Experts predict winners and dark horse National Championship contenders entering the quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff
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While the first round of the College Football Playoff was up and down, the quarterfinals promise to be a lot more entertaining. Now that some of the lesser teams have been eliminated, everyone is getting a much clearer picture of who the top National Championship contenders really are. A separation is being created.
While the contenders are showing themselves, this is also a very wide-open playoff field right now. Several dark-horse candidates have the chance to hoist the trophy in the end. Along with fellow A to Z Sports College Football analyst Joe DeLeone, we took turns selecting a winner and dark horse team each.
Here is who DeLeone and I chose for each category.
National Championship Winner: Georgia Bulldogs
“I still maintain that Georgia is the team to invest heavily into to win a national championship this year. Their upcoming rematch with Ole Miss will reveal a lot about whether they can beat them more handily than the first time. The significant differences in this upcoming matchup are that the Rebels don’t have Lane Kiffin, and Georgia didn’t have its current pass-rush production back in October.
“One thing to track for their title chances is how Ohio State looks against Miami in their upcoming game. The Buckeyes will face a challenging matchup against the red-hot Miami defensive line. In their last game, they struggled to protect quarterback Julian Sayin against Indiana effectively. The Miami defensive line is more talented than Indiana’s, and could further reveal cracks in this Ohio State offense we once thought was unstoppable.
“If Ohio State continues to show offensive flaws deriving from their offensive line, then Georgia fans should feel exceptionally secure about their team winning a title.” – DeLeone
National Championship Winner: Oregon Ducks
“Oregon is a team that had some unimpressive performances early in the season, but they have consistently gotten better and better throughout the season. That is especially true on offense, where quarterback Dante Moore has shown impressive improvements. Along with a stellar run game, an improving offensive line, and the skill positions getting healthier, this Duck offense has a chance to be dangerous down the stretch.
“If head coach Dan Lanning and his team can play more consistently on the defensive side of the football, they have the chance to be a championship team. With players like Matayo Uiagalelei, A’Mauri Washington, Bryce Boettcher, and Brandon Finney, there is plenty of talent to work with on that side of the football. That group will make or break their championship chances.” – Roberts
Dark horse: Miami Hurricanes
“Back in September, I was the most vocal advocate for the Hurricanes for the complimentary, balanced football they were playing. Most importantly, it was so clear they were physically overpowering their opponents on both sides of the ball. A lull in October made it look like they had regressed. Their first-round win against Texas A&M reignited that old version of themselves.
“Ohio State’s offensive line struggled mightily in the Big Ten Championship game to establish the run and to give Sayin ample time. If Miami can replicate its dominant seven-sack performance, then an upset is on the horizon.
“A potential run will come down to how much of an impact Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck can have. He converted on the throws he needed to in Round 1, but he will need to deliver more clutch throws to propel them to a victory at some point.” – DeLeone
Dark horse: Texas Tech Red Raiders
“The more I see of Texas Tech, the bigger believer I become. If they can get past Oregon, they are a team that can really make some noise during the last two rounds. Their defense is fantastic, led by one of the better defensive lines in the country. David Bailey, Romello Height, and Lee Hunter can completely derail an offense. Leaning into that group is smart for the Red Raiders.
“If head coach Joey McGuire’s team can make a championship run, they need to make some huge plays on the offensive side of the football. Their run game is potent, led by running backs Cameron Dickey and J’Kory Williams. Can quarterback Behren Morton make the big plays when it matters most? That is the bigger question.” – Roberts
This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Dec 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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