The College Football Playoff magic is already rolling. No. 9 Alabama went on the road and stunned No. 8 Oklahoma with a gritty 34–24 comeback win. The message was clear. Road upsets are real in the 12-team era. Saturday brings three campus games that could reshape the bracket.
Two Group of Five teams made history. Alabama already flipped the script. Saturday sets up another day of chaos. Here is the breakdown.
First-Round Matchups: Predictions
Noon ET
No. 10 Miami at No. 7 Texas A&M
Speed meets physical football in College Station. Miami brings big-play ability and confidence. Texas A&M brings pressure and crowd noise. The Aggies are tied for the national lead in sacks. That matters in a playoff game. Miami lands a few shots. The trenches decide the outcome.
Prediction: Miami 23, Texas A&M 17
Miami controls the pace and finishes the job.
Next opponent: No. 2 Ohio State
Cotton Bowl, December 31
3:30 ET
No. 11 Tulane at No. 6 Ole Miss
This is a rematch. Ole Miss handled Tulane earlier in the season. Tulane returns as a battle-tested conference champion. Ole Miss enters with one of the hottest offenses in the country. Home field matters here.
Prediction: Ole Miss 24, Tulane 6
The Rebels control the game.
Next opponent: No. 3 Georgia
Sugar Bowl, January 1
7:30 ET
No. 12 James Madison at No. 5 Oregon
This is the Cinderella game. James Madison plays tough and physical football. Oregon plays fast and deep. Autzen Stadium at night is a problem for anyone. This one gets out of hand early.
Prediction: Oregon 38, James Madison 10
The Ducks roll.
Next opponent: No. 4 Texas Tech
Orange Bowl, January 1
Top 4 Seeds (Bye Week)
#1 Indiana
#2 Ohio State
#3 Georgia
#4 Texas Tech
The Road Ahead
- Rose Bowl, January 1: No. 1 Indiana vs. Alabama
- Semifinals: Peach Bowl and Fiesta Bowl
- National Championship: January 19 in Miami
Who is your upset pick? Who wins the national title?
Drop it in the comments. This bracket is loaded.
Thank you for reading my 2025–26 College Football Playoff Bracket: Full Preview. For more college football coverage, visit the Pete Sports NCAA page and the Homepage. Follow @peter_maiorano and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Featured image credit: Peter Maiorano.
