Hoosiers Make History: Indiana Tops Miami 27-21 to Win First Ever College Football National Title

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Hoosiers Make History: Indiana Tops Miami 27-21 to Win First Ever College Football National Title

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — On Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium, the Indiana Hoosiers captured their first national championship in football history, defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. The dramatic victory capped off an unprecedented undefeated 16-0 season for Indiana — a feat not seen in major college football since Yale’s 1894 campaign. (ESPN.com)

A Game of Momentum Swings

After a tightly contested first half, Indiana took a 10-0 lead behind strong defensive play and timely special teams execution. A critical moment came early when the Hoosiers blocked a Miami punt; Isaiah Jones recovered it for a touchdown, swinging momentum firmly in Indiana’s favor. (Herald Sun)

Miami, playing the title game in its home stadium — the first team to do so in CFP history — refused to go quietly, keeping the score within reach throughout the second half. But Indiana’s balance and resilience ultimately proved the difference. (wplg)

Heroics from Fernando Mendoza

The game’s defining performance came from Heisman Trophy–winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who finished with 186 yards passing and delivered a signature moment late in the fourth quarter. Facing fourth-and-4 from the Miami 12 with 9:18 remaining, Mendoza bulled his way into the end zone on a 12-yard touchdown run, giving Indiana a 24-14 lead. (WAKA 8)

Earlier, Mendoza connected for key yardage and showed poise under pressure despite being sacked several times by Miami’s defense. His leadership and versatility were instrumental down the stretch. (SI)

Miami’s Fight Back

The Hurricanes responded following Mendoza’s touchdown. Quarterback Carson Beck found offensive rhythm, driving Miami into Indiana territory. Miami’s Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns to cut the deficit to 24-21 and keep the game in question. (wplg)

A field goal by Indiana’s Radicic with 1:42 left extended the lead to 27-21, forcing Miami into desperation mode on their final possession. (wplg)

Nail-Biting Finish

With Miami threatening in the final minute, Indiana defensive back Jamari Sharpe — a Miami native — sealed the victory with a critical interception of Beck’s pass with under a minute to play. That turnover kept Miami from completing the comeback and sent the Hoosiers into celebration. (Wikipedia)

Historic Turnaround for Indiana Football

The win represents more than just a title — it caps one of the most remarkable program turnarounds in college sports. Just two seasons earlier, under head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana finished 3-9 and was mired in football futility with more all-time losses than any other major college team. (WAKA 8)

In 2025-26, Indiana not only claimed the Big Ten Championship and a CFP title, but also completed a perfect season — the first time a team has finished 16-0 in the modern era. (apnews.com)

Legacy and Future Impact

For Miami, the loss stings but still marks a notable season, as the Hurricanes finished 13-3 and reached their first national title game in the CFP era. For Indiana, this victory will be remembered as one of the most improbable and inspiring championships in college football history — a true crossroads moment for the Hoosiers’ program. (wplg)

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The State of College Football: How NIL Is Reshaping the Game — and Not Necessarily for the Better

College football in 2025 is almost unrecognizable compared to even a decade ago. The sport that once prided itself on student-athletes competing for school pride and classroom achievement has been transformed by commercial pressures — with NIL at the center of the upheaval. The changes have been dramatic, and while some benefits are real, the costs are mounting in ways that threaten the very identity of collegiate athletics.

Explosive Growth in NIL Economics

Since athletes gained the right to profit from their NIL starting in 2021, the financial scale of these arrangements has grown rapidly. Athletes nationwide earned over $1 billion in NIL compensation in the second full year of the policy, up from roughly $917 million in year one — with projections for year three reaching $1.17 billion and counting. Nearly 44 % of all college athletes now receive some form of NIL compensation. (The GIST)

But that big aggregate number hides a stark truth about how the money is distributed:

• Football players receive more than half of all NIL compensation — about 55 % of total payouts — even though football rosters are large and most players aren’t stars. (The GIST)

• A small number of elite players command far more than the rest. For example, some elite NIL contracts for top prospects have reached the multi-million-dollar range — numbers that resemble professional salaries more than “amateur benefits.” (Reddit)

These dynamics have blurred the line between amateurism and professionalism, which historically was the hallmark of college sports. Critics argue the term “Name, Image, and Likeness” now functions as a euphemism for pay-for-play, even as regulations technically prohibit that practice.

