The College Football Playoff (CFP) has announced its rankings release schedule for the 2026 college football season, which will mark the third year of the 12-team playoff.
The first rankings of the 2026 season will be released by the CFP Selection Committee on Tuesday, November 3. The rankings will be revealed live on ESPN beginning at 7:00pm ET.
Colle Football Playoff rankings will then be released every Tuesday up through the penultimate rankings on Tuesday, December 1.
On Sunday, Dec. 6 beginning at noon ET, the CFP Selection Committee will unveil the 12 teams named to the College Football Playoff. The final set of rankings will also be released on Dec. 7 and ESPN will have the coverage through 3:00pm ET.
Beginning this year, the 12‑team CFP field will consist of the conference champions from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC, along with the highest‑ranked champion from the American, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac‑12, or Sun Belt. They will be joined by the next seven highest‑ranked teams in the final CFP rankings. Notre Dame is eligible for inclusion if it finishes among the top 12 teams in the final rankings.
“It is always valuable to bring the committee together before the season begins to welcome our new members and review our procedures in detail,” said Hunter Yurachek, Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas and returning chair of the CFP Selection Committee. “The CFP Selection Committee has a strong foundation built on a proven process, and our members are looking forward to the work ahead as we evaluate teams throughout the season and produce the weekly rankings that help shape the College Football Playoff.”
Below is the complete schedule for the release of the College Football Playoff rankings for the 2026 season (all times Eastern):
- Tuesday, Nov. 3: 7-8pm
- Tuesday, Nov. 10: 9-9:30pm
- Tuesday, Nov. 17: 9-9:30pm
- Tuesday, Nov. 24: 7:30-8pm
- Tuesday, Dec. 1: 7-7:30pm
- Sunday, Dec. 6: Noon-3pm