In the wild, ever-changing world of college football, the 2025 season has been packed with rematches in the College Football Playoff (CFP). In the past, these were rare—there just weren’t enough teams in the bracket for them to happen often.
But now, with the CFP expanded to 12 teams, we’re seeing more and more of these high-stakes do-overs. This season alone, there have already been several, and there’s a good chance we’ll get even more as the playoffs roll on.
Fans and analysts can’t help but wonder: is this the new normal? The outcomes so far have offered some fascinating glimpses into the drama of revenge and redemption on the field.
The Impact of Playoff Expansion
Going from four to 12 teams in the College Football Playoff has really shaken things up. Before, with just four teams, you’d almost never see the same teams square off twice.
Now, with more spots up for grabs and more ways to make it to the title, rematches are just part of the deal.
2024: The First 12-Team Playoff
The first 12-team playoff happened in 2024, and it was a sign of things to come. That year, there was one playoff rematch—just as many as we’d seen in the entire decade of the four-team format.
It was a little preview of what could happen once the bracket got bigger.
2025: A Season of Rematches
This season? Rematches everywhere. Two of the four first-round CFP games were repeats of regular-season showdowns.
And with the quarterfinals coming up, Georgia and Ole Miss are set for another go. Depending on how things shake out, we might not be done yet.
Notable Rematches in 2025
The 2025 College Football Playoff has already given us some memorable rematches, each with its own twist. These games are a goldmine for anyone curious about how teams handle a second shot at an opponent.
Oklahoma vs. Alabama
Maybe the most talked-about rematch was Oklahoma vs. Alabama. In the regular season, Oklahoma pulled off a big win in Tuscaloosa, knocking off the No. 4 team.
But the playoff game in Norman flipped the script. Oklahoma jumped out to a 17-0 lead, but Alabama stormed back with 27 straight points and moved on to the quarterfinals. Just goes to show, you never really know what’ll happen the second time around.
Ole Miss vs. Tulane
Then there was Ole Miss and Tulane. First time they met, Ole Miss rolled to a 45-10 win and piled up 548 yards of offense.
The playoff rematch? Pretty much the same story, even with some coaching changes. Ole Miss won big again, 41-10. The Rebels’ offense just kept humming, no matter what Tulane tried.
Historical Context of Playoff Rematches
If you want to get why these 2025 rematches matter, it helps to look back a bit. Playoff rematches haven’t happened often, but when they do, they can really shake things up.
Ohio State vs. Oregon (2024)
Take Ohio State and Oregon last year. Their regular-season game was a nail-biter, Oregon winning by a single point at home.
But in the playoff at the Rose Bowl, Ohio State came out on fire. They led 34-8 at halftime and cruised to a win, flipping the script from the first meeting. Teams really can learn and adjust when they get a second shot.
Georgia vs. Alabama (2021)
And who could forget Georgia and Alabama in 2021? Georgia went undefeated in the regular season but lost to Alabama in the SEC title game.
They bounced back against Michigan and then got their rematch with Bama for the national championship. Georgia finally got the job done with a late pick-six, ending a long title drought and proving just how much a rematch can mean.
Trends and Future Implications
It’s hard not to notice that teams looking for payback have done pretty well. In three out of four playoff rematches so far, the team that lost the first meeting came out on top the second time.
Maybe revenge really is a big motivator, or maybe it’s just luck. Either way, it’s something to keep an eye on.
Potential for More Rematches
Looking ahead, there’s a real shot at even more rematches this year. If Oregon and Indiana both reach the semifinals, or if Ohio State and Indiana make it to the title game, we could see a fourth or even fifth rematch.
Honestly, that just adds more drama and tension to the whole playoff picture.
Impact on Team Strategies
More rematches mean coaches and players have to rethink their plans. They can’t just do what worked last time—they’ve got to tweak things, find new angles, and maybe even surprise themselves.
It’s a different kind of chess match, and it makes every game feel a little more unpredictable.
For more details and a deeper dive into this season’s College Football Playoff rematches, check out the full article on ESPN.
Conclusion
The 2025 College Football Playoff has been a season marked by rematches. Fans and analysts have gotten a front-row seat to the drama of revenge and redemption in college football.
With the playoff format shifting, these rematches seem like they’re only going to become more common. It’s a new twist that adds some serious spice to the sport’s biggest stage.
Will this trend stick around, or is it just a weird blip? Hard to say. For now, though, the 2025 season really shows off how unpredictable—and honestly, how fun—college football can be.
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