The penultimate round of the College Football Playoff has arrived and our presentation features more ways than ever to watch the action. With more than 20 total offerings on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 8-9, the CFP Semifinals main telecast will air on ESPN and feature additional viewing options on ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Unlimited (all available to stream on the ESPN App via ESPN DTC or Pay TV authentication).
Here are three things to know about Thursday and Friday’s CFP Semifinal coverage.
1. College Football Playoff comes alive in the ESPN App
The ESPN App is the best place to experience the College Football Playoff, offering fans unmatched choice, flexibility and depth around the game. In addition to the traditional broadcasts airing across ESPN networks, fans can unlock a wide range of viewing options including hometown radio calls and the All-22 feeds exclusively for ESPN Unlimited subscribers. The ESPN App’s immersive features (multiview, live game stats and more) allow fans to tailor how they watch the biggest games of the season. These experiences are available to ESPN Unlimited subscribers, whether they subscribe directly or authenticate through participating pay TV providers, all within the ESPN App.
2. Cutting-edge tech powers the MegaCast
The CFP Semifinals MegaCast showcases our commitment to innovation, with more than 50 cameras deployed across State Farm Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Highlights include:
- Eight End Zone Pylon Cams for every scoring angle
- Line-to-Gain Pylons and Goal Line Robotic Cams for precision views
- Ref Cams and Goal Post Cams for unique perspectives
- Wireless Ronin Gimbal for cinematic celebration shots
- JokeyCam, an AI-stabilized POV camera mounted on the umpire’s hat, offering decisive looks at close plays. This tech is featured as part of AT&T’s “Connected Cam” sponsorship.
3. ESPN x WWE team up for a title belt like no other
ESPN has collaborated with WWE to create a custom CFP National Championship Title Belt, a one-of-a-kind piece inspired by Miami, the championship host city. The belt features Hard Rock Stadium’s outline, palm trees and 136 diamonds representing every FBS program. Two ESPN CFP shields will be swapped out for the National Championship contenders after the Playoff Semifinals. WWE Superstar Nikki Bella will debut the belt on the sideline at the Playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl in Arizona, her home state.
ESPN’s top commentary team of Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe alongside NFL Live and SEC Nation host Laura Rutledge are on the call for the Playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl featuring No. 6 Ole Miss and No. 10 Miami. Kickoff from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday. The Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl continues Friday in primetime with No. 1 Indiana and No. 5 Oregon. Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, Molly McGrath and Katie George will meet up on the mic from Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.
