What Time Is the CFP Selection Show? 2025 Schedule & Details

By Sarah Miller · October 30, 2038

The College Football Playoff Selection Show airs live at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on ESPN every Sunday during the selection period, typically starting in early December. The official playoff semifinal matchups are announced on the first Sunday of December, with the full 12-team field revealed in 2025 following the conference championship games.

What Is the College Football Playoff Selection Show?

The College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Show is a weekly televised event that reveals the latest top 25 rankings and, ultimately, the teams selected for the College Football Playoff. It is hosted by ESPN and features analysis from former coaches, players, and analysts.

Purpose of the Show

Determine the top 12 ranked teams in the nation
Announce the four or 12 teams selected for the playoff (depending on year)
Provide expert commentary and breakdowns of team resumes
Set the stage for conference championships and bowl game implications

When Does the Selection Show Air in 2025?

In 2025, the expanded 12-team playoff format will debut. The final CFP rankings and playoff field will be unveiled on Sunday, December 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET.

Leading up to the final announcement, the committee releases weekly top 25 rankings starting in November. These preliminary rankings are typically released:

Weekly Schedule: Every Tuesday or Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM ET
Start Date: First week of November
Final Rankings: First Sunday after conference championship weekend

How Are Teams Selected for the Playoff?

The CFP Selection Committee, composed of 13 members including former coaches, administrators, and journalists, evaluates teams based on several criteria:

Selection Criteria

Win-loss record and strength of schedule
Conference championships won
Head-to-head results
Results against common opponents
Key injuries and team momentum

Team	Record	Rank (Final 2024)	Conference	Selected?
Michigan	13-1	1	Big Ten	Yes
Washington	13-0	2	Pac-12	Yes
Tennessee	11-2	3	SEC	Yes
Florida State	10-3	4	ACC	Yes
Alabama	10-3	5	SEC	No
Ohio State	11-2	6	Big Ten	No

Table data source:1, 2

The 2024 final rankings illustrate how conference performance and undefeated records heavily influence selection. Washington's perfect season earned them the #2 seed despite Michigan winning the Big Ten. Alabama missed the cut despite a strong record due to weaker scheduling metrics.

Where to Watch the CFP Selection Show

The show is broadcast exclusively on ESPN and available via live stream on:

ESPN.com (with cable login)
ESPN App (iOS and Android)
FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV
Disney+ (via ESPN integration)

International Viewers

Fans outside the U.S. can watch through:

TSN (Canada)
BT Sport (UK/Ireland)
WatchESPN international partners

Frequently Asked Questions About the CFP Selection Show

What time is the College Football Playoff Selection Show in 2025?

The final CFP Selection Show in 2025 will air live on Sunday, December 8 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on ESPN.

How many teams make the College Football Playoff in 2025?

Starting in 2025, the College Football Playoff expands to 12 teams. The top six conference champions automatically qualify, with the next six ranked teams filling the remaining spots.

Is the Selection Show live or pre-recorded?

The Selection Show is broadcast live every week. The final rankings show on December 8, 2025, will be live from ESPN studios in Bristol, Connecticut.

Who votes on the College Football Playoff rankings?

A 13-member selection committee appointed by the CFP Management Committee votes on the rankings. Members include former coaches, athletic directors, and media representatives.

Can a team with one loss make the playoff?

Yes. Teams with one loss have regularly made the playoff, especially if they win their conference championship. In 2024, Michigan (13-1) was ranked #1 in the final poll.

Does conference championship performance affect selection?

Absolutely. Winning a conference title—especially in a Power Five league—is a major factor. The committee meets after conference championships to finalize the bracket.