What's Happening?
The Miami Hurricanes and Alabama Crimson Tide have secured the final at-large spots in the 12-team College Football Playoff, leaving Notre Dame out of the competition. Miami, ranked No. 10, will face No. 7 Texas A&M in the first round on December 20, 2025. The selection committee emphasized Miami's head-to-head victory over Notre Dame as a key factor in their decision. Alabama, despite losing to Georgia in the SEC Championship, was also included, highlighting the committee's consideration of strength of schedule and overall performance.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of Miami and Alabama in the playoff underscores the importance of head-to-head matchups and strength of schedule in the selection process. Miami's entry is particularly significant as it marks their
first appearance in the CFP, reflecting their growth and competitiveness. For Alabama, being selected despite a recent loss demonstrates the committee's recognition of their overall season performance. Notre Dame's exclusion, despite a strong finish, highlights the competitive nature of the selection process and the impact of early-season losses.
What's Next?
Miami will face Texas A&M in the first round, with the winner advancing to play Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. Alabama will play Oklahoma in their first-round matchup. Both Miami and Alabama will need to prepare strategically to advance further in the playoffs. The outcomes of these games will have significant implications for the teams' national standings and future recruiting efforts. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see how these teams perform under playoff pressure.
