The College Football Playoff has narrowed to eight teams after the first round, setting up four quarterfinal matchups that will ring in the new year with high-stakes games on New Year’s Eve and Day.
Following the first round of the 2025-26 College Football Playoff, several upsets and dominant performances have shaped the bracket. On December 19-20, No. 9 Alabama defeated No. 8 Oklahoma 34-24, No. 10 Miami edged No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3, No. 6 Ole Miss routed No. 11 Tulane 41-10, and No. 5 Oregon overpowered No. 12 James Madison 51-34. These results eliminated Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Tulane, and James Madison, paving the way for the quarterfinals.
The Cotton Bowl on December 31 will feature No. 2 Ohio State against No. 10 Miami. Miami’s defense was stellar in their win over Texas A&M, sacking the quarterback seven times and securing a late interception to seal the victory. Ohio State, with a potent offense led by quarterback Julian Sayin and receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, will test Miami’s secondary. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with Ohio State favored by 9.5 points.
On New Year’s Day, the Orange Bowl kicks off at noon ET with No. 4 Texas Tech facing No. 5 Oregon. This matchup pits two explosive teams against each other, with Texas Tech’s defense being a key factor. Oregon demonstrated its offensive prowess by scoring touchdowns on its first five possessions against James Madison. The Red Raiders will need to capitalize on red-zone opportunities to keep pace, and the game is expected to be closely contested, with Texas Tech favored by 1.5 points.
The Rose Bowl at 4 p.m. ET on January 1 sees No. 1 Indiana taking on No. 9 Alabama. Indiana, led by Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Fernando Mendoza, boasts an undefeated record and a stout defense that allows fewer than 78 rushing yards per game. Alabama showed resilience in coming back from a 17-0 deficit to beat Oklahoma, but faces challenges with a struggling rushing attack and dropped passes. The Hoosiers are favored by 6.5 points in what promises to be a strategic battle.
The Sugar Bowl at 8 p.m. ET on January 1 features No. 3 Georgia against No. 6 Ole Miss in an all-SEC showdown. This is a rematch from October, where Georgia won 43-35. Since then, Georgia’s defense has been formidable, allowing no more than 10 points in its last four games. Ole Miss, after a convincing win over Tulane, must overcome the loss of head coach Lane Kiffin and potential injuries to key players like running back Kewan Lacy. Georgia is favored by 6.5 points.
The 2025-26 College Football Playoff marks the second year of the expanded 12-team format, increasing excitement and opportunities for more teams. The schedule is tightly packed, with the semifinals set for January 8-9 and the national championship game on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. All games will be broadcast on ESPN, providing extensive coverage for fans.
Looking ahead, the winners of these quarterfinals will advance to the semifinals, with the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl hosting the next round. The outcomes will not only determine the championship contenders but also impact recruiting and program prestige. With several storylines, including coaching connections and team dynamics, this playoff season is poised to deliver thrilling football as the chase for the national title intensifies.
