2025 College Football Playoff Round 1 Recap

It’s the holiday season — which means it’s officially Bowl Season and College Football Playoff time, the most wonderful stretch of the year for fans everywhere.

So instead of dragging this out, let’s get right to it. Here’s a recap of the Round 1 winners.

Alabama Pulls Comeback Win Over Oklahoma

Admit it — it looked rough early for the Crimson Tide. Alabama found itself in a 17–0 hole to the Sooners early in the second quarter, and momentum was slipping fast. But Kalen DeBoer’s squad answered immediately, erupting for 17 points in that same quarter, highlighted by a pick‑six from defensive back Zabien Brown. From there, everything shifted.

The Crimson Tide defense took over, delivering five sacks on Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer and holding the Sooners to just seven points the rest of the way. What started as a potential disaster quickly transformed into a statement performance.

Had Alabama lost, DeBoer would have never heard the end of it. Instead, the Tide responded when it mattered most — and they now advance to the next round of the College Football Playoff.

Miami Takes Down Texas A&M

That Hurricanes defense is the real deal.

So is running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who powered Miami’s offense with 172 rushing yards and a series of bruising, momentum‑shifting runs that set up the game‑winning touchdown by star freshman Malachi Toney late in the fourth quarter. Coming into this matchup, plenty of people believed Notre Dame was more deserving of the Hurricanes’ playoff spot. But Miami didn’t just battle through the swirling winds and rough conditions — they showed the entire country why the ACC backed them for the postseason.

And despite the loss, the Aggies have a promising quarterback in Marcel Reed. If he returns next season, there’s every reason to believe he can lead them to something big.

Ole Miss Dominates Tulane

Well, this one got ugly in a hurry.

Even with Green Wave quarterback Jake Retzlaff throwing for more than 300 yards against the Rebels, Tulane had virtually nothing else to threaten them with. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and company went to work on the Green Wave defense from the opening drive, and by halftime the outcome felt all but decided. What makes the Rebels so dangerous is their balance — they can beat you on either side of the ball, and that’s a problem their next opponent will have to solve fast.

And honestly, they didn’t even need Lane Kiffin on the sideline to get it done. This team is talented enough to roll no matter who’s holding the headset.

Oregon Takes Down James Madison

Dan Lanning can’t be thrilled with his team’s performance.

You’d expect the Ducks’ defense to tighten up eventually, but giving up 509 yards to a team they were clearly superior to is a legitimate red flag. The good news is that Oregon’s offense remains a well‑oiled machine, powered by quarterback Dante Moore and emerging playmaker Malik Benson.

But unless the Ducks patch those defensive leaks in a hurry, it’s hard to see them getting past Texas Tech in their quarterfinal matchup.

CFP Playoff First Round Top Performers

• DL Reuben Bain - Miami

• RB Mark Fletcher - Miami

• WR Malik Benson - Oregon

• WR Shazz Preston - Tulane

• DB Keionte Scott - Miami

• S Bryce Fitzgerald - Miami

• QB Trinidad Chambliss - Ole Miss

• DL Keon Keeley - Alabama

• QB Dante Moore - Oregon

• WR Deion Burks - Oklahoma

• LB Justin Jefferson - Alabama

• RB Wayne Knight - James Madison

• RB Kewan Lacy - Ole Miss

• LB Deontae Lawson - Alabama

• DL Akheem Mesidor - Miami