The 2025 college football season is heating up, and it's time to dive into the thrilling world of conference championship games and their impact on the College Football Playoff (CFP). Get ready for a deep dive into the top matchups, with a special focus on the epic clash in the Big Ten! But first, let's give some love to the FCS, where underdogs can make a statement.
- FCS Playoffs: No. 14 South Dakota State (9-4) at No. 3 Montana (11-1), Sat., 2 p.m., ESPN+
South Dakota State and Montana are set to battle it out in the FCS playoffs, with the Jackrabbits aiming to defend their title. Despite a slight dip in performance this season, South Dakota State has a strong history, making 14 consecutive FCS playoff appearances, including back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. Montana, led by head coach Bobby Hauck, is seeking its first national championship since 2001, when it was known as Division I-AA.
- Conference USA: Kennesaw State (9-3) at Jacksonville State (8-4), Fri., 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State are both new to the FBS, with first-year coaches Jerry Mack and Charles Kelly at the helm. Kennesaw State, which started its football program in 2015, is in its second season at the FBS level after nine years in FCS. Jacksonville State joined the FBS in 2023, and Kelly aims to lead the Gamecocks to a second-straight Conference USA crown.
- MAC: Miami (Ohio) (7-5) vs. Western Michigan (8-4), Sat., Noon, ESPN
Western Michigan, led by Lance Taylor in his third season, seeks its first MAC championship since 2016. The Broncos will face Miami (OH), who already beat them 26-17 in October. Miami's RedHawks secured their spot in the title game through tiebreakers, despite losing to Ohio and Toledo.
- Mountain West: UNLV (10-2) at Boise State (8-4), Fri., 8 p.m., Fox
UNLV and Boise State battled it out for the Mountain West title, with UNLV's first-year coach Dan Mullen and Boise State's Maddux Madsen leading their respective teams. This is the third consecutive season these two have played for the championship, with UNLV reaching 10 wins and Boise State aiming to repeat as champions.
- Sun Belt: Troy (8-4) at No. 25 James Madison (11-1), Fri., 7 p.m., ESPN
James Madison is the favorite, with a chance to secure a spot in the CFP. The Dukes have dominated this season, with the only loss coming at Louisville. Their top-10 defense and strong offense make them a force to be reckoned with.
- American: No. 24 North Texas (11-1) at No. 20 Tulane (10-2), Fri., 8 p.m., ABC
North Texas and Tulane's American championship game is a true playoff elimination game, with the winner earning an automatic qualifying bid. Both teams have already had their head coaches hired away, but they will still compete in this game and the CFP if they advance.
- ACC: Duke (7-5) vs. No. 17 Virginia (10-2), Sat., 8 p.m., ABC
The ACC championship game is filled with potential chaos. Duke, with only two conference losses, could potentially knock the ACC out of the Playoff. Virginia, on the other hand, aims to avoid chaos and secure its first ACC title since 1995.
- Big 12: No. 11 BYU (11-1) vs. No. 4 Texas Tech (11-1), Sat., Noon, ABC
BYU and Texas Tech are battling for a spot in the CFP. BYU needs a win to secure its place in the 12-team field, while Texas Tech is already in the CFP but aims to lock up a first-round bye.
- SEC: No. 3 Georgia (11-1) vs. No. 9 Alabama (10-2), Sat., 4 p.m., ABC
The SEC championship game features a highly anticipated rematch between Georgia and Alabama. Alabama, after a curious jump in the CFP rankings, should be in the Playoff, but a win could secure a first-round bye. Georgia, on the other hand, has been on a tear and aims to defend its national title.
- Big Ten: No. 2 Indiana (12-0) vs. No. 1 Ohio State (12-0), Sat., 8 p.m., Fox
The Big Ten championship game is a dream match-up between No. 1 and No. 2. Ohio State, despite being untested, has dominated and is poised to defend its national title. Indiana, with an impressive road win at Oregon, will face a tough test against the Buckeyes, who pummeled them last season.
