During bowl season, the College Football Playoff Foundation and ESPN once again teamed up to champion both teachers and coaches nationwide through the Touchdown for Teachers program. Each postseason, this program celebrates teachers while delivering meaningful resources to classrooms thanks to grants matched by college bowl games across the country, as well as unique in-game activations.

For each touchdown scored in bowl games and College Football Playoff games in 2025-26, the CFP Foundation and ESPN made a $1,000 donation to teachers and coaches in the 12 respective local CFP school markets. These funds were designated specifically for health, sports, and fitness resources to help students stay active, engaged, and well.

The Teacher of the Year Championship Experience, presented by Eckrich, is a signature program developed by the CFP Foundation in collaboration with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) to recognize the nation’s leading educators on the largest stage in college football. During the weekend leading up to the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, the 2026 Eckrich Teacher of the Year, the 56 State Teachers of the Year are honored as special guests at marquee CFP events, including the Extra Yard for Teachers Summit, Trophy Trot and Taste of the Championship.

The celebration culminates with a pregame on-field recognition during the CFP National Championship that honors these educators for their exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact on students and communities across the country.

Eckrich, a longtime supporter of education and partner with the CFP Foundation, proudly presents this experience as part of its ongoing commitment to teachers. Through partnerships and purpose-driven initiatives, Eckrich champions educators by helping elevate their voices, celebrate their contributions, and invest in the future of learning because strong communities start with great teachers.

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation brought its signature Extra Yard for Teachers Summit to Fillmore Miami Beach, creating an unforgettable day of inspiration, celebration, and appreciation for educators from across South Florida and beyond. The event was a smashing success, with 1,500 attendees–the most-ever for an Extra Yard Summit.

This free, one-of-a-kind event welcomed teachers, counselors, coaches, and school leaders to an afternoon centered on recognizing the extraordinary impact educators have on students and their communities. From powerful personal stories to engaging panel conversations, the Extra Yard Summit in Miami embodied the CFP Foundation’s ongoing commitment to giving educators the recognition they deserve.



As Las Vegas prepares to host the 2027 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship, the Las Vegas Host Committee is already creating a lasting local impact by investing in educators and schools across the community.

The CFP Foundation and Clark County Public Schools have identified literacy support for K-12 students with dyslexia and other challenges as its primary focus. Through a program named 95 RAP, a total of $2,500,000 will be invested over a three-year period, with the CFP Foundation funding $750,000 of the program’s cost.