With Thanksgiving and Rivalry Week upon us, the table is set for the 2025–2026 College Football Playoffs. Yet, several pivotal matchups remain. While y’all feast on turkey, I’ll paint my perfect bracket.
1. Ohio State
Predicted Finish: Beat Michigan, beat Indiana in Big Ten Title Game
Much like Nick Saban’s best teams, this one has dominated with ruthless efficiency. For much of the season, no one has talked about them—and that’s telling. There’s simply not much to debate. The Buckeyes are the most talented team in the country, and while the schedule hasn’t tested them deeply, that changes now. Expect them to prove it.
2. Georgia
Predicted Finish: Beat Georgia Tech, beat Texas A&M in SEC Title Game
Yes, Texas A&M is for real. No, I don’t think they can topple Georgia in Atlanta. Assuming the Bulldogs take care of a feisty Yellow Jackets squad on Friday, they’ll be back in Mercedes-Benz the following week. I trust Kirby Smart to outmaneuver Mike Elko and contain Marcel Reed. Expect Gunnar Stockton and company to earn a first-round bye—and a calm Christmas.
3. Texas Tech
Predicted Finish: Beat Texas, beat BYU in Big 12 Title Game
Texas Tech has channeled its oil-backed NIL fund into a legitimate playoff run. At 10–1, they’ve steamrolled opponents, both straight up and against the spread. Their only loss? Against the defending conference champs. With the nation’s top run defense paired with a turbo-charged offense, the Red Raiders are built for a deep postseason run.
4. Texas A&M
Predicted Finish: Beat Texas, lose to Georgia in SEC Title Game
Welcome to the at-large debates. Let’s say A&M and Indiana both lose their title games. On resume and roster, A&M holds the edge. Factor in that ESPN owns both SEC and CFP rights—coincidence or not, history shows the SEC gets the nod. I expect the Aggies to snag that final first-round bye.
5. Indiana
Predicted Finish: Beat Purdue, lose to Ohio State in Big Ten Title Game
Mendoza Mania is very real. To me, he’s the top QB in this year’s draft class. Curt Cignetti’s transformation of Indiana into a football school might deserve its own documentary. Known for offense, it’s actually the Hoosiers’ defense that ranks second nationally in points allowed (11.6 PPG). That balance makes them dangerous.
6. Oregon
Predicted Finish: Beat Washington
Dan Lanning might be my favorite coach in college football. Dante Moore has steered this offense masterfully—their lone blemish being a loss to Indiana. Handle the Huskies, and a playoff game in Eugene awaits.
7. Ole Miss
Predicted Finish: Beat Mississippi State
Let’s address the elephant: Kiffin shouldn’t leave. He’s built a powerhouse with NIL backing and long-term job security. Moving to LSU or Florida would mean starting over—for marginal gains. The Rebels’ high-octane attack has powered past Oklahoma and Tulane. Their only blemish being a narrow shootout loss to Georgia? That tells you all you need to know.
8. Oklahoma
Predicted Finish: Beat LSU
Win, and you’re in. Brett Venables deserves Coach of the Year talk. The oracle behind Clemson’s championship pedigree has built a concrete foundation of his own, characteristically supported by the beams of his signature defense. Yes, Mateer has been inconsistent—but the resume stands. I’m backing the Sooners to lock in a home playoff game.
9. Notre Dame
Predicted Finish: Beat Stanford
Time to set a new rule: no conference, no CFP. Still, the Irish have obliterated everyone since that early loss to A&M—they haven’t played a one-score game since September 13. And Jeremiyah Love? He’s my Heisman. 1,580 yards and 20 touchdowns on 201 touches is video game stuff. The QB bias shouldn’t determine who wins the Heisman. Love vs. Venables’ defense will be cinematic.
10. Alabama
Predicted Finish: Beat Auburn
Alabama’s fortunate that its loss to Oklahoma won’t derail playoff hopes. They’ll likely face Ole Miss, and I’ve long dreamed of an SEC playoff clash outside a neutral venue. Picture this: late December, Oxford, a playoff game on the line. I’ll be on my couch, beer in hand, watching one of my favorite QBs go to battle.
11. SMU
Predicted Finish: Beat Cal, beat Virginia in ACC Title Game
I’m in the minority, but I love that NIL has empowered programs like SMU. And yes, conference championships should mean something—just like in every other NCAA sport. Kevin Jennings has this team on a tear. Their only loss since September? A one-point road game. Sure, they might get smoked in the playoffs again, but a possible shootout in Eugene? I’m in.
12. North Texas
Predicted Finish: Beat Temple, beat Tulane in AAC Title Game
Oklahoma State received an early Christmas present, because Eric Morris is a star-maker. Mahomes. Cam Ward. Now, Drew Mestemaker. How is this team not in the CFP rankings yet? That will change. Sure, our Green Wave darlings could outmuscle them, but I trust the Mean Green offense. And if they face Indiana? Half that stadium will be NFL scouts watching Mestemaker vs. Mendoza.
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