The college football playoff bracket has already shifted dramatically after Miami’s stunning 24-14 upset of defending national champion Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. Three more quarterfinal games are happening today that will complete the first round and set the stage for the College Football Playoff semifinals on January 8-9, 2026.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Miami defeated Ohio State 24-14 in the morning Cotton Bowl quarterfinal, pulling off the biggest upset in CFP history as a 9.5-point underdog
- Three quarterfinals are happening today: Oregon vs. Texas Tech (Noon ET), Alabama vs. Indiana (4 PM ET), and Georgia vs. Ole Miss (8 PM ET)
- Georgia beat Ole Miss 43-35 in the regular season, but the Rebels get a rematch chance in New Orleans at the Sugar Bowl
- Indiana enters as the No. 1 seed and faces a surging Alabama team seeking its path back to the national championship game
Miami’s Historic Cotton Bowl Victory Reshapes Entire Bracket
Cagliari faces Lecce tonight in Serie A showdown, Rossoblu seek top-half push
Girona faces Barcelona tonight in La Liga showdown, Barcelona chases lead
Miami’s defense completely dominated Ohio State in the morning slot, forcing multiple turnovers and establishing the Hurricanes as legitimate playoff contenders. The 9.5-point underdog Hurricanes became CFP history’s biggest spreads upset, proving that the defending national champions weren’t invincible. Miami picked off Ohio State early and never looked back, scoring 14 unanswered points to shock the college football world.
Ohio State’s offensive struggles came at the worst possible time in the postseason. The Buckeyes couldn’t establish rhythm against Miami’s aggressive defensive gameplan. The loss ends Ohio State’s season and eliminates the two-time recent champion from championship contention, completely opening up the bracket for the remaining three quarterfinal games today.
Oregon Looks to Dominate Texas Tech in Orange Bowl Shootout
East Texas A&M faces Southeastern in Family Fun Day matchup today
Macclesfield faces Brentford tonight in FA Cup fourth-round showdown
No. 5 Oregon and No. 4 Texas Tech are both 12-1 teams with identical records heading into today’s Orange Bowl in Miami. Oregon leads 6-0 at halftime against Texas Tech, showcasing the Ducks’ defensive prowess early. Oregon is a 2.5-point favorite despite both teams arriving with the same impressive win-loss record. The Ducks look to establish their rushing attack and control the line of scrimmage against the Red Raiders’ high-powered offense.
Texas Tech brings a shootout mentality to every game with their potent passing attack and scoring ability. This matchup features two contrasting styles: Oregon’s balanced approach against Texas Tech’s explosive offensive weapons. The winner advances to face Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinals on January 9 in the Fiesta Bowl.
Alabama Battles Indiana in Rose Bowl as Championship Rematch Looms
| Team | Record | Seed | Notable Factor |
| Alabama | 11-2 | No. 9 | Playoff newcomer seeking upset |
| Indiana | 12-1 | No. 1 | Top overall seed in playoffs |
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena features Alabama vs. Indiana at 4 PM ET today, pitting a surging Alabama team against Indiana’s top-seeded squad. Indiana enters as the No. 1 overall seed after an incredible season, but Alabama brings championship pedigree and tournament experience. Rain is forecast for Pasadena, which could impact passing games and favor stronger running attacks.
Indiana’s offense must execute against Alabama’s defensive adjustments, while Alabama’s defense faces Indiana’s balanced attack. The winner earns a semifinal spot and a path toward the January 19 national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Georgia Seeks Revenge Against Ole Miss in Sugar Bowl Rematch
Georgia and Ole Miss meet again in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans after their 43-35 regular season matchup that Georgia controlled. This college football playoff quarterfinal rematch gives Ole Miss a second chance to upset the No. 3 seed Bulldogs. Georgia is favored to win based on their regular season dominance, but Ole Miss under new leadership could provide surprises.
The Sugar Bowl kicks off at 8 PM ET as the final quarterfinal game of the day. Georgia’s run game was critical in their October victory over Ole Miss, and the Bulldogs will likely lean on running back Kewan Lacy to control the line. Ole Miss seeks redemption in front of a crowd in the Superdome as they look to prove their regular season loss was an aberration.
What Does the Bracket Look Like After Today’s Games Complete?
The four quarterfinal winners will advance to the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl on January 8-9 for the semifinals. Miami now sits in the bracket as the biggest Cinderella story after their stunning Cotton Bowl victory. The remaining three games today will determine which traditional powerhouses survive to challenge the Hurricanes and other semifinalists.
The path to the national championship is becoming clearer with Miami’s unexpected emergence, creating one of the most unpredictable playoffs in recent memory. Tonight’s games will determine whether top seeds like Indiana and Georgia can hold their seeding or if upsets continue throughout the day. The college football playoff bracket has already been reshuffled once, and three more quarterfinals could change it again before sunrise on January 2.
Sources
- College Football Playoff Official – Updated bracket and quarterfinal results
- ESPN Sports – Game previews and latest playoff coverage
- CBS Sports – Schedule, odds, and expert predictions
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.