Competitive Imbalance: A Growing Chasm Between Haves and Have-Nots

One of the most serious consequences of the NIL era is its impact on competitive balance.

Projections show dramatic disparities in how much compensation programs can realistically offer:

Conference	Revenue Sharing + NIL Collective (Projected)
SEC (Power Four proxy)	~$34.5 million per school
American Conference	~$4.6 million
Mountain West	~$6.0 million
Sun Belt	~$3.0 million
MAC	~$2.7 million
(Figures based on projected compensation models)
(Athlon Sports)

This gulf inevitably funnels elite recruits toward the richest programs with the deepest donor bases and corporate partners. As a consequence:

• Recruiting battles are increasingly financial, not purely athletic or academic. (American Public University)

• Smaller schools struggle to compete for talent, especially in marquee sports like football and men’s basketball. (Athlon Sports)

• Athletes transfer more frequently, chasing better NIL opportunities instead of building continuity within a team. (American Public University)

This arms race for elite players is much more than “fair competition”; it’s a market distortion where wealthy donors and boosters can outweigh institutional tradition or coaching quality.

Erosion of the Amateur Ethos

Proponents of NIL often argue that college athletes should be compensated fairly for the enormous value they generate. But the resulting system has profound cultural consequences:

1. Team Unity Versus Individual Wealth

The wide disparity in earnings among teammates — where one player might strike a life-changing deal and another gets a few hundred dollars — can fracture locker-room cohesion and shift focus from team success to individual gain. (American Public University)

2. Recruiting Becomes Financial First

Instead of choosing a school for coaching, academics, or tradition, recruits are now often swayed by NIL projections — a trend that undermines the educational mission of college sports. (The Michigan Organization)

3. Competitive Priorities Shift

There is a growing perception that college football is becoming professional in all but name. Elite prospects and current players increasingly prepare for the NFL rather than team goals, with opt-outs for bowl games or entire seasons becoming more common — a trend linked to both draft preparation and NIL risk management. (American Public University)

4. Disparities Across Sports

Data indicate that virtually all NIL dollars go to football and men’s basketball (over 90 % combined) while lesser-visible sports receive negligible compensation. This threatens the health of collegiate athletics as a broad ecosystem. (The Michigan Organization)

Legal and Regulatory Chaos

The rapid expansion of NIL has outpaced any cohesive regulatory structure. Recent federal developments, including an executive order aimed at curbing “pay-for-play” tendencies, reflect how chaotic the current environment has become. Officials are now calling for national NIL frameworks to prevent booster bidding wars that undermine competitive balance and financial stability. (The Guardian)

Even legal settlements — such as the recent $2.8 billion House v. NCAA agreement permitting direct revenue sharing — haven’t resolved the underlying issues. They have instead institutionalized compensation in ways that further complicate governance and equity. (Sports Litigation Alert)

Conclusion: A Dangerous Path or Inevitable Evolution?

NIL has undeniably empowered some college athletes and rectified long-standing inequities. But the consequences for college football — increasingly skewed competitive balance, fractured team dynamics, and the erosion of amateur values — are profound and growing.

The sport now grapples with fundamental questions: Is college football still about education, tradition, and competition? Or has it become a de facto minor league to professional sports, driven by dollars and donors rather than student-athletes and school spirit?

If the current trajectory continues unchecked, the very soul of college football — once rooted in passion, pride, and pure competition — may be the biggest casualty of all.

