Are you a college football fanatic? Then today’s your day. As your go-to source for local news in New Orleans, we’re excited to bring you this comprehensive guide to today’s College Football Playoff (CFP) action.
With the expanded 12-team playoff format in full swing for the 2025-26 season, January 1 marks a thrilling day of quarterfinal matchups. Football fans across the country—and especially here in the Big Easy—have a packed schedule ahead, culminating with the Allstate Sugar Bowl right in our backyard at the Caesars Superdome.
Whether you’re planning to catch the games from home, a local bar, or even in person (if you’re lucky enough to snag tickets), we’ve got you covered with viewing options, streaming details, local tips, and more.
Note that all times are in Eastern Time (ET), so adjust to Central Time (CT) by subtracting one hour—perfect for us in New Orleans, where the action kicks off bright and early.
Today’s CFP Quarterfinal Schedule
The quarterfinals feature three high-stakes games on January 1, following the Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal on December 31. These matchups pit top-seeded teams against first-round winners, with winners advancing to the semifinals on January 8-9. Here’s the lineup:
- Capital One Orange Bowl
Matchup: #5 Oregon Ducks vs. #4 Texas Tech Red Raiders
Time: Noon ET (11 a.m. CT)
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
TV Channel: ESPN
This early game showcases Oregon’s high-powered offense against Texas Tech’s resilient defense. Expect a fast-paced battle in the Florida sunshine. 16 - Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential
Matchup: #9 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. #1 Indiana Hoosiers
Time: 4 p.m. ET (3 p.m. CT)
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
TV Channel: ESPN
The “Granddaddy of Them All” features top-seeded Indiana facing off against a storied Alabama program. This West Coast classic is always a highlight, with pageantry and tradition on full display. 16 - Allstate Sugar Bowl
Matchup: #6 Ole Miss Rebels vs. #3 Georgia Bulldogs
Time: 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT)
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
TV Channel: ESPN
As the nightcap, this SEC showdown hits close to home for New Orleans fans. Ole Miss brings explosive playmakers, while Georgia’s defense could make this a gritty affair. With the game in our city, the energy around town is electric. 16
All games are broadcast nationally on ESPN, which has exclusive rights to the CFP through the 2025-26 season. If you’re without cable, don’t worry—we’ll cover streaming below.
TV and Cable Viewing Options
The simplest way to watch is via traditional TV. Tune into ESPN on your cable or satellite provider:
- Channel Finder: Check your local listings—ESPN is typically on channel 206 (DirecTV), 140 (Dish), or 602 (AT&T U-verse) in the New Orleans area. For Cox Communications (common in NOLA), it’s channel 33 or 1033 in HD.
- Over-the-Air Antenna: If you have a digital antenna, you might catch ESPN affiliates, but the main broadcast is cable-exclusive.
- Local Blackouts? No worries—CFP games aren’t subject to regional blackouts, so everyone in New Orleans can watch all three without issue.
For enhanced viewing, ESPN often offers multi-cast options, like a “Megacast” with alternate angles, stats overlays, and commentary feeds on ESPN2, ESPNU, or the ESPN app.
Streaming Services and Apps
Cord-cutters rejoice: There are plenty of ways to stream the games live without a cable subscription. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:
- ESPN App/ESPN.com: Free with a cable login from providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox. If you don’t have cable, pair it with a live TV streaming service (see below). The app supports 4K streaming for select devices and includes features like live stats, replays, and multi-game viewing.
- Live TV Streaming Services:
- YouTube TV: $72.99/month. Includes ESPN; offers unlimited DVR and supports up to three simultaneous streams. Great for families watching multiple games.
- Hulu + Live TV: $76.99/month. Bundles ESPN with Disney+ and Hulu on-demand content. Excellent for post-game analysis shows.
- Sling TV (Orange Package): $40/month. The cheapest option with ESPN; add sports extras for more channels if needed.
- FuboTV: $74.99/month. Strong on sports, with ESPN and 4K support for CFP games. Includes a 7-day free trial—perfect if you’re signing up just for today.
- DirecTV Stream: $74.99/month. Similar to cable, with ESPN in the base package.
