College Football Playoff 2023: Teams, Matchups, Schedule, and TV Info
The 2025 College Football Playoff has officially kicked off. There’s a mix of excitement, controversy, and a whole lot of anticipation in the air.
This year’s 12-team bracket has already sparked plenty of debates, especially with Alabama and Miami making the cut over Notre Dame. The matchups are set, and fans are counting down to see who’ll be crowned national champion on January 19 in Miami.
Let’s break down what you need to know about the teams, the games, and how to watch it all unfold.
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Controversial Selections: Alabama and Miami In, Notre Dame Out
The decision to include Alabama and Miami while leaving out Notre Dame has been a hot topic. Some folks say Alabama and Miami earned it with consistent play, but others feel like Notre Dame got snubbed.
Still, the committee has spoken, and the playoff field is locked in. It’s set up for a wild ride.
Alabama vs. Oklahoma
Alabama took down Oklahoma in a thrilling opener, 34-24. The Crimson Tide’s offense looked sharp, and their defense held strong when it mattered.
They’ve set the tone early—can they keep it rolling?
Miami vs. Texas A&M
Miami edged past Texas A&M, 10-3, in a defensive slugfest. The Hurricanes’ defense really showed up, shutting down a tough Aggies offense.
Ole Miss vs. Tulane
Ole Miss put on a show against Tulane, cruising to a 41-10 win. Their offense was firing, and the defense didn’t let up.
Upcoming Matchups and How to Watch
There are some big games coming up, and honestly, it’s tough to pick which one’s most exciting. Here’s what’s next and where you can catch it.
No. 12 James Madison at No. 5 Oregon
James Madison heads to Oregon for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max. This one could get interesting—James Madison’s the underdog, but you never know in the playoffs.
Cotton Bowl: No. 2 Ohio State vs. Miami
The Cotton Bowl gives us Ohio State vs. Miami at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Ohio State’s got firepower, but Miami’s already proven they can grind out a win.
Feels like a high-stakes chess match waiting to happen.
Orange Bowl: No. 4 Texas Tech vs. Oregon/James Madison
The winner of Oregon vs. James Madison will meet Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl at noon ET on ESPN. Texas Tech’s got a balanced attack—hard to say which way this one goes.
Rose Bowl: No. 1 Indiana vs. Alabama
In the Rose Bowl, Indiana takes on Alabama at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN. Indiana’s the top seed for a reason, but Alabama just beat Oklahoma and has momentum.
This might be the most anticipated game of the round.
Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 6 Ole Miss
Sugar Bowl time: Georgia faces Ole Miss at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Georgia’s defense is tough, but Ole Miss can put up points fast.
Should be a fun one—honestly, it’s hard to call.
Looking Ahead: Key Dates and Venues
Here are some key dates and places to keep in mind as the playoff rolls on:
- Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Ariz.): 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
- Peach Bowl (Atlanta): 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN on Friday, Jan. 9
- National Championship (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.): 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN on Monday, Jan. 19
Every one of these games could shift the whole playoff picture. Fans are buzzing to see how it all shakes out.
The Road to the National Championship
The 2025 College Football Playoff looks like it could be one of the wildest in recent memory. Controversial selections? Check. Matchups that’ll have you glued to the screen? Absolutely.
Fans are in for a treat this year. If you want to keep up with every bracket detail, matchup, kickoff time, and TV channel, the official source has you covered.
Honestly, it’s hard not to get caught up in the hype. Let’s see who rises to the occasion when the stakes are highest.