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Kyle Whittingham Named Head Football Coach at Michigan

In a major move for one of college football’s most storied programs, the University of Michigan has officially hired Kyle Whittingham as its new head football coach, ending a brief but high-profile coaching search. Whittingham, 66, agreed to a five-year contract to lead the Wolverines, bringing decades of experience and on-field success to Ann Arbor. (Alabama Gazette)

Whittingham arrives at Michigan after 21 seasons as the head coach at the University of Utah, where he became the school’s all-time wins leader with a 177–88 record and elevated the Utes to national relevance, including multiple conference championships and bowl victories. (Alabama Gazette)

“He’s a proven winner with a strong track record of integrity and consistency,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement announcing the hire. “We believe Coach Whittingham is the right leader to guide Michigan football into its next chapter.” (Alabama Gazette)

A Strategic Hire Amid Program Turmoil

Whittingham’s hiring comes just weeks after Michigan parted ways with former head coach Sherrone Moore, who was dismissed earlier in December amid an off-field scandal. The move is widely seen as an attempt by Michigan to restore stability and credibility to its football program. (NBC Los Angeles)

At his introductory press conference, Whittingham emphasized his commitment to building a disciplined, physical football team, aligning with Michigan’s traditional identity. “Physicality will be our calling card,” he said, outlining his vision for the Wolverines. (Alabama Gazette)

Contract Details and Early Priorities

Whittingham’s five-year deal is reported to average about $8.2 million per year, with a significant portion guaranteed, placing him among the better-paid coaches in the Big Ten. (Sports Histori)

One of his immediate priorities will be assessing the current roster and coaching staff, with plans already in motion to bring in some familiar assistants—while also retaining a few members of Michigan’s existing staff. (SI)

“I’m honored to be here and ready to get to work,” Whittingham said in a statement to Michigan fans, stressing his eagerness to know his players and build a winning culture. (SI)

What This Means for Michigan Football

Michigan’s hiring of Whittingham marks a significant shift for the Wolverines, who had long been searching for continuity after recent coaching upheaval. Whittingham’s reputation for program building and leadership is expected to bring a steady hand to Ann Arbor as the team prepares for upcoming challenges on the field and in recruiting. (Alabama Gazette)

With a long and respected career behind him already, Whittingham now embarks on a new chapter at one of college football’s blue-blood programs—aiming to deliver both stability and championships in the years ahead. (Alabama Gazette)

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College Football Playoff Quarterfinals Preview: January 1 Takes Center Stage

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No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama — Rose Bowl

Pasadena, California | January 1

The Rose Bowl provides a historic backdrop as top-seeded Indiana faces Alabama in one of the most intriguing matchups of the quarterfinal round.

Indiana enters unbeaten, powered by a disciplined defense and an offense that has consistently controlled tempo throughout the season. With a first-round bye, the Hoosiers have had extra time to prepare for a Crimson Tide team that is battle-tested and dangerous.

Alabama earned its spot by surviving the opening round and now looks to lean on its playoff experience. While the Tide have shown flashes of dominance, inconsistency on offense could be a concern against Indiana’s physical defense.

Key to the game:
If Indiana can force Alabama into long third downs early, it could seize control. Alabama’s path to victory lies in creating explosive plays and winning the turnover battle.

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No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 6 Ole Miss — Sugar Bowl

New Orleans, Louisiana | January 1

An all-SEC showdown highlights the Sugar Bowl as Georgia meets Ole Miss with a semifinal berth on the line.

Georgia enters rested after earning a bye, bringing a familiar formula of defensive toughness and balanced offense. The Bulldogs thrive in physical games and will look to dictate the pace from the opening kickoff.

Ole Miss arrives with momentum after a strong first-round performance, showcasing its offensive versatility. The Rebels will need to stay aggressive while avoiding early mistakes against Georgia’s disciplined defense.

Key to the game:
Ole Miss must convert red-zone opportunities, while Georgia will aim to wear the Rebels down with sustained drives and defensive pressure.

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No. 4 Texas Tech vs. No. 5 Oregon — Orange Bowl

Miami Gardens, Florida | January 1

The Orange Bowl features one of the most evenly matched quarterfinals as Texas Tech takes on Oregon.

Texas Tech is making its first appearance at this stage, riding a strong season built on physical play and timely scoring. The Red Raiders will attempt to limit Oregon’s speed and prevent big plays.

