Saturday Showdowns: Your Guide to College Football’s Championship Weekend
It’s conference championship weekend, and the stakes are higher than your uncle’s cholesterol after Thanksgiving dinner. With this year’s debut of the expanded 12-team playoff, every game matters more than ever. The five highest-ranking conference champions get automatic bids, meaning some underdog teams could crash the playoff party with a big win. Translation: chaos is on the menu, and we’re here for it.
Saturday is stacked with matchups that will shape the College Football Playoff (CFP) landscape. The ACC showdown between Clemson and SMU has a first-round bye on the line, while the Big 12 championship pits Iowa State against Arizona State in a win-or-go-home brawl. Meanwhile, the SEC and Big Ten title games will decide who coasts with a bye and who has to lace up for an extra playoff game.
Need a guide to the madness? We’ve got you covered with all the times, channels, and must-watch games for today’s epic slate.
Saturday’s College Football Conference Championship Schedule
All times Eastern. Grab your snacks and remote—this is gonna be a day.
No. 16 Iowa State vs. No. 15 Arizona State
📍 12 p.m. on ABC and Fubo
The Big 12 championship kicks things off with two evenly matched teams fighting for playoff survival. It’s simple: win, and you’re in. Lose, and you’re explaining what went wrong for the next 10 months. No pressure.
Ohio vs. Miami (OH)
📍 12 p.m. on ESPN, ESPN+, and Fubo
The MAC championship might not get top billing, but these squads don’t care. With regional pride and a trophy on the line, expect a good old-fashioned Midwestern brawl. Bonus: you’ll probably learn a lot about the Ohio River rivalry in the process.
No. 5 Georgia vs. No. 2 Texas
📍 4 p.m. on ABC, ESPN+, and Fubo
This SEC title game is appointment viewing. Georgia is out for redemption after a regular season stumble, while Texas is trying to cement its playoff position. Winner gets a bye. Loser? Pack your bags for the long road to the championship.
Marshall vs. Louisiana
📍 7:30 p.m. on ESPN, ESPN+, and Fubo
A sneaky-good matchup in the Sun Belt championship that promises plenty of action. Think of it as the perfect appetizer before the primetime blockbusters.
No. 3 Penn State vs. No. 1 Oregon
📍 8 p.m. on CBS, Paramount+, and Fubo
This Big Ten title clash is the crown jewel of the weekend. Penn State’s defense against Oregon’s high-octane offense is a must-watch chess match. The winner likely locks in the No. 1 seed and a smooth path to the semis.
No. 17 Clemson vs. No. 8 SMU
📍 8 p.m. on ABC, ESPN+, and Fubo
The ACC championship caps off the day with serious playoff implications. Both teams bring high-powered offenses and plenty of drama, making this a late-night showdown worth staying up for.
Why It All Matters
This weekend isn’t just about trophies—it’s about survival. With five automatic bids up for grabs and playoff spots tighter than a quarterback’s jersey, teams are playing for their seasons. Whether you’re rooting for your alma mater, a Cinderella underdog, or just hoping for some good gridiron drama, today’s slate has it all.
So, charge your phone, queue up your streaming apps, and settle in. It’s going to be a championship weekend for the ages. Let the games begin!