The 2025-26 College Football Playoff (CFP) season kicked off on Friday with excitement, featuring a thrilling rematch between SEC rivals. In an intense first-round game, No. 9 Alabama staged an impressive comeback, overcoming a 17-point deficit to defeat No. 8 Oklahoma on the road.
On Saturday, No. 10 Miami will make its CFP debut against No. 7 Texas A&M, a matchup that promises high stakes as the winner faces No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Both teams are eager to secure a prestigious spot in the quarterfinals following tumultuous seasons; while Texas A&M had a strong start with an 11-0 record before suffering a loss to Texas, Miami struggled in the ACC, missing out on a chance to play for a conference title.
Meanwhile, the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels will host No. 11 Tulane at 3:30 p.m. on TNT/Max. Their previous meeting this season ended in a 45-10 victory for Ole Miss, spearheaded by standout quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. This time, Tulane’s head coach Jon Sumrall is looking to cap off his run with the team on a high note before transitioning to Florida after the season concludes.
The last first-round game will feature No. 12 James Madison traveling to face No. 5 Oregon at 7:30 p.m. on TNT/Max. Oregon is hopeful for the return of wide receiver Evan Stewart, who has missed the entire season due to a knee injury, but his potential appearance remains uncertain.
As the playoff excitement builds, fans are treated to a series of compelling matchups that highlight the depth and talent across college football. The teams are not just battling for a championship but are also fighting for pride and legacy, making the stakes even higher.