
Here's how to watch the first round of the 2024-2025 College Football Playoff.
No. 10 Indiana vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
- when: Friday, December 20th, 8pm ET
- where: notre dame cathedral Stadium in South Bend, Indiana
- TV/Streaming: ABC/ESPN/ESPN+
- weather: current forecast Friday's high in South Bend is expected to be 33 degrees, with “occasional snow and snowstorms” expected.
No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State.
- when: Saturday, December 21st, 12pm ET
- where: Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania
- TV/Streaming: ABC/ESPN/ESPN+
- weather: current forecast The high temperature at University Park on Saturday was 29 degrees, calling it “balmy.” There is also a chance of snow showers.
No. 12 Clemson vs. No. 5 Texas
- when: Saturday, December 21st, 4pm ET
- where: DKR Texas Memorial Stadium (Austin, Texas)
- TV/Streaming: TNT/max
- weather: If you can attend any of these four games, this is probably your best bet, at least from a weather standpoint. the forecast is calling Saturday's high temperature will be 61 degrees with “plenty of sunshine.”
No. 9 Tennessee vs. No. 8 Ohio State
- when: Saturday, December 21st, 8pm ET
- where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- TV/Streaming: ABC/ESPN/ESPN+
- weather: The current forecast calls for a high of 30 degrees and a low of 22 degrees, but no precipitation is expected.
Why are the two games on TNT/Max?
If you're like me, you may have specific questions after looking at the schedule.
The question: Why are the two games on TNT/Max?
Back in May, ESPN announces deal TNT Sports will broadcast 16 College Football Playoff games over the next five seasons. ESPN has an exclusive agreement with CFP through the 2031-2032 season, and the rights in that agreement allow the network to sublicense games.
This season, TNT will broadcast two first-round games, which will continue to air over the next five seasons. Starting in 2026, TNT will add two quarterfinal games in the final three years of the five-year contract.
How to stream games on Max
For those interested in streaming games on Max, subscription plans start at $10 per month.
You can also bundle Max with Disney+ and Hulu, and these packages start at $17 per month.
Is there a MegaCast option for the first round of games?
Longtime college football fans may be wondering if ESPN will include its “MegaCast” service for first-round games.
If that sounds like you, you're in luck. Both Friday night's Indiana vs. Notre Dame game and Saturday night's Indiana vs. Notre Dame game. ohio and Tennessee are receiving the “MegaCast” treatment.
The Indiana vs. Notre Dame game will be broadcast live on ABC/ESPN. “Command Center,” which airs on ESPN2, will offer a “multi-angle presentation” with up to four different angles at once, as well as real-time statistics. ESPNEWS's “SkyCast” angle. In addition to Spanish-language coverage on ESPN Deportes, there will also be marching band coverage streamed on ESPN+.
Saturday night's game between Ohio State and Tennessee will include primary coverage on ABC/ESPN. edition of ESPN2's “Field Pass with the Pat McAfee Show.” Command Center on ESPNU, SkyCast on ESPNEWS, Spanish-language coverage on ESPN Deportes, marching band coverage streaming live on ESPN+, and more.
