College Football Playoff Rankings Release 2026: Time, TV Channel, and Full Selection Show Schedule

The first College Football Playoff rankings release of the 2026 season is set for today, with the selection show airing on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can also stream the announcement on the ESPN app or Fubo, which offers a free trial. This initial ranking provides the first official glimpse into how the 12-team playoff field might shape up, setting the stage for the final weeks of the regular season. Subsequent rankings will be released each Tuesday through December 1, with the final bracket unveiled on Selection Sunday, December 6. The playoff will culminate in the national championship game on January 18, 2027, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. As conference races heat up, these weekly rankings will influence not only playoff positioning but also the battle for first-round byes and home-field advantage. With the expanded format now in its third year, every ranking carries significant weight for teams on the bubble.