The College Football Playoff has finally expanded, and let’s be honest — fans have been waiting for this moment for years. But while the new 12-team format promised more drama and opportunity, it’s already stirred up a bit of debate. 

Fans were eager to see how this expanded format would shake up the postseason, but the first round left many feeling underwhelmed. The matchups were largely lopsided, with even the closer games looking more competitive on the scoreboard than they were on the field. It’s led to widespread questioning of the seeding process and whether the committee got it right.

One of the biggest talking points is the road ahead for the No. 1 seed, Oregon. For a team that went 13-0 and dominated their regular season, their path to the championship feels anything but straightforward. Facing Ohio State in the quarterfinals is a challenge most wouldn’t expect for a top seed this early. It’s sparked debate about whether the system properly rewards teams for their regular-season success.

Despite the first round’s lack of nail-biters, the quarterfinals bring plenty of fresh storylines with the introduction of the top four seeds: Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State. These teams have had the luxury of a bye week to prepare, but now the pressure is on to prove why they earned those top spots. They’re stepping into games against opponents who already have playoff wins under their belts, which could either mean they’re battle-tested or just worn down. As the field narrows, the stakes are getting higher, and fans are hoping these matchups deliver the drama that the first round missed.

Round One in the Books

Notre Dame 27, Indiana 17

Notre Dame got the job done in their first-round matchup against Indiana, but it wasn’t the cleanest performance. Sure, Jeremiyah Love ripped off an electrifying 98-yard touchdown run, but if you take that play out, the Irish managed less than 100 rushing yards on 34 attempts. That’s just 2.8 yards per carry — not exactly the kind of ground game that instills fear. 

Quarterback Riley Leonard had a modest showing with 201 passing yards, one touchdown, and an interception. 

The defense carried the day, keeping Indiana from ever getting into a rhythm, but the offense will need to find another gear if they hope to hang with Georgia in the quarterfinals. It’s a tall task, but one the Irish will need to tackle head-on if they want to extend their playoff journey.

Penn State 38, SMU 10

Penn State’s first-round victory over SMU wasn’t just convincing—it was a statement. The Nittany Lions’ defense came out swinging, with linebacker Dominic DeLuca making headlines for his two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. joining in on the party, fellow linebacker Tony Rojas added another pick-six, showcasing just how opportunistic and dominant this defensive unit can be.

On the offensive side, the dynamic running back duo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton took over. The pair combined for 160 rushing yards and three touchdowns, consistently finding seams in the SMU defense and controlling the pace of the game. Meanwhile, quarterback Drew Allar had a quieter outing, completing 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards. 

Penn State’s ability to dominate in the trenches was key, with their offensive line paving the way for an impressive ground game. It’s clear this team has the physicality to compete with anyone, but they’ll need to maintain this level of intensity as they prepare to take on Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.

Texas 38, Clemson 24

In their first-round matchup, Texas leaned on running back Jaydon Blue, who delivered a standout performance with 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a game-sealing 77-yard score late in the fourth quarter. 

He wasn't the only Texas rusher to get over 100 yards; Quintrevion Wisner finished the game with 110 under his belt. Quinn Ewers did what he needed to do — nothing flashy, but he kept the offense steady and moving. 

Texas’s defense, however, showed some concerning cracks. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik found success through the air, throwing for 336 yards and three touchdowns. While the Longhorns did a good job containing Clemson’s rushing attack, their secondary struggled to keep Klubnik and his receivers in check.

The Longhorns will need to shore up their pass defense as they prepare to face Arizona State and one of the top running backs in the nation, Cam Skattebo. 

Ohio State 42, Tennessee 17

Ohio State came into the first round with something to prove, and they did just that. Quarterback Will Howard looked like he was on a mission, completing 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns while connecting on an incredible 83% of his throws. He was calm, efficient, and in total control of the offense. 

Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith showed why he’s one of the most exciting young talents in the game, hauling in six catches for 103 yards and both of Howard’s touchdowns.

The Buckeyes didn’t stop there. Running back TreVeyon Henderson added another layer to their dominance, rushing for 80 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries. Ohio State’s offense racked up 473 total yards, the most Tennessee’s defense had given up all season. From start to finish, it was an offensive clinic.

This performance not only got Ohio State to the next round but sent a clear message: They’re not your typical 8-seed. As they gear up for a showdown with Oregon in the Rose Bowl, they’ll be carrying some serious momentum and the confidence that comes with playing their best football at the right time.

