For the current 12‑team College Football Playoff era, the field is announced on the Sunday after conference championship Saturday, typically in early December.

Core timing

  • The CFP selection show airs on that Sunday at midday/early afternoon Eastern time on ESPN, when the full bracket and matchups are revealed.
  • In recent and future schedules, this has fallen around December 7–8, aligning with the end of the conference championship games the day before.

2025–26 specific context

  • For the 2025 season (culminating in the January 19, 2026 title game), the CFP bracket and matchups are set to be announced on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
  • After that announcement, first‑round games begin in mid‑December (around December 19–20), with quarterfinals on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, semifinals in early January, and the national championship on January 19, 2026.

Quick forum-style scoop

Fans usually watch for “Selection Sunday” right after conference championship weekend, when the committee unveils rankings 1–12 and locks in the playoff bracket live on TV.

  • If you are following a specific season, check that year’s CFP or NCAA release; they publish the exact Selection Sunday date and TV window months in advance.

TL;DR: The CFP is announced on Selection Sunday, the day after conference title games, with the full 12‑team bracket revealed in an ESPN TV special in early December.