College football The play-off quarter-finals feature four exciting matches across four of the sport's most iconic games, with places in the semi-finals on the line. The four teams that earned first-round berths will make their CFP debuts, each hoping to reverse the trend that emerged last season.
All four teams that received byes in the first 12-team playoffs lost in the quarterfinals, fueling speculation that rest may be overrated in college football's still-new postseason format. That dynamic could change this year with a change to the seeding formula, which gives byes to the four highest-ranked teams rather than the four highest-ranked conference champions.
Wednesday night opens the quarterfinals at No. 2. Ohio facing number 10 Miami in the Cotton Bowl, with the defending national champion Buckeyes starting their CFP run as 9.5-point favorites. Thursday will bring a triple header, starting with issue four. Texas Tech against No. 5 Oregon at the Orange Bowl. Among the four teams receiving a bye, the Red Raiders are the only underdogs, with Oregon coming in as the slight favorite.
No. 1 will perform at the Rose Bowl. Indiana against No. 9 Alabamaas the Hoosiers look to remain college football's only undefeated team. The quarterfinals conclude in the Sugar Bowl, where no. Georgia meets No. 6 Ole Miss in a rematch of the Bulldogs' 43-35 regular season win over the Rebels.
Here are the CBS Sports experts' picks for these matchups.
Ohio State vs Miami
Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free): The Hurricanes have talent all over the field and may even hold a slight advantage in the trenches, but Ohio State is simply stacked. The firepower of the Buckeyes offense has barely been put on full display yet as Ohio State cruised through most of its 2025 schedule. While Miami could cause some complications with its pass rush, the Buckeyes will make enough plays to put this game away. Pick: Ohio State -9.5 — Shehan Jeyarajah
Oregon vs. Texas TechÂ
Thursday at noon on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free): This game sets up to be a chess match throughout the afternoon, with both Oregon and Texas Tech looking to set up and eventually execute explosive plays against elite defenses. It's a chess match that will be fascinating to watch play out and likely set up a close game deep into the second half. It's just at some point we're going to need a quarterback to make a game-saving or game-winning play and right now I'd rather side with Dante Moore in that discussion. He's made some huge throws late in games this season and I like his odds more to be able and do so again.  Pick: Oregon -2.5 — Chip Patterson
Alabama vs. Indiana
Thursday at 4 p.m. on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free): The total for this one feels a little low. I'm not expecting a shootout, but I do believe both offenses are capable of moving the ball against these opposing defenses. Oklahoma probably should've scored more than it did against Alabama in the first round, and while Indiana's defense has been exceptional, it has been prone to allowing explosive passes this season, which is an area Alabama thrives. Won't be a shootout, but it won't be a rock fight, either. Pick: Over 48.5 — Tom Fornelli
Georgia vs. Ole MissÂ
Thursday at 8 p.m. on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free): Since giving up 35 points against Ole Miss in a 43-35 home victory over the Rebels on Oct. 18, Georgia has grown into one of college football's premier defensive outfits. The Bulldogs' last four opponents have averaged a paltry 7.25 points per game as coordinator Glenn Schumann's unit has developed the teeth needed to make UGA a legitimate national championship contender. It's hard to imagine Ole Miss playing as perfectly offensively as it did through the first three quarters of the first meeting. Look for Georgia's defense to come up with enough key stops to help Georgia pull away and reach the semifinals. Pick: Georgia -6.5 — David Cobb
Who will win and cover in each college football bowl and playoff game? SportsLine's computer model just simulated each matchup 10,000 times and has revealed its picks. Visit SportsLine now to see all its college football picks.
