As the regular college football season draws to a close, we at StreamSafely are gearing up for the NCAA football playoffs, and we couldn’t be more excited. The NCAA football championship series always delivers on bringing us intense matchups that keep us on the edge of our seats, and we expect the 2024/25 season to be one for the ages! However, all the excitement in the world isn’t worth much without a strong viewing game plan.
Our team has the inside scoop on how to watch every game of the college football playoffs so that you, your family, and all of your friends can get 50-yard-line seats from the comfort of your home. StreamSafely is committed to ensuring you have the best options for accessing these games through safe and legal streaming platforms, protecting both your viewing experience and your digital security.
Key Dates & Channels
For the first time ever, the NCAA is selecting a 12-team field — five of the highest-ranked conference champions plus the following seven highest-ranking teams overall. Once the regular season concludes, the 12 teams will make their way through the iconic Bowls toward Atlanta, Georgia, for the national championship.
- Regular Season Ends: December 14
First Round December 20-21
| Date | Time | Channel |
| Friday, December 20 | 8:00 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Saturday, December 21 | 12:00 p.m. | TNT |
| Saturday, December 21 | 4:00 p.m. | TNT |
| Saturday, December 21 | 8:00 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
Quarterfinals December 31-January 1
| Date | Time | Channel | |
| Fiesta Bowl | Tuesday, December 31 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Peach Bowl | Monday, January 1 | 1:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| Rose Bowl | Wednesday, January 1 | 5:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| Sugar Bowl | Monday, January 1 | 8:45 p.m. | ESPN |
Semifinals January 9-10
| Date | Time | Channel | |
| Orange Bowl | Tuesday, January 9 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Cotton Bowl | Wednesday, January 10 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
CFP National Championship January 20, 2025
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
| Date | Time | Channel |
| Saturday, January 20 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
Top Streaming Options
As you can see, ESPN takes the cake when it comes to the 2024/25 NCAA football playoffs. If you’re a cable subscriber, confirm with your provider that ESPN is included in your plan, along with TNT if you want to catch every matchup of the First Round. Otherwise, take a look at these streaming options to find the service that best matches your needs:
ESPN+: To get the 2024/25 NCAA college football playoffs straight from the source, there’s no better option than ESPN+. For just $11.99 per month, you can view the biggest faceoffs of the playoffs and the national championship game. ESPN+ can also be bundled with Hulu and Disney+ in the Disney Bundle Trio, which offers a basic option and an ad-free premium package.
Disney+: Beyond princesses, Star Wars, and the MCU, subscribers can watch live sports on Disney+. As the parent company of ESPN, Disney’s streaming service allows you to watch the NCAA football playoffs. Plans start as low as $9.99. Check out Disney+ now!
Hulu + Live TV: With access to dozens of channels including ESPN, TNT, and ABC, Hulu + Live TV is a great option for sports fans and television aficionados alike. You’ll also get access to Hulu’s full TV and movie library, encompassing thousands of titles across all genres. Or, you can opt for Live TV only, for $81.99 per month. See Hulu’s full combination of plans and pricing on their official site.
YouTube TV: Sporting over 100 TV channels, YouTube TV has ESPN, TNT, ABC, and more. The platform is currently offering your first two months for $49.99 per month, but if you’re on the fence, you can always try out the service for free! Plus, football fans can bundle their package with NFL Sunday Ticket and get access to every local, national, and out-of-market Sunday game.
DIRECTV STREAM: ESPN is available through DIRECTV STREAM’s basic ENTERTAINMENT + Sports Pack, letting you take care of all your playoff needs with no satellite dish necessary. Packages normally start at $86.99 per month, but the platform is currently offering huge discounts across all of its offerings. Enjoy $30 off the ENTERTAINMENT + Sports Pack or $60 off the CHOICE and ULTIMATE options. If you can’t decide, take advantage of their free trial today!
Sling Orange: Sling TV’s Orange plan allows you to watch ESPN for as low as $20 for your first month. You’ll get the NCAA football playoffs, WNBA content, Major League Baseball, and more. Try them for free and start enjoying the best sport has to offer immediately!
Fubo: With full access to ESPN, no contracts, and unlimited cloud DVR space, Fubo can be an excellent option to stream college football. Start with a seven-day free trial, then $14.99 for your first month.
Stream On With StreamSafely
As the 2024/25 NCAA college football playoffs approach, fans like you have more streaming options than ever before. StreamSafely recommendations are specifically made to ensure you get a seamless, secure, and enjoyable viewing experience that captures every moment of the tournament. Whether you’re using traditional cable or streaming services, the key is to plan ahead and choose legal, reliable sources every time.
StreamSafely is committed to helping fans navigate all their viewing options, no matter the sport. We’ve created a massive online sports database with all the biggest leagues and championships so that you can find the best streaming options for all the most important games. As each new season arrives, remember that smart streaming is about more than just finding the right channel — it’s about creating a secure experience that lets you fully enjoy every moment of your favorite sports, including college football. Happy streaming!
