CFP First Round Preview: Alabama vs Oklahoma Headline 12-Team Kickoff

The 12-Team Era Begins

The wait is finally over. The first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff kicks off this weekend, fundamentally changing the landscape of the sport's postseason. After a chaotic "Championship Weekend," the committee has locked in the field, and the road to the National Championship begins now.

The Bracket Breakdown

Top 4 Seeds (First-Round Byes):

1. Indiana Hoosiers (13-0): The undisputed kings of the 2025 season. An undefeated Big Ten campaign has earned them the top overall seed.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes: Despite a late-season challenge, their resume keeps them firmly at #2.
3. Georgia Bulldogs: The SEC champions secure the third bye.
4. Texas Tech Red Raiders: A surprise entrant to the top 4, securing the final bye as the Big 12 champions.

First-Round Matchups (Dec 19-20)

The action starts immediately with on-campus games, bringing a new level of atmosphere to the postseason.

The Headliner: #9 Alabama vs. #8 Oklahoma

• Kickoff: Saturday, Dec 20, 3:30 PM ET (TNT/HBO Max)
• The Storyline: A classic SEC showdown in the first round. Oklahoma's defense has been stellar all year, but Alabama's playoff pedigree is unmatched. This is arguably the most evenly matched game of the opening slate. The winner advances to face #1 Indiana.

#5 Oregon vs. #12 James Madison

• Kickoff: Saturday, Dec 20, 7:30 PM ET (TNT/HBO Max)
• The Storyline: James Madison is the Cinderella story of the year, cracking the field as the highest-ranked Group of 5 champion. They face a daunting task traveling to Eugene to face an explosive Oregon offense.

#6 Ole Miss vs. #11 Tulane

• Kickoff: Saturday, Dec 20, 3:30 PM ET
• The Storyline: Lane Kiffin's Rebels have the firepower to make a deep run, but Tulane has proven to be a disciplined giant-killer. Expect points in bunches in Oxford.

#7 Texas A&M vs. #10 Miami

• Kickoff: Saturday, Dec 20, 12:00 PM ET (ABC/ESPN)
• The Storyline: A battle of two teams that started hot, cooled off, and then rallied. Kyle Field will be rocking for the early kick.

Viewing Guide

Friday night (Dec 19) features the standalone opener (check local listings for the specific late-breaking scheduling), serving as the appetizer for a loaded Saturday slate. For fantasy college football players (CFF), this is the final sprint. Keep an eye on the Alabama/Oklahoma backfields, as usage here will be heavily scrutinized for DFS lineups.