2025 College Football Playoff First Round Preview

The College Football Playoff selection committee has revealed its final top 25 rankings for the 2025 season, setting the stage for an exciting 12-team bracket. Fans can look forward to two regular-season rematches in the first round: No. 9 Alabama will face off against No. 8 Oklahoma, while No. 11 Tulane will take on No. 6 Ole Miss. Alabama fell to Oklahoma, 23-21, earlier this season, while Ole Miss dominated Tulane with a 45-10 victory.

Even though No. 12 seed James Madison narrowly secured a spot over five-loss ACC champion Duke, they will have a chance to challenge No. 5 Oregon in the first round. And don’t count out the ACC’s best team, No. 10 Miami, who will go head-to-head with No. 7 Texas A&M in their first-round matchup.

Let’s dive into these exciting first-round matchups. First up, we have No. 9 Alabama taking on No. 8 Oklahoma on December 19th at 8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN. With a record of 10-3, Alabama has fought their way to the playoffs, showcasing their strength with key wins against top-ranked opponents such as Georgia. Although they stumbled in the SEC championship game, the Tide have overcome many challenges this season.

A player to keep an eye on for Alabama is running back Jam Miller, whose presence on the field significantly impacts the team’s performance. The Crimson Tide’s offense has struggled in recent games, especially on critical third-down situations. For Alabama to succeed, they must find their rhythm and get their offense firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Ty Simpson has displayed his skills throughout the season, but he needs a strong supporting cast to secure victories.

On the other side of the field, the Oklahoma Sooners have made impressive strides after a tough season in 2024. Thanks to the leadership of head coach Brent Venables and the addition of quarterback John Mateer, the Sooners have been a force to be reckoned with. Venables’ defensive expertise has transformed Oklahoma’s defense, while Mateer has provided crucial playmaking abilities on offense.

Defensive lineman R Mason Thomas will be a key player for Oklahoma in this matchup, as his impact on the field is undeniable. Although the Sooners have struggled offensively at times, their defense has been consistently strong throughout the season. A balanced performance will be essential for Oklahoma to outlast a formidable Alabama team.

Get ready for an epic showdown between these college football powerhouses as they battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs. It’s bound to be an exciting matchup that fans won’t want to miss!