2026 Playoff Outlook
Save dates now; Notre Dame participation is unconfirmed. January 2027 playoff dates belong to the 2026 season.
Checked October 5, 2026. Candidate places are not official Notre Dame hotels or fan parties. Confirm availability, cancellation terms and event-specific stadium rules before booking.
Hold a round
First round: December 18–19
Campus hosts are announced on Selection Day, December 6. If Notre Dame hosts, we will use the South Bend guide; an away trip will get its confirmed host-city guide. A first-round bye is not a game.
| Date | Game | Venue | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-12-18 | First round - slot 1 | Campus host TBD | 20:00 ET |
| 2026-12-19 | First round - slot 2 | Campus host TBD | 12:00 ET |
| 2026-12-19 | First round - slot 3 | Campus host TBD | 15:30 ET |
| 2026-12-19 | First round - slot 4 | Campus host TBD | 19:30 ET |
| 2026-12-30 | Fiesta Bowl | State Farm Stadium | 19:30 ET |
| 2027-01-01 | Cotton Bowl Classic | AT&T Stadium | TBD |
| 2027-01-01 | Peach Bowl | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | TBD |
| 2027-01-01 | Rose Bowl Game | Rose Bowl Stadium | TBD |
| 2027-01-14 | Orange Bowl | Hard Rock Stadium | 19:30 ET |
| 2027-01-15 | Sugar Bowl | Caesars Superdome | 19:30 ET |
| 2027-01-25 | CFP National Championship | Allegiant Stadium | 19:30 ET |
January 1 windows are noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern. Cotton, Peach and Rose assignments are due on December 6. Do not assume a specific bowl time.
Official schedule · Official bracket