The College Football Playoff has officially kicked off, and Saturday’s tripleheader is shaping up to be a full-day feast for fans. After a dramatic opening on Friday night - where Alabama pulled off a comeback win over Oklahoma in the 8 vs. 9 matchup - the Crimson Tide punched their ticket to the Rose Bowl, and now the rest of the first-round field is ready to take the stage.
Let’s break down Saturday’s slate, which features three compelling matchups from seeds 5 through 12. The top four seeds are sitting this round out with a bye, but there’s still plenty of intrigue and postseason pressure on deck.
**Game 1: No. 7 Texas A&M vs.
No. 10 Miami - 12:00 p.m.
ET on ABC/ESPN**
We start the day in College Station, where No. 7 Texas A&M hosts No.
10 Miami in a matchup that’s as much about redemption as it is about momentum. Just a few weeks ago, the Aggies looked like a lock for a first-round bye.
But a stumble in the regular-season finale against Texas knocked them down to the 7-seed, and now they find themselves fighting for survival instead of resting.
On the other side, Miami snuck into the field in dramatic fashion. The Hurricanes were the final at-large team selected, edging out Notre Dame in a controversial committee decision. Both teams were idle during championship weekend, but Miami got the nod - a move that raised eyebrows and added a little extra edge to this one.
This is also the featured College GameDay location, and for good reason. A&M has a powerful home-field advantage, but Miami’s speed and athleticism could make this a track meet. Expect fireworks early.
**Game 2: No. 6 Ole Miss vs.
No. 11 Tulane - 3:30 p.m.
ET on TNT/truTV**
Next up, we’ve got a matchup that’s as much about coaching transitions as it is about on-field talent. No.
6 Ole Miss is making its first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff, but they’ll be doing it without Lane Kiffin on the sideline. Kiffin’s already headed to LSU, so defensive coordinator Pete Golding steps in as interim head coach.
Tulane, meanwhile, is also in a state of flux. Head coach Jon Sumrall has accepted the Florida job, but he’s sticking around to lead the Green Wave through the postseason. This is actually the second meeting between these two squads this season - a rare rematch with much higher stakes.
For Ole Miss, the question is whether they can maintain their offensive rhythm without Kiffin’s play-calling presence. For Tulane, it’s about proving they belong on this stage. They’re not just here to be a feel-good story - this team earned its spot by winning the American and finishing as one of the five highest-ranked conference champions.
**Game 3: No. 5 Oregon vs.
No. 12 James Madison - 7:30 p.m.
ET on TNT/truTV**
The nightcap brings us to Eugene, where Oregon hosts James Madison in a game that pits a Power Five heavyweight against a Group of Five Cinderella. The Ducks missed out on the Big Ten title game after finishing with one loss while Indiana and Ohio State went undefeated. But make no mistake - Oregon is as dangerous as any team in the field.
James Madison, on the other hand, is writing one of the best stories in college football. They punched their ticket to the CFP by winning the Sun Belt and finishing as one of the five highest-ranked conference champs. It’s a huge moment for the Dukes, who continue to prove they belong among the big boys.
Don’t be surprised if this one is closer than expected. Oregon has the talent edge, but JMU plays with a chip on its shoulder - and they’ve been doing it all season long.
Saturday's Full Schedule:
- **No. 7 Texas A&M vs.
No. 10 Miami** - 12:00 p.m.
ET on ABC/ESPN
- **No.
6 Ole Miss vs. No.
11 Tulane** - 3:30 p.m. ET on TNT/truTV
- **No. 5 Oregon vs.
No. 12 James Madison** - 7:30 p.m.
ET on TNT/truTV
Yes, you read that right - TNT and truTV are carrying two of the three games. While the networks might be different, the voices won’t be. ESPN’s commentary teams will be on the call across the board, even for the games sublicensed to Turner Sports.
So whether you’re in it for the upsets, the coaching drama, or just to see who punches their ticket to the quarterfinals, Saturday’s tripleheader has something for every college football fan. Grab your snacks, settle in, and enjoy the ride - the road to the national championship is officially underway.