Oregon, meanwhile, brings momentum from a high-scoring first-round victory. The Ducks’ offense is capable of striking quickly, but defensive lapses could be costly against a disciplined opponent.

Key to the game:
Time of possession could decide this matchup. If Texas Tech controls the clock, it can keep Oregon’s offense on the sideline.

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No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami — Cotton Bowl

Arlington, Texas | January 1

Ohio State and Miami close out the quarterfinal slate in a matchup that blends tradition with renewed momentum.

Ohio State earned a bye and enters with one of the most balanced rosters in the playoff field. The Buckeyes’ ability to run the ball and apply defensive pressure makes them difficult to game-plan against.

Miami advanced by grinding out a defensive first-round win and will rely on toughness and discipline to stay competitive. The Hurricanes must avoid early deficits and keep the game within reach.

Key to the game:
Miami’s defense faces a major test. If it can slow Ohio State early, pressure shifts squarely onto the Buckeyes.

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• Reuters
• Detroit News
• Detroit Free Press
• Detroit Free Press
• SI

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Michigan Football in Turmoil: Moore Fired, Coaching Search Faces Early Rejections

In a stunning sequence that has rocked college football and heightened scrutiny on the University of Michigan’s athletic leadership, the Wolverines have begun a tumultuous coaching search following the firing of head coach Sherrone Moore.

Swift Firing After Credible Policy Violations

On December 10, 2025, Michigan announced it had fired Sherrone Moore “with cause” after an internal investigation concluded there was credible evidence that the coach engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a team staff member — a violation of university policy. The dismissal came just hours before Moore’s arrest on felony and misdemeanor charges, including third-degree home invasion and stalking, related to an alleged incident with that same staffer. (Reuters)

Moore’s abrupt departure marks the latest high-profile controversy at Michigan, a program already wrestling with public blowback from past NCAA compliance issues tied to a sign-stealing investigation that led to suspensions and sanctions earlier this year. (Wikipedia)

Interim coach Biff Poggi has been installed to lead the Wolverines into the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Texas, a matchup now overshadowed by the off-field saga and its emotional toll on players. Poggi and team leaders have publicly acknowledged feelings of betrayal and shock among the roster and families. (Reuters)

Coaching Search Hits Early Snags: DeBoer and Dillingham

Michigan’s effort to hire a permanent head coach has already encountered notable resistance.

Kalen DeBoer, the highly accomplished head coach at the University of Alabama, was widely mentioned early in the coaching carousel as a potential top candidate following Moore’s firing. However, DeBoer has publicly and unequivocally rejected interest, stating he is committed to Alabama and “has not spoken and has no interest in speaking with anyone else about any other job.” His focus remains firmly on Alabama’s season and the College Football Playoff, effectively removing him from Michigan’s pursuit. (Reuters)

Similarly, Kenny Dillingham, the head coach at Arizona State, has been discussed as a potential Wolverine target. But sources close to Dillingham indicate he is not actively pursuing other jobs and has strong ties to ASU, dampening expectations that he would depart for Ann Arbor. While not as definitive in public denial as DeBoer, Dillingham has made clear through comments and context that he plans to stay put. (AZCentral)

The early departures of these marquee names have made Michigan’s search for a headline hire more complicated than anticipated, prompting speculation that the program may need to widen its candidate pool or focus on less traditional choices.

Broader Context: Continuing Athletic Department Scrutiny

The Moore episode is shaping up to be more than just a coaching vacancy — it has intensified scrutiny on Michigan’s athletic culture and governance. In the wake of the scandal, the university board authorized a broader review of how the situation was handled and the surrounding departmental environment, signaling institutional concern over systemic issues. (Sports Business Journal)

This latest chapter adds to a string of controversies that have shadowed Michigan athletics in recent seasons, from NCAA penalties to personnel upheavals. For a program accustomed to national prominence both on and off the field, the timing and severity of these events have frustrated fans, donors, and alumni alike.