All these services are available on smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, smartphones, and tablets. Test your internet speed (at least 25 Mbps recommended for HD) to avoid buffering during key plays.
- Free Options? Unfortunately, no fully free legal streams for live CFP games. However, if you’re a student or military member, check for discounted access via ESPN’s partnerships.
Radio and Audio Options
If you’re on the go or prefer audio:
- National Radio: ESPN Radio will broadcast all games live. Tune in via SiriusXM (channel 80) or the ESPN Radio app.
- Team-Specific Broadcasts: For local flavor, Ole Miss fans can listen on the Ole Miss Sports Network (affiliates like WWL 870 AM in New Orleans), and Georgia on the Georgia Bulldogs Radio Network.
- Podcasts and Pre-Game Shows: ESPN’s “College GameDay” podcast drops episodes leading up to the games—stream on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Local Viewing in New Orleans: Watch Parties, Bars, and Events
With the Sugar Bowl in town, New Orleans is buzzing! If you’re not heading to the Superdome, join the community vibe:
- Official Watch Parties: The Sugar Bowl Committee hosts free fan zones at Champions Square (adjacent to the Superdome) starting at 4 p.m. CT. Expect big screens, food trucks, live music, and giveaways. Entry is first-come, first-served.
- Popular Bars and Spots:
- Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux (multiple locations, including Downtown): Wall-to-wall TVs, Cajun specials, and game-day deals like $5 drafts during CFP games.
- Manning’s Sports Bar (Harrah’s Casino): Owned by the Manning family, it’s a football haven with massive screens and NOLA classics like po’boys.
- The Bulldog (Uptown on Magazine Street): Dog-friendly patio, 50+ beers on tap, and always packed for big games.
- Cooter Brown’s Tavern (Riverbend): Over 400 beers and oysters— a laid-back spot for the afternoon games before heading downtown. Pro Tip: Arrive early, as spots fill up fast. Many offer happy hour specials until kickoff.
- Family-Friendly Options: Check out Dave & Buster’s in the CBD for games on big screens with arcade fun for kids.
If you’re hosting at home, stock up on local favorites: King cake for good luck, Zapp’s Voodoo chips, and Abita beer.
In-Person at the Sugar Bowl: Tickets and Logistics
Dreaming of live action? The Sugar Bowl at the Caesars Superdome is sold out, but resale tickets are available:
- Resale Platforms: StubHub, SeatGeek, or Ticketmaster Resale. As of this morning, lower-bowl seats start around $200, with premium options up to $1,000+. Verify tickets via the NFL Ticket Exchange for authenticity.
- Gates Open: 5 p.m. CT (two hours before kickoff). Expect security checks—clear bags only (up to 12x6x12 inches).
- Parking and Traffic: Lots around the Dome open at noon CT; pre-pay via ParkMobile for $40-60. Use I-10 or Poydras Street, but avoid rush hour. RTA streetcars and buses run extra routes; rideshares like Uber/Lyft have designated drop-offs.
- Weather and Safety: January in NOLA is mild (highs around 60°F), but check for rain. Follow Superdome guidelines: Masks optional, but stay home if unwell.
- Tailgating: Allowed in designated lots with permits—bring your grill for that pre-game gumbo!
Note: For the other games, if you’re traveling, tickets for Orange and Rose are also resale-only at similar prices.
Additional Tips for the Ultimate Viewing Experience
- Multi-Game Setup: With games staggered, use picture-in-picture on your TV or multiple devices to catch all the action.
- Betting and Fantasy: If you’re into it, apps like DraftKings or FanDuel offer CFP props (legal in Louisiana). Always gamble responsibly.
- Post-Game Coverage: Stick around for ESPN’s analysis; local stations like WWL-TV (CBS) will have Sugar Bowl highlights.
- Stay Updated: Follow @SugarBowlNola on X for real-time updates, or our site for live blogs.
New Orleans thrives on big events like this—whether you’re cheering for Ole Miss, Georgia, or just great football, today’s games are a can’t-miss. If you spot any local stories or fan photos, tag us! Geaux football!
