College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Preview: Key Matchups and Team Analysis

College Football Playoff 2025: Quarterfinal First Look

The 12-team College Football Playoff has advanced to the quarterfinal stage, with six teams already securing their spots. Alabama, Miami, Ole Miss, Oregon, Texas Tech, Georgia, Ohio State, and Indiana headline the remaining contenders. These games, scheduled for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, will determine who moves closer to the championship title.

Alabama triumphed over Oklahoma after rallying from a 17-point deficit. Their next challenge is No. 1 seed Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Indiana posted a perfect 13-0 record and won its first outright Big Ten title since 1945. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza leads the Hoosiers with a record 33 touchdown passes and is a Heisman Trophy winner.

Oregon vs. Texas Tech:

Texas Tech made a historic run by winning its first Big 12 title and earned the quarterfinal spot. Their defense, led by Butkus Award winner Jacob Rodriguez, ranks No. 1 against the run. Quarterback Behren Morton has battled injury but remains key to their success. Oregon’s offense, featuring quarterback Dante Moore, is explosive and fresh off a dominant first-round win.

The matchup on January 1 at noon ET promises a clash between Texas Tech’s elite defensive front and Oregon’s speedy offense. Texas Tech’s red zone touchdown efficiency remains a question mark. Oregon must limit Texas Tech’s pressure to advance.

Ole Miss vs. Georgia:

Georgia boasts back-to-back SEC titles and a top-tier defense. Quarterback Gunner Stockton directs a steady offense, while receiver Zachariah Branch provides explosive playmaking. However, the loss of Georgia’s starting center Drew Bobo could impact their offensive line.

Ole Miss started strong against Tulane despite injuries to quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and tailback Kewan Lacy. Chambliss’s season performance has been historic, but Lacy’s health will be important for the Sugar Bowl clash in New Orleans.

Miami vs. Ohio State:

Miami’s defense dominated Texas A&M, securing a last-second interception and a 10-3 win. Quarterback Carson Beck’s consistency will be critical against Ohio State’s dynamic passing attack. Ohio State lost the Big Ten title game to Indiana but enters the quarterfinals with an undefeated regular season.

Julian Sayin, Ohio State’s quarterback, boasts a record completion percentage despite a tough title game. The Buckeyes’ offensive line must improve after surrendering heavy pressure in the loss. When healthy, wideouts Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate make Ohio State’s offense lethal.

Alabama vs. Indiana:

Alabama overcame early mistakes to cruise past Oklahoma and will face top-seeded Indiana. Freshman receiver Lotzeir Brooks emerged as a key weapon with two receiving touchdowns in the first round. Quarterback Ty Simpson’s composed play could be decisive.

For Indiana, success depends on balanced offense execution and maintaining efficiency in critical fourth-down situations. Both teams must minimize errors to survive this New Year’s Day showdown.

These quarterfinal matchups highlight the diverse strengths and key storylines as the College Football Playoff intensifies. Fans can expect high stakes, strategic battles, and standout performances shaping the path to the championship.