What Comes Next

With DeBoer and Dillingham effectively off the table, Michigan appears poised to target a new class of candidates — whether rising assistants, established coordinators, or head coaches at smaller Power Five programs. Reports suggest other names like Jedd Fisch and Eli Drinkwitz are being evaluated, though nothing official has been announced. (Maize n Brew)

For the Wolverines, stabilizing the program and restoring confidence — among players, recruits, and the broader fanbase — will be as critical as the next head coach they name. The upcoming bowl game and subsequent January recruiting period will test how quickly Michigan can pivot from crisis to continuity.

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2025–26 College Football Playoff: the full rundown, data, and an ESPN-style bracket

The 12-team College Football Playoff field for the 2025–26 season was announced on December 7, 2025 — and it arrived with shock, history and controversy. Indiana earned the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, four teams (Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, Texas Tech) received byes, and the first round begins Dec. 19–20 with two wild Friday/Saturday slates leading into quarterfinals on Dec. 31–Jan. 1. The semifinals are set for the Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 8) and Peach Bowl (Jan. 9) and the CFP National Championship will be played Monday, Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. (College Football Playoff)

The 12 teams & seeds (as released by the CFP selection committee)

1. Indiana (13–0) — No. 1 seed, receives first-round bye. (College Football Playoff)

2. Ohio State (12–1) — No. 2 seed, bye. (College Football Playoff)

3. Georgia (12–1) — No. 3 seed, bye. (College Football Playoff)

4. Texas Tech (12–1) — No. 4 seed, bye. (College Football Playoff)

5. Oregon (11–1) — No. 5 seed, hosts a first-round game. (ESPN.com)

6. Ole Miss (11–2) — No. 6 seed. (ESPN.com)

7. Alabama (10–3) — No. 7 seed; notable as a multi-loss at-large entry. (The Washington Post)

8. Oklahoma (11–2) — No. 8 seed. (ESPN.com)

9. Alabama listed as 9 in some displays? — (Note: ESPN’s bracket presentation showed Alabama as the 9 seed opposite No. 8 Oklahoma for a first-round meeting; bracket presentation/seed labeling can vary in visuals but matchup pairings are official). (ESPN.com)

10. Texas A&M (10–2) — No. 10 seed. (ESPN.com)

11. Tulane (11–2) — No. 11 seed, representing the Group of Five and earning a travel-heavy matchup. (ESPN.com)

12. James Madison (12–1) — No. 12 seed; JMU becomes the first Sun Belt team in the CFP and makes its first appearance in the playoff four years after joining FBS. They travel to Oregon in the first round. (Underdog Dynasty)

Note on Notre Dame: The committee’s decisions produced immediate fallout: 10–2 Notre Dame was left out despite national attention, and several commentators and the program itself criticized the outcome. The committee cited head-to-head and strength-of-schedule factors in explaining choices between closely ranked teams. (The Washington Post)

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First round — Dec. 19–20 (matchups, sites, kickoff windows)

(First round is single-elimination; winners advance to quarterfinals on Dec. 31 / Jan. 1.)

Friday, Dec. 19

• No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 9 Alabama — 8:00 p.m. ET (site: Oklahoma, per bracket hosting rules). Broadcast: ABC/ESPN. (Oddsmakers initial line shown on ESPN bracket page.) (ESPN.com)

Saturday, Dec. 20

• No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 James Madison — 7:30 p.m. ET, in Eugene (ESPN/TNT/truTV coverage). This is JMU’s first CFP game; their travel to the Pacific Time Zone is a first for CFP first-round hosting. (Underdog Dynasty)

• No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 Tulane — 3:30 p.m. ET (site: Ole Miss). (ESPN.com)

• No. 7 Alabama/No. 8 Oklahoma listed above — (see Friday slot). (ESPN.com)

• No. 10 Texas A&M vs. No. 3/4 seed? — (Some pairings/re-seeding logic: the bracket pairs winners into the predetermined quarter slots; see bracket below for exact quarter matches). (NCAA.com)

