It was the seventh edition of the College Football Playoff (CFP) and involved the top four teams in the country as ranked by the College Football Playoff poll playing in two semifinals, with the winners of each advancing to the national championship game.
The Rose Bowl semifinal, held in Arlington, Texas, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Alabama defeat Notre Dame, 31–14.
After losing the previous matchup, Ohio State defeated Clemson by a twenty-one-point margin.
Following their wins, Alabama and Ohio State advanced to the national championship game, held on January 11 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The 2020–21 CFP selection committee was chaired by Iowa athletic director Gary Barta.