Exciting Matchups Announced for College Football Playoff First Round
The second edition of the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket is officially set. It’s shaping up to be a wild ride, with a mix of historic programs and some fresh faces that might just surprise you.
This year’s format uses a straight seeding model—no more automatic byes for conference champs. The top four overall ranked teams get first-round byes, period.
Seeds 5-8 will host the first-round games on their own campuses. That should make for some rowdy atmospheres and a postseason that feels a bit more personal.
Let’s take a look at the matchups and why you might want to clear your schedule.
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Oklahoma vs. Alabama: A Clash of Titans
Oklahoma and Alabama meeting in the first round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium? That’s a heavyweight bout if I’ve ever seen one.
Oklahoma is making its debut in the expanded 12-team CFP. Alabama, meanwhile, has basically lived in the Playoff since 2014.
Historical Context
The Sooners are back in the Playoff for the first time since 2019. They’re chasing an eighth national title.
Alabama, with 18 championships (last in 2020), is no stranger to this stage. Oddly enough, Oklahoma has won five of the seven all-time matchups, including a 24-3 win last year in Norman.
Team Breakdown
Oklahoma finished strong this season. They picked up road wins at Tennessee and Alabama, plus home victories over Missouri and LSU.
Their defense is top-10 nationally, especially at getting after quarterbacks and shutting down third downs. Quarterback John Mateer can make plays with his feet and arm, but turnovers have haunted him.
Alabama started hot but lost steam late, dropping games to Georgia and Oklahoma. Ty Simpson, their quarterback, has looked electric at times but struggled with consistency.
Texas A&M vs. Miami: A Battle of First-Timers
Kyle Field will be rocking as Texas A&M welcomes Miami. Both are making their first CFP appearances and, honestly, both have something to prove.
Historical Context
Texas A&M hasn’t hit double-digit wins much this century. This is a big moment for them.
Miami used to be the team to beat in the early 2000s. After barely missing out last year, they’re back in the spotlight.
Team Breakdown
The Aggies have impressed this season, especially away from home, with notable wins over ranked opponents. Marcel Reed, their quarterback, leads a balanced attack.
On defense, Cashius Howell is a menace—he’s fourth in the nation in sacks. Miami’s Playoff bid raised some eyebrows, but they finished strong and beat Notre Dame head-to-head to clinch their spot.
Quarterback Carson Beck and freshman receiver Malachi Toney have been dynamic. Defensively, Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. have anchored a tough unit.
Ole Miss vs. Tulane: A Rivalry Renewed
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium gets to host a classic: Ole Miss vs. Tulane. Old rivals, new stakes, and yeah—some coaching drama thrown in for good measure.
Historical Context
These teams squared off earlier this season, with Ole Miss cruising to a 45-10 win. Their rivalry goes all the way back to 1893.
Ole Miss has dominated the series, and Tulane hasn’t beaten them since 1988. That’s a long drought.
Team Breakdown
It’s been a historic run for Ole Miss, who just notched their first 11-win regular season. Even after losing Lane Kiffin to LSU, they’ve kept their offense humming with Trinidad Chambliss at quarterback and Kewan Lacy in the backfield.
Tulane’s year has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Coach Jon Sumrall led them to a Playoff spot after a strong close to the season, highlighted by a win in the American championship.
Quarterback Jake Retzlaff has been steady, but Tulane’s defense—especially their knack for sacks and takeaways—might be the real story here.
Oregon vs. James Madison: The Underdog Story
Oregon hosts James Madison at Autzen Stadium in a matchup that feels like a classic David vs. Goliath. Or maybe that’s just me getting swept up in the underdog narrative.
Historical Context
Oregon is a regular in the CFP conversation. James Madison, on the other hand, is making its Playoff debut just four years after jumping to the FBS.
Coach Bob Chesney has worked wonders with the Dukes, getting them to this stage way ahead of schedule.
Team Breakdown
Dante Moore leads an Oregon squad that’s top-10 on both sides of the ball. Big wins against Penn State and USC have them feeling confident.
They’re balanced and tough—just a complete team. James Madison leans on Sun Belt Player of the Year Alonza Barnett III, and their defense is no joke.
Even though they don’t have a signature win over a power-conference team, the Dukes have shown they belong.
Why This Game Matters
This game feels like a classic David vs. Goliath situation. Oregon’s out to keep its streak alive, while James Madison just wants to show it deserves a shot at the big time.
The winner gets Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl. That’s a shot at something even bigger—pretty wild, honestly.
The 2025 College Football Playoff first-round games are shaping up to be packed with drama and those wild, unforgettable plays everyone talks about for years. If you want the full schedule or a deeper dive, check the New York Times.