(For a printable PDF of the bracket and official schedule, the NCAA released a bracket file the same day the committee announced the field.) (NCAA.com)

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Quarterfinals — Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 (site = higher seed / predetermined bowls)

Winners from the first round will travel to play the top-4 seeds on these dates. The bracket pairs are fixed (no reseeding): winners advance into the predetermined quarterfinal matchups that feed the Fiesta and Peach semifinal slots. Official TV windows and exact kickoff times were listed by the CFP and ESPN. (NCAA.com)

Semifinals

• Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, AZ) — Thursday, Jan. 8 — CFP Semifinal, 7:30 p.m. ET. (ESPN.com)

• Peach Bowl (Atlanta, GA — Mercedes-Benz Stadium) — Friday, Jan. 9 — CFP Semifinal, 7:30 p.m. ET. (ESPN.com)

CFP National Championship — Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, 7:30 p.m. ET. (ESPN.com)

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Storylines & data points to watch

• Indiana unbeaten and No. 1 seed: Indiana (13–0) claimed the season’s top seed and a bye — their highest CFP placement ever — and will host its quarterfinal. How their schedule-strength (and margin of victory metrics) hold up against traditional powers is a key subplot. (College Football Playoff)

• Alabama makes the field despite three losses: The committee included Alabama as an at-large, marking a rare multi-loss inclusion and prompting debate about whether historical reputation, schedule strength, or late-season form weighed most heavily. Expect heavy line movement and media focus on Alabama’s postseason path. (The Washington Post)

• James Madison historic appearance: JMU (12–1), Sun Belt champions and making the CFP in their fourth FBS season, travel to face Oregon in Eugene. This is a milestone for Group of Five upward mobility and will be the first CFP game hosted in the Pacific Time Zone. (Underdog Dynasty)

• Notre Dame left out — fallout: Notre Dame’s decision to decline bowl participation after the snub and the ensuing public criticism highlight the committee’s strained relationships with some non-Power-5 or independent programs and will be a major narrative through bowl season. (The Washington Post)

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                          2025–26 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF
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                    Quarterfinals (Dec 31 / Jan 1)  -> Semifinals (Jan 8/9) -> Championship (Jan 19)

  (1) Indiana (BYE) ──────────────────────────────────┐
                                                     │
                                                     ├─ Winner QF 1 ────┐
  First Round Winner of (8) Oklahoma vs (9) Alabama ─┘                   │
                                                                         ├─ Winner SF (Fiesta/Peach) ── CFP CHAMP
  (4) Texas Tech (BYE) ──────────────────────────────────┐              │
                                                     │                   │
                                                     ├─ Winner QF 2 ────┘
  First Round Winner of (5) Oregon vs (12) JMU ───────┘

---------------------------------------------------------------

  (3) Georgia (BYE) ──────────────────────────────────┐
                                                     │
                                                     ├─ Winner QF 3 ────┐
  First Round Winner of (6) Ole Miss vs (11) Tulane ─┘                   │
                                                                         ├─ Winner SF (Peach/Fiesta) ─ CFP CHAMP
  (2) Ohio State (BYE) ──────────────────────────────┐                   │
                                                     │                   │
                                                     ├─ Winner QF 4 ────┘
  First Round Winner of (7) Alabama vs (8) Oklahoma ─┘

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First round schedule (official):
- Fri Dec 19: (8) Oklahoma vs (9) Alabama — 8:00 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN). :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
- Sat Dec 20: (5) Oregon vs (12) James Madison — 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT/truTV/ESPN feed). :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
- Sat Dec 20: (6) Ole Miss vs (11) Tulane — 3:30 p.m. ET. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}

Semifinals:
- Jan 8 — Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, AZ), 7:30 p.m. ET. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
- Jan 9 — Peach Bowl (Atlanta, GA), 7:30 p.m. ET. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}

National Championship:
- Jan 19 — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL, 7:30 p.m. ET. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}

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Quick-reference table (key facts)

• Selection date: December 7, 2025. (College Football Playoff)

• Format: 12-team bracket (top 4 byes). (College Football Playoff)