Quarterfinal Showdowns: Breaking Down the Big Matchups

Fiesta Bowl: Boise State vs. Penn State

Boise State comes into this matchup riding high on the back of a historic season, thanks to Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty has been the lifeblood of the Broncos’ offense, racking up nearly 2,500 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns. Jeanty’s been nothing short of historic this year. He doesn’t just make defenders miss; he embarrasses them. Give him a sliver of daylight, and he’s gone, turning routine plays into game-changing moments. Defenses have been losing sleep all season trying to figure out how to stop him, and so far, none have cracked the code. 

But Boise State knows they’re stepping up in competition, facing a Penn State team that's as physical as they come. For the Broncos, success will hinge on how well their offensive line can create space for Jeanty and whether they can avoid costly turnovers against a tenacious defense.

Penn State enters this game off an authoritative 38-10 win over SMU. Their defense stole the show, but stopping Jeanty will be a much more difficult challenge.

This game has all the ingredients for a classic battle. Boise State’s explosive offense faces off against Penn State’s stout defense in a clash of styles. If Jeanty can find room to run, the Broncos have a chance to shock the Big Ten powerhouse. But if Penn State’s front seven can bottle him up, their balance and experience could carry the day.

Peach Bowl: Arizona State vs. Texas

Arizona State and Texas are set to collide in what could be one of the most intriguing matchups of the quarterfinals. For Arizona State, their success revolves around running back Cam Skattebo. The guy is a workhorse, plain and simple. He’s racked up over 1,500 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns this season, and his Big 12 Championship performance — 170 yards and three total touchdowns — was the perfect exclamation point on a stellar year. 

Freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt has stepped up big-time too, throwing for 2,663 yards and 24 touchdowns. This is a team that believes in itself, but their youth and inexperience could be a factor against a program like Texas.

Speaking of Texas, they’re coming off that solid win over Clemson, but the Longhorns’ defense left plenty to be desired. Facing a top-tier running back, their going to have to stack the box and have their secondary step up big to pull out a win.

The key to this game will be how Arizona State’s depleted receiving corps can come through in the biggest moments. On the flip side, Texas will need its front seven to tighten up and force Arizona State into uncomfortable passing situations. Although Texas is a heavy favorite going into this one, it truly could go either way.

Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State

Oregon and Ohio State meet in what might be the most anticipated matchup of the quarterfinals. For Oregon, their unbeaten 13-0 season speaks volumes about their consistency and team chemistry. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been nothing short of spectacular, throwing for over 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns since transferring from Oklahoma. 

Wide receiver Tez Johnson has been his go-to guy, stepping up in critical moments and delivering big plays when the Ducks needed them most. Head Coach Dan Lanning deserves plenty of credit too, fostering a team culture that’s both competitive and unified. 

However, as the No. 1 seed, Oregon’s path to the title is anything but easy. Critics have called their playoff bracket far too tough for a top seed, but the Ducks seem ready to embrace the challenge.

On the other side, Ohio State comes in with momentum after dismantling Tennessee 42-17 in the first round. This is a team that knows how to exploit defensive weaknesses, and they’ll be looking to do just that against Oregon.

The key battle will be Oregon’s tempo-driven offense against Ohio State’s versatile defense. Can the Ducks maintain their rhythm and keep the Buckeyes on their heels, or will Ohio State’s big-play ability steal the spotlight? With both teams firing on all cylinders, this one has the makings of an instant classic.

Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Notre Dame

Georgia’s season has been a test of resilience, and so far, they’ve passed with flying colors. The big story heading into this game is quarterback Carson Beck being sidelined for the rest of the season. He’s been the cornerstone of their passing attack, but his elbow injury has forced Georgia to turn to backup Gunner Stockton.

The good news? Stockton looked calm and capable in the SEC Championship game against Texas. Nick Saban, went on The Pat McAfee Show and talked about Georgia's backup quarterback, saying:

I've known this kid since he was eight years old. I watched him all through high school we recruited him here. Uhm, you know, he probably always wanted to go to Georgia. But if you watch a second half of of their game against Texas and the SEC championship game, they changed nothing. The first two plays the guy's in there are passes. 
The first one incomplete the one a good throw and a completion. The one thing he gives them, in addition, is he is a little better runner. I can't sit here and say he's a better thrower, but they did not change their offensive strategy at all in the second half of the Texas game, and they actually moved the ball better in the second half than he did in the first. 
So I think they looked like they showed confidence in the kid by the way they played. They weren't trying to protect them in the second half of the game.

Notre Dame, meanwhile, comes in riding the momentum of their first-round win over Indiana. Quarterback Riley Leonard’s dual-threat ability has been a major asset for the Irish, and their defense has shown it can clamp down when needed. 

Leonard’s mobility will be a key factor in this game, especially against Georgia’s fierce front seven. If he can extend plays and keep the Bulldogs’ defense guessing, Notre Dame might have a chance to make this interesting.