CFP First Round Recap: Alabama Rallies, Miami & Oregon Advance

The 12-team playoff delivered instant classics. Alabama overcomes huge deficit against Oklahoma, while Miami and Oregon dominate.

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Alabama Stuns Oklahoma in Comeback Thriller

(December 21, 2025) - In the most anticipated matchup of the 12-team College Football Playoff's opening round, the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide erased a 17-point deficit to defeat the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners 34-24 in Norman.

Ty Simpson threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns, including a go-ahead 45-yard strike to Ryan Williams in the fourth quarter. The victory sets up a monumental quarterfinal clash against No. 1 seed Indiana at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.

Miami Disciplines Texas A&M

Defense was the story in Coral Gables as No. 10 Miami edged No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3. The Hurricanes defense forced three turnovers and held the Aggies to just 215 total yards. Miami advances to face No. 2 seed Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.

Ole Miss Routs Tulane

No. 6 Ole Miss made quick work of No. 11 Tulane, cruising to a 41-10 victory. Jaxson Dart accounted for four total touchdowns, dissecting the Green Wave defense. The Rebels will travel to the Peach Bowl to face No. 3 seed Boise State.

Oregon Outguns James Madison

In a high-scoring affair, No. 5 Oregon defeated No. 12 James Madison 51-34. The Ducks' offense was unstoppable, racking up nearly 600 yards. They move on to the Fiesta Bowl to play No. 4 seed Arizona State in an all-Big 12 quarterfinal.