• Semifinal dates: Jan. 8 (Fiesta) and Jan. 9 (Peach). (ESPN.com)

• Championship: Jan. 19, 2026 — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens. (ESPN.com)

• Most controversial exclusion: Notre Dame (10–2) left out. (The Washington Post)

• Historic inclusion: James Madison (first Sun Belt team in CFP). (Underdog Dynasty)

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Sources & further reading

• Official CFP release and final top-25 (selection committee). (College Football Playoff)

• ESPN CFP bracket and coverage (bracket visualization and game lines). (ESPN.com)

• NCAA bracket printable PDF and schedule. (NCAA.com)

• News coverage of Notre Dame reaction and committee controversy (Washington Post). (The Washington Post)

• James Madison’s CFP acceptance and first-round pairing at Oregon (Underdog Dynasty reporting). (Underdog Dynasty)

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What to Know — 2025 SEC Championship Game Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Georgia Bulldogs

The Setup

After an intense 2025 regular season, the stage is set: Alabama will face Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. (On3)

• Alabama secured its berth after a critical win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl, finishing the season 10-2 overall and 7-1 in conference play. (On3)

• Georgia arrives with an 11-1 overall record and also 7-1 in SEC play. (On3)

• Notably, this marks a familiar pairing: the two teams already met once this season — a close 24–21 victory by Alabama in Athens on September 27. (ESPN.com)

So the championship is more than a season finale — it’s a rematch with major stakes: SEC bragging rights and a potential playoff berth.

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Rivalry & History Matters

The history between Alabama and Georgia adds an extra layer to this matchup.

• Historically, Alabama leads the rivalry comfortably: going into 2025, the Crimson Tide hold a series lead of 45 – 26, with 4 games ending in a tie. (Grokipedia)

• For Georgia, this is their fifth consecutive appearance in the SEC title game. (On3)

• For Alabama, it’s their fourth appearance in the last six years — underscoring how frequently these two powerhouses collide when it counts most. (On3)

Their 2024 matchup was a thriller: Alabama trailed by 28 points at half, Georgia stormed back, but Alabama pulled off a 41–34 comeback win — a game that snapped Georgia’s long regular-season winning streak. (Wikipedia)

That prior history means both teams know what’s on the line: more than a trophy — legacy, momentum, and playoff implications.

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What the 2025 Regular Season Means

Alabama

• The Tide showed resilience. After an early loss (to Florida State), they rebounded and secured a 3-game win streak culminating in the Iron Bowl victory that punched their ticket to Atlanta. (Alabama Athletics)

• Their win over Georgia in September proved they could handle the Bulldogs in their home environment. (ESPN.com)

Georgia

• The Bulldogs rebounded from their lone loss by finishing strong — solid enough to top the East and earn a championship berth. (On3)

• Despite that loss to Alabama, Georgia remains the defending conference champion (from 2024) — giving them experience and confidence on this big stage. (On3)

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What to Watch

1. Can Alabama repeat in Atlanta?
   Alabama’s 2025 win at Georgia proves they have what it takes. But conference championships — especially title games — are different animals.

2. Georgia’s motivation as reigning champ
   As defending SEC champ, Georgia knows how to win under pressure. They’ll want to reclaim the throne and avenge their regular-season loss.

3. Momentum & Matchups
   Alabama heading in on confidence after a tough Iron Bowl win; Georgia, chasing redemption and conference supremacy. Key positional matchups — offense vs. defense, QB vs. front seven — will likely decide it.

4. Playoff and National Implications
   Winning the SEC Championship could bolster either team’s case for a national playoff bid. Expect aggressive, high-stakes football.

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What This Game Means Beyond the Trophy

This isn’t just another game — it’s a defining moment.

• For Alabama: a chance to reaffirm conference dominance and build momentum for postseason play.

• For Georgia: an opportunity to defend their crown and silence critics after the September loss.

• For college football fans: another chapter in one of the SEC’s greatest rivalries — high drama, history, and stakes that extend beyond December.

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