College Football Playoff 2025: First Round Highlights and Future Matchups
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The first round of the 2025 College Football Playoff saw thrilling matchups and significant upsets. No. 9 Alabama made history by overcoming a 17-point deficit to defeat No. 8 Oklahoma 34-24, marking the first road win in College Football Playoff history.
Alabama's comeback was aided by Lotzeir Brooks, who caught two touchdown passes, and a pivotal pick-six by Zabien Brown. The Crimson Tide will face top-seed Indiana in the Rose Bowl on January 1. In another tight contest, No. 10 Miami edged No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3 in a game marked by defensive prowess and missed opportunities, with Mark Fletcher Jr. rushing for 172 yards.
Miami's victory sets up a quarterfinal clash against No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. No. 6 Ole Miss recorded a commanding 41-10 victory over No. 11 Tulane, showcasing quarterback Trinidad Chambliss's skills as he accounted for three touchdowns.
The Rebels will now face No. 3 Georgia in a rematch in the Sugar Bowl, after losing to them earlier in the season. Lastly, No. 5 Oregon cruised past No. 12 James Madison 51-34, with Dante Moore throwing for four touchdowns while the Ducks' offense dominated.
Oregon will meet No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl. The quarterfinal matchups on January 1 will feature Alabama vs. Indiana, Miami vs. Ohio State, Ole Miss vs. Georgia, and Oregon vs. Texas Tech, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the playoff.