When Was the Last NCAA Football Game? Final 2025 Date & Result

By Sarah Miller · December 10, 2044

The most recent NCAA football game took place on January 20, 2025, when the University of Oregon defeated Ohio State University 34-20 in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This marked the conclusion of the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season.

Overview of the 2024 NCAA Football Season

The 2024 NCAA football season culminated in a thrilling finale, showcasing top collegiate talent and intense competition. As part of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format introduced in 2024, more teams than ever had a shot at the national title, increasing excitement and viewership nationwide.

Key Highlights from the Final Game

Date: January 20, 2025
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Matchup: #1 Oregon Ducks vs. #3 Ohio State Buckeyes
Final Score: Oregon 34, Ohio State 20
Attendance: 71,237
TV Network: ESPN (averaged 24.8 million viewers)

NCAA Football Structure and Playoff Format

The NCAA governs college football across multiple divisions, but the highest level—Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)—commands the most attention. In 2024, the College Football Playoff expanded to 12 teams, fundamentally altering the postseason landscape.

How the 12-Team Playoff Works

The top four conference champions earn automatic bids if ranked in the top 12.
Seven at-large teams are selected by the CFP Committee.
The top four seeds receive first-round byes.
First-round games hosted on campus sites.
Semifinals rotate among major bowl games (Rose, Sugar, Orange, etc.).
The National Championship is held at a neutral site one week after semifinals.

Season Year	Champion	Runner-Up	Score	Stadium	Viewers (Millions)
2024	Oregon	Ohio State	34–20	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	24.8
2023	Michigan	Washington	34–13	NRG Stadium	22.3
2022	Georgia	Tennessee	65–7	SoFi Stadium	23.1
2021	Georgia	Alabama	33–18	Lucas Oil Stadium	22.7
2020	Alabama	Cincinnati	27–6	Hard Rock Stadium	24.0

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows consistent high viewership for the championship game, with the 2025 contest setting a new benchmark under the expanded playoff format. Oregon's decisive victory over Ohio State was notable not only for its lopsided final score but also for the strategic dominance displayed throughout the game, particularly on defense.

Postseason Schedule and Key Dates

The 2024–2025 postseason followed a revised calendar due to the 12-team format:

First Round: December 20–21, 2024
Quarterfinals (New Year’s Six): December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Semifinals: January 9–10, 2025
National Championship: January 20, 2025

This extended timeline allowed teams more recovery time and increased fan engagement during the holiday period.

About the Winning Team: Oregon Ducks

The University of Oregon claimed its second national title in program history, the first since 2015. Led by head coach Dan Lanning and Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Dillon Gabriel, the Ducks finished the season with a 14–2 record.

Key Factors in Oregon’s Success

Elite offensive line play protecting Gabriel
Aggressive defensive schemes limiting big plays
Strong special teams performance in critical moments
Experience in high-pressure environments from prior deep playoff runs

Frequently Asked Questions About NCAA Football Games

When was the last NCAA football championship game played?

The last NCAA football championship game was played on January 20, 2025, where the Oregon Ducks defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 34–20 in Atlanta, Georgia.

What is the difference between NCAA football and NFL?

NCAA football features college athletes who maintain amateur status, while the NFL is a professional league. NCAA rules allow more experimental strategies, such as trick plays and aggressive fourth-down attempts, and the postseason is determined by committee selection rather than fixed standings.

How is the NCAA football champion determined?

Since 2024, the NCAA football champion is determined through a 12-team playoff format. A selection committee ranks teams, and the top 12 compete in a single-elimination tournament culminating in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

Which team has won the most NCAA football championships?

While no official NCAA-administered championship exists for FBS, historically recognized titles are awarded by polls and selectors. Teams like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Michigan have won numerous claimed national titles. In the CFP era (2014–2025), Alabama and Georgia lead with multiple titles.

Where will the next NCAA football championship be held?

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship will be held on January 19, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, marking the first time the event returns to the Bay Area since 2019.