Stories from Texas Stations

Cotton Bowl to host College Football Playoff games in 2027 and 2028

KERA

Published February 4, 2026 at 3:45 PM CST

Premium viewing seats are a large part of the $140 million Cotton Bowl renovation. Designers hope the new luxury spaces will host more events outside of just sports games.

The College Football Playoff on Tuesday announced the dates and sites for the quarterfinals and semifinals for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

The 2026 season's quarterfinals will be Dec. 30 at the Fiesta Bowl and Jan. 1 at the Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl and Rose Bowl. Semifinals are Jan. 14 at the Orange Bowl and Jan. 15 at the Sugar Bowl. The championship game will be Jan. 25 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The 2027 season's quarterfinals will be Dec. 31 at the Sugar Bowl and Jan. 1 at the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl and Rose Bowl. Semifinals are Jan. 13 at the Orange Bowl and Jan. 14 at the Cotton Bowl. The championship game will be Jan. 24 at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Game times and television coverage will be announced later.

"These dates allow us to maintain competitive balance, maximize the fan experience, and provide consistency for everyone involved in the Playoff," CFP executive director Rich Clark said.

"I also want to thank our bowl partners and their local communities for the incredible work, collaboration, and commitment they've shown throughout the first two years of the expanded playoff. The bowl games and the people behind them embraced change, delivered at the highest level, and helped ensure the expanded format was a success for student-athletes, fans, and the sport."