The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) is already wild. There have been some shocking upsets and moments that fans won’t forget anytime soon.
For just the third time in CFP history, a lower-seeded team advanced—No. 10 seed Miami stunned No. 2 seed Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. Fans are buzzing, and the quarterfinal matchups look even better.
Here’s a breakdown of the updated CFP bracket, including the schedule, results, and where to watch. If you’re following along this playoff season, this should help you keep track.
2025 College Football Playoff Bracket Overview
The bracket for 2025 was carefully put together by the CFP Committee. It features the five top-ranked conference champs, plus seven at-large bids.
This is only the second year with the 12-team playoff format. The top four teams get first-round byes, which shakes things up a bit.
Teams aren’t reseeded after each round. Everyone’s path is set from the start, for better or worse.
First-Round Results
The first round? Pure chaos in the best way. Here’s how it went down:
- No. 5 Oregon defeated No. 12 James Madison, 51-34
- No. 6 Ole Miss defeated No. 11 Tulane, 41-10
- No. 10 Miami defeated No. 7 Texas A&M, 10-3
- No. 9 Alabama defeated No. 8 Oklahoma, 34-24
Upcoming Quarterfinal Matchups
The quarterfinals are set, and honestly, it’s hard not to get excited. Here’s what’s coming up:
Indiana vs. Alabama
No. 1 Indiana faces No. 9 Alabama at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Indiana’s trying to prove they’re the real deal, while Alabama’s hoping to keep the underdog story going.
Texas Tech vs. Oregon
No. 4 Texas Tech takes on No. 5 Oregon at the Orange Bowl in Miami. Both teams have looked sharp, and this one could turn into a points fest.
Georgia vs. Ole Miss
No. 3 Georgia meets No. 6 Ole Miss at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. Both teams can light it up, but their defenses have kept them in games all year.
Miami vs. TBD
No. 10 Miami, still riding high after their upset, will play the winner of Indiana vs. Alabama. They’ve shown they belong, and it wouldn’t be wise to count them out now.
How to Watch the 2025 CFP Games
If you want to catch the action, tune in to ESPN or stream on the ESPN App and Fubo. Here’s when and where the games are happening:
- Cotton Bowl: No. 10 Miami 24, No. 2 Ohio State 14 – Arlington, Texas, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Orange Bowl: No. 4 Texas Tech vs. No. 5 Oregon – Miami, Jan. 1, 12 p.m. ET
- Rose Bowl: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama – Pasadena, California, Jan. 1, 4 p.m. ET
- Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 6 Ole Miss – New Orleans, Jan. 1, 8 p.m. ET
- Fiesta Bowl: TBD – Glendale, Arizona, Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Peach Bowl: TBD – Atlanta, Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m. ET
- CFP National Championship: TBD – Miami, Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m. ET
The Path to the National Championship
Getting to the national championship? It’s never easy. Every team left has to get through at least one heavyweight matchup.
The semifinals will be played at the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl. Whoever survives those will meet in Miami for the title at Hard Rock Stadium.
Semifinal Matchups
Semifinal pairings depend on how the quarterfinals shake out. The Indiana/Alabama winner faces the Texas Tech/Oregon winner.
Meanwhile, the Miami/TBD winner will meet whoever comes out on top between Georgia and Ole Miss. Those games are set for January 8 and 9.
National Championship
The big one happens January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium. There’s a 10-day gap after the second semifinal, giving teams a bit of breathing room before the final showdown.
ESPN has the broadcast, and you can stream it on the ESPN App or Fubo if that’s more your style.
Key Players to Watch
There are some real game-changers still in the mix. Here are a few names you might want to remember:
- Indiana: Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been electric, leading the Hoosiers with poise and a big arm.
- Alabama: Running back Najee Harris is a nightmare for defenses, always finding extra yards.
- Texas Tech: Wide receiver Erik Ezukanma keeps making clutch grabs when it matters most.
- Oregon: Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux is just relentless—he’s in the backfield before you know it.
- Georgia: Linebacker Nakobe Dean is everywhere, making tackles and calling the shots for the defense.
- Ole Miss: Quarterback Matt Corral? He can beat you with his arm or his legs, and he’s never boring to watch.
- Miami: Defensive back Bubba Bolden is always around the ball, and seems to have a knack for big plays.
Conclusion
The 2025 College Football Playoff? It’s shaping up to be one of the wildest in a while. There have already been some jaw-dropping upsets and a few matchups everyone’s been waiting for.
Standout performances keep popping up, and honestly, fans should buckle up for what’s next. If you’re hoping to catch the games, ESPN and Fubo have you covered.
Want all the details, like the latest CFP bracket, schedule, or how to tune in? You can find a full breakdown over at Sporting News.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
