College Football Playoff 2025 Quarterfinals: In-Depth Preview and Analysis
The 2025 College Football Playoff is heating up, and the quarterfinal matchups are set to deliver some of the most thrilling games of the season. With powerhouse teams like Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, and Oregon advancing, fans are eagerly anticipating the next round of action.
Each team has its own story—triumphs, setbacks, and all the drama that comes with college football. This playoff feels like it could be one for the books.
Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming quarterfinal games and what each team needs to pull off a win.
Contents
Oregon vs. Texas Tech: A Clash of Titans
When: Jan. 1, noon ET. TV: ESPN
Road to the Playoff: Texas Tech has had a historic run, finally capturing their first Big 12 title. Under head coach Joey McGuire, they brought in two new coordinators and made smart moves in the transfer portal to build a tough, balanced squad.
Their defense, led by Lombardi Award winner Jacob Rodriguez, has been a nightmare for opposing offenses, piling up pressures and takeaways. Oregon cruised past James Madison, looking sharp even after losing their coordinators to head coaching jobs somewhere else.
Key Players to Watch
Behren Morton: Texas Tech’s quarterback has been battling through a hairline fracture in his right fibula. He’s gritty, but his health is a real question mark heading into this game.
Dante Moore: Oregon’s quarterback is having a breakout season and turning heads as an NFL prospect. Can he deal with Texas Tech’s relentless front seven? That’s the big question.
Biggest Questions and Winning Formula
Texas Tech’s Red Zone Efficiency: The Red Raiders have had trouble finishing drives against top teams. If they can start turning those opportunities into touchdowns, this game could swing their way.
Oregon’s Offensive Line: The Ducks have to keep Moore upright and keep the Red Raiders’ defensive line off balance. If they can get their speed guys in space, they’ll be tough to stop.
Georgia vs. Ole Miss: A Battle of SEC Rivals
When: Jan. 1, 8 p.m. ET. TV: ESPN
Road to the Playoff: Georgia, with Kirby Smart at the helm, just keeps rolling. They’ve claimed back-to-back SEC titles and seem to have found their groove, especially on defense.
Ole Miss lost Lane Kiffin to LSU but didn’t miss a beat, lighting up Tulane and setting up a juicy rematch with Georgia.
Key Players to Watch
Zachariah Branch: Georgia’s receiver is electric—he’s shattered records and seems to always make the big play when it matters.
Trinidad Chambliss: Ole Miss’ quarterback has been a revelation, showing off both his arm and legs to lead the Rebels.
Biggest Questions and Winning Formula
Georgia’s Offensive Line: Injuries have piled up, so the Bulldogs have to dig deep and protect their quarterback. If they can keep the offense balanced, they’ll be in good shape.
Ole Miss’ Health: The Rebels need Chambliss and tailback Kewan Lacy at full strength. If they’re banged up, it could be a long night.
Ohio State vs. Miami: A High-Stakes Showdown
When: Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET. TV: ESPN
Road to the Playoff: Ohio State looked unstoppable in the regular season and notched a massive win over Michigan. But their stumble against Indiana in the Big Ten title game raised some eyebrows.
Miami, sneaking in as the last playoff team, shut up a lot of doubters with a gritty win over Texas A&M. They’re not just happy to be here—they want to make noise.
Key Players to Watch
Julian Sayin: Ohio State’s quarterback had a rough go in the Big Ten championship, but he’s got the talent to rebound. His connection with Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate could change the game.
Carson Beck: Miami’s quarterback has been through the wringer but keeps showing flashes of brilliance. He’ll need to be sharp against the Buckeyes.
Biggest Questions and Winning Formula
Ohio State’s Offensive Line: The Buckeyes have to do a better job protecting Sayin, especially against top-tier pass rushers. If they can’t, it could get ugly.
Miami’s Defense: The Hurricanes shut down Texas A&M. Can they do it again against Ohio State’s explosive offense? That’s the million-dollar question.
Indiana vs. Alabama: The Ultimate Test
When: Jan. 1, 4 p.m. ET. TV: ESPN
Road to the Playoff: Indiana’s season has been nothing short of a fairy tale. They went undefeated and brought home their first outright Big Ten title since 1945. Their defense has been the backbone, consistently shutting teams down.
Alabama, as usual, found a way to survive—coming back from a 17-0 hole to knock off Oklahoma and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Key Players to Watch
Jacob Rodriguez: Indiana’s linebacker is a game-changer. He snagged the Butkus Award and leads one of the nastiest defenses in the country.
Alabama’s Quarterback: Whoever lines up under center for the Tide will have to be sharp. Indiana’s defense doesn’t give an inch, so mistakes could be costly.
Biggest Questions and Winning Formula
Indiana’s Ability to Handle Pressure: The Hoosiers have looked dominant so far. Still, playoff pressure is a different animal.
Can they keep their cool when the stakes are this high? Alabama will definitely test their composure.
Alabama’s Resilience: The Crimson Tide have a knack for clawing back from tough spots. That grit might make all the difference here.
Will they stay locked in when the game’s on the line? Execution under pressure—it’s always the wild card.
The 2025 College Football Playoff quarterfinals are shaping up to be something special. I mean, these teams know how to put on a show.
If you want to dig deeper, check out ESPN’s College Football Playoff 2025 Quarterfinal First Look Preview. Plenty more to chew on there.
