Where Is College Football National Championship 2025?

By Sarah Miller · September 7, 2047

The College Football National Championship 2025 will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, January 20, 2025. This venue marks the culmination of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format, making it one of the most anticipated title games in recent history.

Overview of the 2025 College Football National Championship

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship game is scheduled for January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. As the final event of the inaugural 12-team playoff format, this championship will feature the last two teams standing after a grueling postseason bracket that includes new first-round and quarterfinal matchups.

Key Details About the Event

Date: January 20, 2025 (Monday)
Time: 7:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Capacity: Approximately 71,000 for football games
Host Conference: Southeastern Conference (SEC) in partnership with the Atlanta Local Organizing Committee
TV Network: ESPN (live broadcast and streaming via ESPN+)

Why Atlanta? The Significance of Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Atlanta has become a premier destination for major college football events. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United, offers state-of-the-art facilities, including a retractable roof and one of the largest video boards in sports.

Past Championships Held in Atlanta

This will be the third time Atlanta hosts the CFP National Championship. Previous editions were held in:

2018: Alabama defeated Georgia 26–23 in overtime
2024: Michigan defeated Washington 34–13

The city's central location, robust transportation infrastructure, and strong fan hospitality make it an ideal host for marquee NCAA events.

Expanded 12-Team Playoff Format: What’s New in 2025

The 2025 championship is historic as it concludes the first season under the new 12-team College Football Playoff system, approved by all Power Five conferences and Notre Dame in 2023.

How the 12-Team Playoff Works

The top four conference champions earn automatic bids if ranked in the top 12
Next eight highest-ranked teams qualify based on CFP Selection Committee rankings
Seeds 5–12 play in first-round games hosted by higher seeds
Quarterfinals rotate among New Year’s Six bowls (e.g., Rose, Sugar, Peach)
Semifinals lead to the neutral-site National Championship game

Year	Date	Championship Venue	City, State	Winner	Runner-up	Final Score
2021	Jan 11, 2021	Hard Rock Stadium	Miami Gardens, FL	Alabama	Ohio State	52–24
2022	Jan 9, 2022	Lucas Oil Stadium	Indianapolis, IN	Georgia	Alabama	33–18
2023	Jan 9, 2023	SoFi Stadium	Inglewood, CA	Georgia	Tennessee	65–7
2024	Jan 8, 2024	NRG Stadium	Houston, TX	Michigan	Washington	34–13
2025	Jan 20, 2025	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	Atlanta, GA	TBD	TBD	TBD

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights the rotation of venues across major U.S. cities and shows how the championship date shifts slightly each year based on calendar alignment. Atlanta emerges as a frequent host due to its modern stadium and logistical advantages. The increasing point differentials in recent years suggest dominant team performances, though parity is expected to improve under the expanded playoff format.

How Teams Qualify for the 2025 Title Game

Unlike previous four-team formats, the path to the 2025 championship involves multiple stages:

Regular Season: Conference performance and strength of schedule are critical
Selection Day: Announced December 8, 2024—top 12 teams revealed
First Round: December 20–21, 2024—campus-hosted games
Quarterfinals: December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025—hosted at NY6 bowl sites
Semifinals: January 9–10, 2025—at rotating bowl locations
National Championship: January 20, 2025—Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 College Football National Championship

Where is the College Football National Championship 2025 being held?

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 20, 2025.

What time does the 2025 CFP National Championship start?

The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) and will be broadcast live on ESPN.

Which teams are playing in the 2025 College Football National Championship?

The participating teams have not yet been determined. They will emerge from the semifinal games scheduled for January 9–10, 2025, following the new 12-team playoff bracket.

How can I buy tickets for the 2025 CFP National Championship?

Tickets can be purchased through official channels like Ticketmaster or the College Football Playoff website. Prices vary widely based on demand, typically ranging from $500 to over $5,000.

Is the 2025 National Championship part of a larger playoff format?

Yes, the 2025 championship concludes the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. This expanded format includes additional qualifying teams and early playoff rounds hosted at campus sites.