2025 College Football Playoff Bracket and Rankings Revealed
The college football world is buzzing with excitement as the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket is finally out.
This year marks the second season of the 12-team playoff format, and it’s shaping up to be a wild ride. The top four seeds get first-round byes, while eight teams are set to battle it out on campus sites in the opening round.
So, who’s in? What’s at stake? Let’s take a look at the key details, the teams to watch, and the matchups that could define this year’s CFP.
Contents
Overview of the 2025 College Football Playoff
The 2025 College Football Playoff uses a 12-team bracket, a setup that debuted last season to plenty of praise. The top four seeds get to skip the first round, while the other eight teams go head-to-head right away.
Higher seeds host those first-round games, which adds some real home-field drama. Every game matters, and honestly, it’s hard not to get caught up in the intensity.
Top Four Seeds Earning Byes
The top four seeds in the 2025 CFP are:
- Indiana (13-0)
- Ohio State (12-1)
- Georgia (12-1)
- Texas Tech (12-1)
These programs earned a break and some extra prep time for the quarterfinals. Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas Tech have been rock solid all season, and their byes are no fluke.
First-Round Matchups and Key Details
The first round features four matchups, each with its own flavor and a lot on the line. Here’s what’s coming up:
No. 10 Miami vs. No. 7 Texas A&M
The action starts with No. 10 Miami taking on No. 7 Texas A&M. The game’s set for Noon on Saturday, Dec. 20, in College Station, TX. Texas A&M wrapped up the season at 11-1, only dropping a game to rival Texas.
Miami finished 10-2, with losses to Louisville and SMU. Both teams faced Notre Dame and Florida this year—Miami squeaked past Notre Dame 27-24, while the Aggies edged the Irish 41-40. They both handled Florida, too: Miami won 26-7; Texas A&M took it 34-17.
Whoever wins here gets a shot at No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31. Not a bad incentive, right?
When: Saturday, Dec. 20 at Noon
Where: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
How to watch: ABC/ESPN
No. 24 James Madison vs. No. 5 Oregon
Next up, No. 24 James Madison heads to Eugene to face No. 5 Oregon on Dec. 20. James Madison is having a dream season—12-1, Sun Belt champs, and a playoff spot in just their fourth FBS year.
Oregon didn’t make the Big Ten title game but still went 11-1, with their only loss to the top-seeded Hoosiers. The winner here moves on to play No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1.
When: Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
How to watch: TNT, HBO Max
No. 9 Alabama vs. No. 8 Oklahoma
Here’s a rematch: No. 9 Alabama travels to Norman to take on No. 8 Oklahoma on Dec. 19. Since Oklahoma joined the SEC in 2024, Alabama’s dropped two straight to the Sooners.
This season, Oklahoma staged a late comeback and snatched a 23-21 win in Tuscaloosa. Now, Alabama’s looking for payback, but they’ll have to do it on the road.
Winner gets No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. That’s a tough path, but hey, it’s the playoff.
When: Friday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m.
Where: Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK
How to watch: ABC, ESPN
No. 20 Tulane vs. No. 6 Ole Miss
Last up, No. 20 Tulane heads to Oxford for a shot at No. 6 Ole Miss on Dec. 20. These two already met back in September, and Ole Miss rolled, winning 45-10 while holding Tulane under 300 yards.
Ole Miss finished 11-1, their only loss coming at Georgia. Tulane went 11-2 and took the American Conference crown by beating North Texas.
The winner here moves on to play No. 3 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. That’s a tall order, but stranger things have happened.
When: Saturday, Dec. 20 at 3:30 p.m.
Where: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
How to watch: TNT, HBO Max
Conclusion
The 2025 College Football Playoff is shaping up to be something special. There’s a lot of buzz about the matchups, the stakes, and the best teams in the country going head-to-head for that top prize.
The top four seeds will get those coveted first-round byes. But honestly, it’s the opening round games that might steal the show—anything can happen there, and fans know it.
As teams gear up for battle, you can almost feel the anticipation building. College football just hits different this time of year, doesn’t it?
If you want to keep up with the latest twists and turns, the official NCAA College Football Playoff page is probably your best bet.
Here’s to a postseason full of drama and wild moments. Let’s see how it all unfolds—can’t wait for kickoff.
