The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff is officially underway, and it’s bringing the kind of matchups fans have been waiting for. Friday night kicks things off with a heavyweight SEC rematch, and the action doesn’t slow down from there. From blue-blood battles to underdog storylines, the first round is loaded with intrigue-and plenty of pressure.
Let’s break down each of the four opening-round games, what’s at stake, and the key players who could tilt the scales.
(9) Alabama at (8) Oklahoma - Friday, 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN
Talk about a tone-setter. Alabama and Oklahoma meet again, and if their last clash was any indication, we’re in for a tight one. The Sooners pulled off a 23-21 upset in that earlier meeting, a win that didn’t just shake up the rankings-it propelled Oklahoma into the CFP for the first time since 2019.
This time, the stakes are even higher. The winner punches a ticket to the Rose Bowl to take on No. 1 Indiana on New Year’s Day.
The matchup to watch? Alabama’s offense against Oklahoma’s defense.
The Sooners have been stingy all year, and they’ll need to be again to contain the Crimson Tide’s firepower. One name to circle: Alabama wideout Ryan Williams.
He’s had an up-and-down season, but when he’s locked in, he’s a game-breaker. If Alabama wants to keep dancing, they’ll need Williams to find his rhythm and stretch the field.
(10) Miami at (7) Texas A&M - Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN
Two CFP newcomers square off in what might be the most evenly matched game of the round. Texas A&M had a shot at perfection before falling to Texas in the regular-season finale-a loss that cost them a spot in the SEC title game. Since then, the Aggies have had time to regroup.
Miami, meanwhile, stumbled twice in ACC play and missed out on a conference championship appearance of their own. But don’t let that fool you-this Hurricanes squad is dangerous.
Freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney is the name to know. He’s electric with the ball in his hands and has a knack for creating explosive plays.
If Miami can get him involved early and often, the Aggies’ defense will have its hands full. The winner moves on to face No.
2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
(11) Tulane at (6) Ole Miss - Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET on TNT/Max
This one comes with a bit of déjà vu. Ole Miss already handled Tulane earlier this season, cruising to a 45-10 win in Oxford behind a big day from quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. But don’t expect the Green Wave to go quietly this time.
Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall is heading to Florida after the season, but he’s still got one more shot to make a statement. Can he rally his team for one final upset?
The Rebels have been one of the most talked-about teams in the country lately-not just for their on-field play, but for the off-field shakeup. Lane Kiffin’s departure for LSU left a noticeable void, and how Ole Miss responds in this playoff environment without him will be a storyline to track.
The winner earns a date with No. 3 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
(12) James Madison at (5) Oregon - Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT/Max
The final game of the first round pits a rising powerhouse against a true Cinderella. Oregon welcomes James Madison in a matchup that could either go chalk-or deliver the kind of chaos that makes the playoff format so compelling.
The Ducks are hoping to get a boost from wide receiver Evan Stewart, who’s been sidelined all season with a knee injury. He’s been practicing, but his status remains uncertain. If he suits up, Oregon’s offense gets even more dangerous.
James Madison, meanwhile, is playing with house money. They’ve already made history just by getting here, but don’t mistake that for complacency.
This team plays with an edge and has nothing to lose. The winner advances to face No.
4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl.
Final Thoughts
The 12-team playoff format is already delivering on its promise: more meaningful games, more teams with a shot, and more opportunities for drama. Whether it’s a battle-tested SEC squad trying to reclaim its throne, or a first-time playoff team looking to shock the field, every game this weekend has its own flavor.
Settle in. The road to the national championship is wide open-and it starts now.