Week 15 is Championship Saturday (and Friday!), the single most impactful weekend of the season. The winners of these contests not only earn conference titles but, more critically, lock up berths into the newly expanded College Football Playoff (CFP).
The focus is squarely on the Power Four conferences, where the Big Ten Championship features a winner-take-all for the presumptive No. 1 overall seed.
The CFP-Defining Championship Games
1. The Big Ten Championship: Winner is No. 1 Seed
#1 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-0) vs. #2 Indiana Hoosiers (12-0)
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Time: Saturday, December 6, 8:00 PM EST (FOX)
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Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
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The Stakes: This is the game of the year. Both teams are undefeated, and the winner will secure the Big Ten crown and is universally expected to be named the No. 1 overall seed in the 12-team College Football Playoff, earning a crucial first-round bye. The loser, though still making the CFP, will likely be a No. 3 or No. 4 seed and face a home first-round game.
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Heisman Implication: The winner of this game likely decides the Heisman Trophy, with Ohio State QB Julian Sayin and Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza locked in a neck-and-neck race for the award.
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Matchup Analysis: Ohio State is favored to break Indiana’s perfect run, but the Hoosiers’ powerful rushing attack and stifling defense have been a force all season.
2. The SEC Championship: A Rematch for a CFP Bye
#3 Georgia Bulldogs (11-1) vs. #10 Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2)
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Time: Saturday, December 6, 4:00 PM EST (ABC)
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Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
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The Stakes: This is a rematch of a regular-season contest won by Alabama (24-21). Georgia needs a win to solidify their position for a CFP first-round bye as one of the top four seeds. Alabama, with two losses, needs a major upset victory to claim the SEC title and guarantee a spot in the 12-team field. The loser of this game still makes the CFP but will be a lower seed.
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Matchup Analysis: This is a classic battle of defenses. Georgia will rely on their stout defensive front to avenge their regular-season loss. Alabama has the momentum after beating Auburn to clinch their spot.
3. Big 12 Championship: The New Guard
#5 Texas Tech Red Raiders (11-1) vs. #11 BYU Cougars (11-1)
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Time: Saturday, December 6, 12:00 PM EST (ABC)
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Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
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The Stakes: The first new Big 12 Championship featuring their newest members. The winner secures the Big 12 title and an automatic berth into the CFP. Both teams, with one loss, could potentially host a first-round CFP game. Texas Tech is a strong favorite after beating BYU earlier in the season.
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Heisman Implication: Texas Tech defender Jacob Rodriguez and BYU QB Kedon Slovis are long-shot invitees to New York, but a stellar performance here could vault one of them into the ceremony.
Other Major Conference Title Games
4. ACC Championship: A Program Defining Win
Duke Blue Devils (9-3) vs. #18 Virginia Cavaliers (10-2)
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Time: Saturday, December 6, 8:00 PM EST (ABC)
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Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
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The Stakes: The Cavaliers are the favorites and have the best chance to be the ACC’s automatic qualifier into the CFP. A win secures a major bowl bid and is a massive statement for their program. Duke, under Coach Manny Diaz, is a formidable challenger looking for a major upset.
5. Group of Five Automatic Berth Games (Friday)
The winners of these games will be the top contenders for the guaranteed Group of Five spot in the CFP:
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American Athletic Championship: North Texas Mean Green at #24 Tulane Green Wave
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Time: Friday, December 5, 8:00 PM EST (ABC)
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Stakes: Tulane needs to win to maintain its ranking and lead the race for the Group of Five spot.
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Sun Belt Championship: Troy Trojans at #23 James Madison Dukes
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Time: Friday, December 5, 7:00 PM EST (ESPN)
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Stakes: James Madison, with an 11-1 record, is a strong contender for the G5 spot but needs a dominant win.
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The stage is set for a monumental weekend that will finalize the 12-team CFP field and provide a definitive answer to the 2025 Heisman Trophy race.
