Partners Powering Purpose: How CFP Foundation Champions Made a Difference During 2026 CHAMP Week

As college football’s biggest stage arrived in Miami for the 2026 CFP National Championship, the CFP Foundation and its partners came together to deliver an unforgettable week of purpose-driven impact. Throughout the week in Miami, leading brands activated across the community in support of the Extra Yard for Teachers (EYFT) initiative that celebrates educators, invests in classrooms, and creates lasting change beyond the game.

CFP Foundation sponsor AT&T anchored the week’s community engagement. From hosting the AT&T Connected Lunch at Overton Youth Center—complete with CFP National Championship trophy photos for Gibson Charter School educators—to providing front-row passes to the Extra Yard for Teachers Summit, AT&T ensured teachers were front and center. At the Summit, the brand helped recognize educators, providing access to resources through device giveaways and STEAM learning tools from Learn Fresh. Then, in advance of kickoff on game day, AT&T’s involvement with the CFP’s Day of Service activity included a special laptop device donation valued over $100,000 to families within the Booker T. Washington school community.

Eckrich also elevated the recognition of educators on college football’s grandest stage. The Teacher of the Year Championship Experience honored state teachers of the year and special guest educators throughout the weekend, culminating with on-field recognition at the national championship game. Eckrich’s impact peaked during the $1 Million Throw Challenge, when ESPN’s Marty Smith unlocked a $600,000 donation to the CFP Foundation.

ESPN continued to amplify the voices of educators and coaches across Miami. Friday, January 16 was tabbed the Day of Play at Playoff Fan Central, located at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Alongside the CFP Foundation, ESPN welcomed students from local Boys & Girls Clubs and Miami-Dade schools to celebrate access to sports and education. The next day, at the Extra Yard for Teachers Summit, College GameDay host and former teacher Jess Sims inspired educators as a featured speaker. ESPN also participated in the Day of Service and capped the week with a powerful on-field moment, as Chairman Jimmy Pitaro joined CFP leadership to celebrate over $4 million invested by ESPN in support of education through sports since 2014.

Also, at the Extra Yard for Teachers Summit, Equitable reinforced its commitment to equity and opportunity in education by sponsoring the event and providing teachers with complimentary tickets to the CFP National Championship. The experience served as a heartfelt thank-you to educators while spotlighting Equitable’s dedication to supporting teachers both inside and outside the classroom.

Cheez-It delivered surprise-and-delight moments throughout the week, including a $10,000 donation to Rockway Middle School to fund essential classroom supplies. Then, at the Summit, 15 educators from three South Florida districts were honored with $100 DonorsChoose gifts, while Cheez-It products fueled attendees at CFP Foundation events all weekend long.

Dr Pepper kept the week energized by providing its products across all CFP Foundation events, while Nike ensured Teachers of the Year were outfitted in style with exclusive swag bags for the weekend and on-field pregame recognition.

The 2026 CFP National Championship weekend also marked a major milestone, thanks to School Specialty, which unveiled multiple Innovation Centers in Miami during the national championship festivities. Designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning, the centers provide educators with modern classroom tools, flexible furniture, and STEM-focused resources. The reveals brought together educators, community leaders, and partners to highlight the essential role teachers play in shaping future leaders.

Together, CFP Foundation partners turned the week into more than a celebration of college football; they created meaningful moments, tangible resources, and lasting investments in educators and students. It was a powerful reminder that when purpose and partnership align, the impact extends far beyond the field.