2025 College Football Playoff: Complete 12-Team Bracket and Schedule
The 2025-26 College Football Playoff (CFP) has kicked off with a bang. High-octane drama and wild performances are already everywhere.
With the expanded 12-team format, we’re down to eight teams. The opening round? It absolutely delivered.
We saw stunning comebacks, defensive slugfests, and some teams just running away with it. The quarterfinals are shaping up to be electric.
Let’s dive into the moments that mattered, the matchups ahead, and maybe toss around a few guesses about what’s next. It’s a wild season so far—no doubt about it.
Contents
First Round Recap: Upsets and Dominant Performances
The first round of the 2025-26 CFP was a reminder of just how unpredictable this sport can be. Here’s a quick look at the highlights:
Alabama’s Stunning Comeback
No. 9 Alabama pulled off a wild comeback, erasing a 17-point deficit to beat No. 8 Oklahoma 34-24. Honestly, it’s hard not to be impressed—Alabama is now the first team in this new 12-team era to win a playoff game on the road.
The Crimson Tide’s resilience and those second-half adjustments? Vintage Alabama. They’ll take on No. 1 Indiana at the Rose Bowl next.
Miami’s Defensive Masterclass
No. 10 Miami edged out No. 7 Texas A&M, 10-3. It wasn’t pretty, but wow, the Hurricanes’ defense made all the difference, forcing a game-sealing turnover in the final minute.
That gritty effort means Miami’s heading to the Cotton Bowl for a showdown with No. 2 Ohio State.
Ole Miss Cruises Past Tulane
No. 6 Ole Miss, even without Lane Kiffin at the helm, had no trouble with No. 11 Tulane, winning 41-10. The Rebels’ offense just couldn’t be stopped, and the defense did its part, too.
Next up for Ole Miss? A Sugar Bowl date with SEC rival Georgia. That one’s got fireworks written all over it.
Oregon’s Offensive Showcase
No. 5 Oregon let loose on No. 12 James Madison, winning 51-34. The Ducks’ offense? Absolutely rolling—James Madison just couldn’t keep up.
Oregon now heads to the Orange Bowl to face No. 4 Texas Tech.
Quarterfinal Matchups: What to Expect
The quarterfinals are set, and honestly, every game has its own flavor. Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up:
Indiana vs. Alabama
No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers meet No. 9 Alabama at the Rose Bowl. Indiana’s had a dream season, but Alabama’s riding a wave after that comeback.
Can Indiana hold onto that top seed, or is Alabama about to crash the party? I wouldn’t bet the house either way.
- Game Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
Ohio State vs. Miami
No. 2 Ohio State faces No. 10 Miami in the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State’s offense is explosive, but Miami’s defense just showed it can shut teams down.
This one’s a real clash of styles—anyone’s game, honestly.
- Game Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Texas Tech vs. Oregon
No. 4 Texas Tech and No. 5 Oregon square off in the Orange Bowl. Both teams can put up points in a hurry, so if you like offense, this is your game.
The Ducks bring the firepower, but Texas Tech isn’t short on weapons either.
- Game Date: Thursday, Jan. 1
- Time: Noon ET
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
Georgia vs. Ole Miss
No. 3 Georgia takes on No. 6 Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl. It’s an SEC showdown, so you know it’s going to be physical and maybe a little unpredictable.
Georgia’s defense is tough, but Ole Miss’ offense has been finding ways to score all year.
- Game Date: Thursday, Jan. 1
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
Looking Ahead: Key Dates and Locations
Here are the key dates and places for the rest of the 2025-26 CFP. Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss these:
- Fiesta Bowl: Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
- Peach Bowl: Friday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- National Championship: Monday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
Final Thoughts
The 2025-26 College Football Playoff is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in recent memory. With the expanded format, more teams finally get a shot to shine on the national stage.
The quarterfinals look like they’ll bring even more high-stakes action. Fans are buzzing, and honestly, it’s hard not to wonder who will come out on top.
For more coverage and updates, check out CBS Sports.
