And Then There Were Eight: Breaking Down the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals
After a brief breather, the College Football Playoff is back-and it’s coming in hot. The quarterfinals kick off Wednesday, and if you’re a fan of big-time matchups, high-stakes drama, and future NFL talent clashing on college football’s biggest stage, this slate was made for you.
We’re down to eight teams, and every one of them has a shot at the title. Some are seasoned playoff veterans.
Others are newcomers trying to crash the party. But make no mistake-every team left standing has earned its spot.
Let’s break down what’s ahead and why this quarterfinal round might just be the most compelling we’ve seen in this new expanded playoff era.
**Cotton Bowl: (2) Ohio State vs. (10) Miami - Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
ET | ESPN** AT&T Stadium - Arlington, Texas
The Buckeyes begin their title defense under the bright lights in Arlington, facing a Miami team that’s already proven it can play spoiler. Ohio State, rested and reloaded, enters the postseason for the first time this year, looking every bit like a team capable of repeating.
Meanwhile, Miami rolls in with confidence after taking down No. 7 Texas A&M in the first round.
That win wasn’t just an upset-it was a statement. The Hurricanes are playing with house money now, but don’t mistake that for complacency.
They’ve got speed, swagger, and momentum.
Ohio State, on the other hand, has been here before. They’ve got the depth, the experience, and a defense that’s been among the best in the country all season.
The key here? Can Miami’s offense find enough rhythm early to keep pace with a Buckeyes team that rarely gives you second chances?
Orange Bowl: (4) Texas Tech vs. (5) Oregon - Thursday, Noon ET | ESPN
**Hard Rock Stadium - Miami Gardens, Fla. **
This one is fascinating. Texas Tech makes its playoff debut, and they’re doing it against one of the most balanced teams in the country. Oregon has been here before, and they know what it takes to win in the postseason.
For the Red Raiders, this is uncharted territory-but don’t let that fool you. They’ve got a dynamic offense that can stretch the field and a defense that’s played with a chip on its shoulder all year. The question is whether they can handle the moment-and handle Oregon’s versatility on both sides of the ball.
The Ducks, led by a veteran core, have the tools to make a deep run. They’re efficient, disciplined, and explosive when they need to be. Expect a chess match early, but once the tempo picks up, this could turn into one of the most entertaining games of the round.
**Rose Bowl: (1) Indiana vs. (9) Alabama - Thursday, 4 p.m.
ET | ESPN** **Rose Bowl - Pasadena, Calif.
**
Indiana’s dream season continues in Pasadena, where the No. 1 seed will face an Alabama team that’s looking more and more like, well, Alabama.
The Hoosiers have been the story of the year-unbeaten, unshaken, and unrelenting. They’ve earned this top spot with a physical brand of football and a defense that doesn’t flinch. But now comes the real test.
Alabama is coming off a statement win over Oklahoma in the first round-on the road, no less. Under Kalen DeBoer, the Crimson Tide have found their rhythm again, and they looked downright dominant in Norman.
This game is a clash of styles. Indiana wants to control the clock and impose its will.
Alabama wants to strike fast and often. The Rose Bowl has hosted some legendary battles over the years, and this one has all the ingredients to join that list.
**Sugar Bowl: (3) Georgia vs. (6) Ole Miss - Thursday, 8 p.m.
ET | ESPN** Caesars Superdome - New Orleans
We wrap up the quarterfinals with a good ol’ SEC showdown in the Sugar Bowl. Georgia and Ole Miss know each other well-this will be their fourth meeting since 2023 and the second this season.
The last time they met, it was a thriller. Ole Miss led 35-26 in the fourth quarter before Georgia stormed back to win 43-35. That game was a microcosm of what makes this matchup so compelling-two high-powered offenses, two aggressive defenses, and zero fear on either sideline.
Georgia’s been here before. They’ve got the pedigree, the depth, and a knack for rising to the occasion.
But Ole Miss is dangerous-especially when they’re the underdog. They’ve already shown they can hang with the Bulldogs, and now they’ll get another shot with everything on the line.
What’s Next: The Road to the Title
Here’s how the rest of the College Football Playoff schedule shakes out:
Semifinals:
- Fiesta Bowl - Thursday, Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN *State Farm Stadium - Glendale, Ariz. *
- Peach Bowl - Friday, Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN Mercedes-Benz Stadium - Atlanta
National Championship:
- Monday, Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN *Hard Rock Stadium - Miami Gardens, Fla. *
First Round Recap:
- (9) Alabama 34, (8) Oklahoma 24 Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium - Norman, Oklahoma
Alabama’s win in the first round wasn’t just a victory-it was a warning shot. The Tide looked physical, focused, and fast. Now, they’re trying to carry that energy into the Rose Bowl against the top-seeded Hoosiers.
With eight teams left, the path to the championship is as wide open as it’s ever been. We’ve got powerhouse programs, Cinderella stories, and matchups that promise fireworks.
The wait is over. It’s time to settle it on the field.