The Rose Bowl: A College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Tradition Continues
The Rose Bowl will continue to serve as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal for the next two seasons and likely beyond, maintaining its iconic position as the afternoon game on New Year's Day. The CFP recently announced the locations and dates for the quarterfinal and semifinal games for the upcoming postseason tournaments to determine the national champion in college football. The 2026 season will see the Fiesta Bowl hosting the quarterfinals on Wednesday, Dec. 30, followed by a tripleheader on Jan. 1 at the Cotton Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Peach Bowl. Kickoff times will be determined later, but the Rose Bowl is expected to be the second game with a mid-afternoon start time in Eastern Time.
In the 2026 season, the Orange Bowl will host an additional semifinal game, while the Rose Bowl will be out of that rotation. The Sugar Bowl will host the other semifinal game, with both games scheduled for mid-January. The national championship game is set to take place in Las Vegas on Jan. 25. The Playoff format will continue to feature 12 teams in 2026, as the Big Ten and SEC did not agree on an expansion plan. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be held at bowl sites as part of a new six-year agreement with ESPN.
The Rose Bowl, known as The Granddaddy of Them All, has a rich history dating back to 1917 when it first pitted teams from the West Coast against those from the Midwest. The game has been a staple on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California, with the Tournament of Roses Parade preceding it. Despite hosting national title games in the past, the Rose Bowl has strived to maintain its traditional date and time slot on Jan. 1, offering picturesque views of the San Gabriel Mountains during the broadcast. The Rose Bowl is set to remain a New Year's Day quarterfinal for the duration of the current contracts, honoring its legacy as one of college football's oldest and most prestigious bowl games.
In conclusion, the Rose Bowl's legacy as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal on New Year's Day is set to continue for the next two seasons and likely beyond, preserving its historic position in the college football landscape. The iconic bowl game's tradition and significance will be upheld as part of the postseason tournament's lineup, ensuring that fans can enjoy the thrilling matchups and pageantry that have defined the Rose Bowl for over a century.