The excitement of New Year’s Day has arrived, bringing with it one of the most thrilling events of the college football season: the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals. This year, fans can look forward to three key matchups, highlighted by a classic Rose Bowl duel between No. 9 Alabama and No. 1 Indiana.
The New Year’s Day CFP lineup features:
– **Orange Bowl**: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 4 Texas Tech
– **Rose Bowl**: No. 9 Alabama vs. No. 1 Indiana
– **Sugar Bowl**: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 3 Georgia
For those eager to catch the action, here’s a detailed look at each game, complete with kickoff times and broadcast channels.
**Orange Bowl**
– **Matchup**: No. 5 Oregon (12-1) vs. No. 4 Texas Tech (12-1)
– **TV**: ESPN
– **Kickoff**: 12 p.m. ET
– **Location**: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
This clash features two dynamic offenses and formidable defenses, with both teams riding impressive 12-1 records and aiming for greater glory beyond the Orange Bowl. Oregon’s Dante Moore, a possible top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will be a player to watch after throwing four touchdowns in the previous game. Historically, teams that score 35 points or more in this bowl have an impressive track record, and with both teams sitting in the top-10 for scoring, fans should anticipate a high-octane encounter.
**Rose Bowl**
– **Matchup**: No. 9 Alabama (11-3) vs. No. 1 Indiana (13-0)
– **TV**: ESPN
– **Kickoff**: 4 p.m. ET
– **Location**: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California
In a surprising twist, Indiana enters the Rose Bowl favored over Alabama, challenging the narratives of past seasons. Indiana’s coach Curt Cignetti, who seeks redemption against his former team, has guided the Hoosiers to an undefeated season so far. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is looking to secure his status as the top draft pick, while Indiana comes off a solid victory against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship. This game stands as a pivotal moment for both teams, as Indiana attempts to solidify its newfound prominence in college football.
**Sugar Bowl**
– **Matchup**: No. 6 Ole Miss (12-1) vs. No. 3 Georgia (12-1)
– **TV**: ESPN
– **Kickoff**: 8 p.m. ET
– **Location**: Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Sugar Bowl offers an abundance of narratives, as Ole Miss strives to prove their former coach Lane Kiffin wrong after his departure for LSU. Having previously lost to Georgia in a close matchup earlier this season, the Rebels are motivated for a rematch. Georgia is equally intent on putting last year’s Sugar Bowl defeat to Notre Dame behind them, and both teams have much at stake in this contest. With brand new head coach Pete Golding at the helm for Ole Miss, fans can look forward to an intense battle as they strive for a chance at further playoff glory.
The College Football Playoff first round took place in late December, successfully kicking off with No. 8 Alabama defeating No. 9 Oklahoma and several other exciting matchups. The quarterfinal round started on December 31 and culminates on January 1, with the semifinals set for the following week.
In addition to the CFP action, several non-playoff bowl games are scheduled for January 2, including matchups like No. 17 Arizona facing SMU in the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl. The bowl season promises to deliver thrilling moments and unforgettable performances as teams vie for glory on the field.