The 2025 College Football Playoff quarterfinals are shaping up to be a real spectacle. Four matchups, each loaded with storylines and a bit of mystery, are on the horizon.
Historic rivalries, new stars, and all kinds of drama are in the mix. If you love high-stakes football, this is your time.
Fiesta Bowl: No. 10 Miami vs. No. 2 Ohio State
No. 10 Miami and No. 2 Ohio State meet in the Fiesta Bowl, reigniting a rivalry that’s been simmering for more than two decades. This isn’t just another game—it’s a collision of tradition, pride, and maybe a little bit of unfinished business.
Ohio State comes in as a 10-point favorite. Still, counting out the Hurricanes feels a little risky.
Key Players to Watch
Miami’s offense leans hard on the combo of Fletcher and freshman sparkplug Malachi Toney. Fletcher’s been a workhorse, racking up 596 yards after first contact on just 158 carries.
Toney brings electricity, but he’ll be tested by what might be the best secondary in college football. Breaking through Ohio State’s defense is a tall order.
Ohio State’s Dominance
Ohio State’s defense, with Matt Patricia calling the shots, has been tough all year. Only two teams have managed to run 35 times against them—think about that.
For Miami, it’ll be critical to get some momentum early. Carson Beck leads a Buckeyes offense that can punish any slip-ups in Miami’s defense.
Orange Bowl: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 4 Texas Tech
The Orange Bowl brings us No. 5 Oregon against No. 4 Texas Tech. Oregon’s favored by just a point and a half, so this one’s a toss-up.
It’s the kind of matchup that could go down to the wire. Both teams have plenty to prove.
Texas Tech’s Uncertainty in Close Games
Texas Tech’s quarterback, Morton, hasn’t played from behind in the second half all season. That’s wild, but it does make you wonder how they’ll respond if Oregon puts them under real pressure.
Morton’s numbers are strong, but late-game experience is a different beast.
Oregon’s Defensive Prowess
Dan Lanning’s built a defense at Oregon that’s tough to crack. They don’t give up much, and they don’t panic if things get tight.
If Texas Tech starts to wobble, Oregon’s defense will be ready to pounce and control the pace.
Rose Bowl: No. 9 Alabama vs. No. 1 Indiana
The Rose Bowl feels almost surreal: No. 9 Alabama versus No. 1 Indiana. Indiana’s a 7-point favorite, which honestly still feels a bit strange to type.
Alabama’s history is intimidating, but Indiana’s season has been something else.
Indiana’s Defensive Standout
Indiana’s defense, anchored by Staley, has been stingy—just 10.8 points allowed per game. But Staley’s recent leg injury could shake things up.
If Indiana’s run defense takes a hit, Alabama might finally find some daylight for their ground attack.
Alabama’s Ground Game Woes
Alabama has struggled to run the ball, averaging only 109.9 yards per game. Their hopes might rest on exploiting any cracks in Indiana’s front, especially if Staley can’t go.
If the Tide can finally get something going on the ground, that could tip the scales.
Sugar Bowl: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 3 Georgia
The Sugar Bowl gives us No. 6 Ole Miss against No. 3 Georgia. Georgia’s favored by a touchdown, and there’s a lot to like about both squads.
Still, Georgia’s quarterback, Stockton, has been on another level lately.
Stockton’s Late-Game Brilliance
Stockton has been ice-cold in the clutch, posting the nation’s best QB rating against top 25 teams. The first time these two met, he led Georgia to a comeback win with a career-high 5 touchdowns and 348 yards of offense.
Ole Miss’s Defensive Challenges
New Ole Miss coach Pete Golding faces a tough task. He’ll have to tweak the defense to slow down Stockton’s knack for late-game fireworks.
The Rebels have been a “bend, don’t break” group so far. But honestly, they can’t afford another late slip-up if they want to handle Georgia.
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