College football playoffs: Who plays today Thursday Jan. 1? Quarterfinals, teams, times and matchups

The Miami Hurricanes became the first team to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals with a stunning 24-14 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

New Year’s Day continues with an exciting lineup of matchups, completing the College Football Playoff quarterfinals as part of the 2025-26 bowl schedule that runs through early January.

College Football Playoff Quarterfinals on New Year’ Day 2026

5 Oregon Ducks vs. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders (Orange Bowl)

• Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
• TV: ESPN

Both Oregon and Texas Tech boast elite defenses, with many predicting a tightly contested chess match. Expect one big play to decide the winner.

9 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. 1 Indiana Hoosiers (Rose Bowl Game)

• Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
• TV: ESPN

Indiana’s victory over Ohio State in the Big Ten championship signaled their national championship potential. The Hoosiers, led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza - touted as a possible No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft - enter as favorites after a perfect 13-0 season. Alabama, however, has won 11 of its last 13 games and could be poised for an upset.

6 Ole Miss Rebels vs. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (Sugar Bowl)

• Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
• TV: ESPN

Both Ole Miss and Georgia finished 12-1 for the season, with the Rebels’ only loss coming against the Bulldogs in a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback. Ole Miss’ former head coach Lane Kiffin has moved to LSU, raising questions about how his departure will affect the Rebels in this high-stakes matchup.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.