The first round of the 2025 College Football Playoff delivered a mix of nail-biters and blowouts, with No. 10 Miami’s stout defense and explosive run game securing a 10-3 road win over No. 7 Texas A&M, while Alabama mounted a dramatic comeback and Ole Miss and Oregon cruised to comfortable victories.
In a defensive struggle marked by windy conditions at Kyle Field, Miami and Texas A&M battled to a scoreless first half. Both teams missed early field goal opportunities, with special teams miscues plaguing the contest. Miami’s defense, led by Rueben Bain Jr.’s three sacks, kept the Aggies in check, while Texas A&M’s unit similarly limited the Hurricanes’ passing attack.
The game’s turning point came in the fourth quarter. After Texas A&M tied the score 3-3 with a field goal, Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. broke free for a 56-yard run, setting up the decisive touchdown. Quarterback Carson Beck connected with Malachi Toney on an 11-yard jet sweep for the score, redeeming Toney after an earlier fumble. Fletcher finished with a career-high 172 rushing yards on 17 carries, powering Miami’s ground game.
Special teams played a critical role, with both kickers struggling in the wind. Miami’s Carter Davis missed three field goals, while Texas A&M’s Jared Zirkel had one blocked and missed another. The Aggies’ Marcel Reed, who threw for 237 yards, was intercepted twice, including a game-sealing pick by Bryce Fitzgerald in the end zone with 23 seconds left, clinching the victory for Miami.
Elsewhere in the playoff, No. 9 Alabama staged a remarkable 17-point comeback to defeat No. 8 Oklahoma 34-24 in Norman. Freshman receiver Lotzeir Brooks caught two touchdown passes, and Zabien Brown’s pick-six tied the game before halftime. Oklahoma’s late missed field goals sealed their fate, highlighting the Sooners’ special teams woes.
No. 6 Ole Miss overwhelmed Tulane 41-10 in their first game without coach Lane Kiffin, with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss accounting for over 300 total yards and three touchdowns. Similarly, No. 5 Oregon dominated James Madison 51-34, as Dante Moore’s efficient passing and a fast start propelled the Ducks to an easy win, showcasing their offensive firepower.
The round revealed contrasting styles: close, defensive battles in the early games versus offensive explosions in the later matchups. Miami’s win underscored the importance of a strong running game and opportunistic defense in playoff settings, while the blowouts demonstrated the gap between top seeds and lower-ranked contenders.
Looking ahead, Miami advances to face No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, a matchup that will test the Hurricanes’ defense against one of the nation’s best units. Oregon will take on Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, setting up a clash of high-powered offenses. Alabama meets Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, and Ole Miss faces a rematch with the Bulldogs, offering chances for redemption or confirmation of their strengths. Overall, the first round provided thrilling moments and clear takeaways, with Miami’s resilience and the dominance of higher seeds setting the stage for an exciting quarterfinal round.
