The quarterfinals of the 2025-26 College Football Playoff are set to deliver thrilling matchups as teams vie for a spot in the semifinals. Starting on December 31, 2025, four games will spotlight the season’s best talents, with each contest promising excitement and intensity.
Key Matchups to Watch
The first game features the No. 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes against the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State, boasting a season record of 12-1, received a bye in the first round. Their only loss came against the top-ranked Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. Miami, on the other hand, advanced after a remarkable victory over No. 7 Texas A&M, winning 10-3 in a defensive battle.
In terms of offensive strategies, Ohio State’s star quarterback, Julian Sayin, will face Miami’s formidable pass rush, led by standout edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. Sayin has demonstrated exceptional accuracy, particularly when releasing the ball within 2.5 seconds, achieving a PFF passing grade of 90.2. This performance will be crucial against a Miami defense that ranks second in the nation in pass-rush grade.
Conversely, Miami’s run game will hinge on the performance of Bo Jackson, who has emerged as a leading force in the Buckeyes’ backfield with 1,030 rushing yards this season. He faces a Miami defense that excels in stopping the run, evidenced by their 93.1 PFF run-defense grade, ranking 11th in the nation.
Predictions for the Quarterfinals
In another highly anticipated matchup, the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders will take on the No. 5 Oregon Ducks at the Orange Bowl. Texas Tech, fresh off winning the Big 12, enters the game with a 12-1 record. Oregon, after defeating James Madison 51-34, aims to continue their momentum.
The Red Raiders’ quarterback, Behren Morton, has thrived when protected, but he struggles under pressure. Texas Tech’s offensive line has allowed just a 24.4% pressure rate this season, placing them eighth in FBS. Oregon’s pass rush, though formidable, ranks 27th in PFF pass-rush grade, making this matchup critical for both teams.
Texas Tech’s run game, strengthened by star running backs J’Koby Williams and Cameron Dickey, uses gap schemes effectively, but Oregon’s run defense has shown resilience, allowing only 3.5 yards per carry against similar strategies.
In the Rose Bowl, the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers will face the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide. Indiana, the only undefeated team at 13-0, looks to maintain their perfect record against Alabama, which advanced after a victory over Oklahoma. Indiana’s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, has excelled against disguised coverages, which could challenge Alabama’s defensive strategy.
Lastly, the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs will meet the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels in the Sugar Bowl. Georgia, after a strong season, defeated Ole Miss in their previous encounter, 43-35. This rematch will test Ole Miss’s ability to defend against Georgia’s productive run game, which averaged 5.6 yards per carry in their last meeting.
As the stage is set for these exciting matchups, predictions vary widely, with analysts suggesting outcomes that could see Ohio State, Texas Tech, Indiana, and Georgia advancing to the semifinals. The quarterfinals promise to deliver high-stakes drama and showcase the best of college football talent.
