Every year, college football fans across the country circle one big date on their calendars: the night of the College Football Playoff National Championship. It’s the biggest game in the sport, where two powerhouse teams battle it out to be crowned the national champions.
But there’s one question that fans, casual viewers, and even first-time watchers all want answered before the big game: What time does the College Football Championship start?
Let’s break it all down—from the exact kickoff time, how long the game lasts, where it’s played, how to watch it, and why this night is such a huge event across the country.
The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship game is scheduled to be played on Monday, January 6, 2025. It marks the end of the 2024 college football season, which begins each fall and runs through bowl season in December and January.
This game is more than just a bowl—it’s the final showdown of the College Football Playoff, which features the top four teams in the country (soon to be expanded to 12 teams). After winning their semifinal matchups in the CFP, the two remaining teams face off in the title game for all the glory.
So, let’s get to the point: What time is kickoff?
The kickoff time for the 2025 College Football National Championship is expected to be at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
Here’s a quick breakdown for fans in other time zones:
It’s a prime-time Monday night slot, meant to grab maximum viewership from coast to coast.
But keep in mind—pregame coverage usually starts earlier, around 6:00 p.m. ET, with several hours of buildup and expert analysis from ESPN’s top broadcasters.
The 2025 championship will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, a world-class venue and home to both the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS).
This isn’t the first time the stadium has hosted major football games. It held the 2018 College Football Championship and is often the site of big events like the SEC Championship and Peach Bowl.
The choice of Atlanta is no surprise—it’s a football-loving city with deep roots in the college game, and the stadium’s retractable roof means weather is never a problem.
The College Football Playoff National Championship is one of the most-watched sporting events of the year, and ESPN owns the exclusive rights to broadcast the game.
Here’s how you can tune in:
Streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV also carry ESPN if you prefer to watch online.
And don’t worry if you miss kickoff—the game usually lasts 3 to 4 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to jump in.
You might be wondering why the time of the game is such a big deal. Here’s why:
Plus, with viewers tuning in from every corner of the country—and even internationally—the exact time helps avoid confusion, missed moments, or late arrivals.
Football fans know games don’t always stick to the clock. A typical college football game takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, but big championship games can stretch longer due to:
Expect the game to wrap up around 11:00 p.m. ET or later. And if it goes to overtime? Buckle up—it could be a long night.
The two teams that make it to the National Championship are the best in the country. Historically, powerhouse programs like:
have dominated the title game in recent years. But surprises can and do happen—TCU made a run to the 2023 game, proving that underdogs have a shot.
The final matchup is determined after the College Football Playoff semifinals, which are played in late December or early January. Those winners go head-to-head in the championship.
The College Football Championship isn’t just about the game. It’s a massive media event with:
There’s also the tradition of the “One Shining Moment”-style recap video, highlighting the journey each team took to reach the top.
Yes, if you’re lucky enough to grab tickets—they’re in high demand and usually sold through:
Prices vary, but don’t be surprised if tickets start at several hundred dollars and go well into the thousands depending on seat location.
Hotels in Atlanta will also book up fast, so fans planning to attend need to act early.
The College Football Playoff National Championship isn’t just another game—it’s the culmination of months of drama, effort, and excitement. Whether your team made it or not, it’s a night where legends are born and history is written.
So set your reminders, make sure your snacks are ready, and don’t miss the kickoff. Because when the clock hits 7:30 p.m. ET on January 6, 2025, it’s game on.
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