Micah's predictions for College Football Playoff quarterfinals

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Now that all the talk about Group of Five teams not deserving to be in the College Football Playoff is over, it is time to enjoy some classic matchups between the best conferences in college football. The rest of the playoff could very well determine who will be the number one quarterback taken in next year’s draft, and if a dynasty in Columbus is brewing.

Here are my predictions for the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff on New Year’s week:

(2) Ohio State over (10) Miami (Wednesday)

Ohio State failed its first test of the season in the Big Ten Championship game, losing to Indiana. Just like last season, that could be the exact loss needed to go on another championship run. It won’t be easy this time around, and the Hurricanes will be a very challenging opponent for the Buckeyes. Miami can replicate exactly what the Hoosiers did on Julian Sayin. The Buckeyes, however, have the better defense in this game, and I don’t see Carson Beck providing enough scoring to help Miami get the victory. Whereas the Buckeyes, having weapons galore that will step up to uplift young quarterback Sayin. I like the Buckeyes to win in a low-scoring game once again. Jeremiah Smith pulls off a game-winning receiving touchdown.

(5) Oregon over (4) Texas Tech

Texas Tech has one of the best front 7’s in the country. Oregon has a good defense themself against the pass and the run. The Ducks are getting healthier at the right time and already down multiple guys. The Ducks’ offense was prolific this entire season. Dante Moore Jr. is the best quarterback in the country in my opinion, and that will pay dividends in this matchup. I think he severely outplays Behren Morton. Oregon is the better team, and they will show they can be a dark horse to win the whole thing with a huge win over Texas Tech.

(1) Indiana over (9) Alabama

Alabama got a huge win last week over Oklahoma, scoring 27 straight points to send Oklahoma packing. That will not happen against Indiana. The Hoosiers’ defense proved to be just as good as the Buckeyes’ in the Big Ten title game, and they have a quarterback who is as cool as any under pressure. He played lights out against an NFL defense. I like the Hoosiers to win by two possessions and really show up Alabama.

(6) Ole Miss over (3) Georgia

These two teams delivered a masterclass performance in the regular season, and I do not think they will disappoint this time around either. Georgia’s defense has been phenomenal as of late, and Gunner Stockton has been a great complement to them. Trinidad Chambliss is a star and one of the more electrifying players in the country. Mixed with Kewan Lacy in the backfield, Ole Miss, I think, will once again give Georgia’s defense fits. This time, it resulted in an Ole Miss upset. There is just something about the new motivation in this team after the loss of Lane Kiffin. This Rebels team is hungry, and they were well prepared have a field day against a good Tulane team. I like the Rebels to shock the world on New Year’s Day.

Semifinal matchups

(2) Ohio State vs (6) Ole Miss and (1) Indiana vs (5) Oregon. Many may not like the College Football Playoff 12-team bracket, but next week’s round will not disappoint. This will be every exciting football to watch.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Quarterfinals of 2025-2026 College Football Playoff – bold predictions

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