Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all! May 2026 bring health, happiness, prosperity and most importantly, fantasy football championships.
This is what the holidays are truly made for. The days blur together, the weather turns cold and the television never leaves college football. And when New Year’s Eve arrives, you know exactly why. The top four seeds step into the College Football Playoff, rested, loaded with talent and ready to turn the volume all the way up.
Round 2 delivers four heavyweight matchups packed with devy, Campus to Canton (C2C) and NFL futures. From betting angles to player development storylines, there is plenty to unpack so let’s dive straight in.
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2025 College Football Playoff Round 2 Preview: Best Bets & Devy Fantasy Football Storylines
Round 2 Games of the Week
The Rose Bowl: Alabama Crimson Tide (9) vs. Indiana Hoosiers (1)
Rose Bowl Stadium; Pasadena, Calif. – Thursday, Jan. 1
Betting Odds: Â Indiana -6.5 | Total:Â 48.5
Alabama arrived here the hard way after erasing a 17-0 deficit against Oklahoma in the opening round. The comeback was impressive, but it also brought forth a reality the Tide have rarely faced in the playoff era: they enter this game as a touchdown underdog.
Indiana has earned its spot atop the bracket. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza has been the engine behind an offense that values efficiency over flash. With a versatile receiving corps and a dramatically improved run game, the Hoosiers consistently win early downs and stay out of obvious passing situations. That matters against an Alabama defense that is solid but can be stretched by long, methodical drives.
The contrast in offensive balance is stark. Indiana ranks 11th nationally in rushing, after sitting 63rd a season ago, and has remained committed to the run even in tight games. Alabama, by comparison, has leaned heavily on Ty Simpson’s arm and improvisational ability. Wideout Germie Bernard can flip the field in a heartbeat, but the Tide run game has not consistently pulled its weight.
Indiana’s margin for error is helped by elite ball security. The Hoosiers finished the regular season tied for the national lead in turnover margin at plus-17 and routinely turned efficiency into scoreboard separation. Mendoza leads the FBS with 33 touchdown passes and has delivered multiple near-flawless performances above 85% completions.
Alabama can absolutely make this uncomfortable. Ty Simpson looked composed in the first round and the Tide forced Oklahoma into costly mistakes. If Alabama again wins the turnover battle and avoids negative plays, this becomes a fourth-quarter game.
My Picks
Indiana -6.5: Indiana’s edge comes from efficiency and balance. The Hoosiers consistently win early downs and avoid negative plays, and they rarely beat themselves. Alabama’s offense has leaned heavily on Ty Simpson creating outside structure, something that becomes much harder against a disciplined defense that can squeeze the run and force longer down-and-distance situations. Indiana’s ability to control tempo and field position gives it a strong chance to separate late.
Under 48.5: Indiana is methodical rather than explosive, and Alabama’s best path is playing mistake-free football, not pushing pace. Long drives, fewer possessions and red-zone resistance point toward a lower-scoring game than the number suggests.
Fernando Mendoza Over Passing Touchdowns: Indiana may not generate explosive plays at will, but Fernando Mendoza consistently finishes drives. His efficiency inside the red zone and Indiana’s ability to stay ahead of schedule give him multiple scoring opportunities even if the yardage total stays modest.
Ty Simpson Under Rushing Yards: Indiana’s defensive structure limits scramble lanes and forces quarterbacks to win from the pocket. If Alabama falls behind, Ty Simpson’s designed rushing attempts should decrease in favor of quick throws.
The Cotton Bowl: Miami Hurricanes (11) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (2)
A&T Stadium; Arlington, Texas – Wednesday, Dec. 31
Betting Odds: Â Ohio State -9.5 | Total:Â 42.5
Ohio State enters fresh, healthy and loaded. After the bye, the Buckeyes will get key weapons back and present one of the most complete rosters in the country. Miami survived its opening-round game against Texas A&M by doing just enough and avoiding disaster, but that formula will not hold here.
Miami converted only three of twelve third downs against the Aggies and managed just ten points. Ohio State’s defense ranks second nationally on third down and first in EPA per dropback. That combination puts enormous pressure on Carson Beck to be far more aggressive and far more accurate.
On the other side, Julian Sayin gets every advantage. Despite a shaky Big Ten title game, he still owns one of the best statistical profiles in the country and benefits from an elite offensive line and wide receiver duo. Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate should stress a Miami secondary that surrendered too many explosive plays throughout the season.
Miami deserves credit for its poise and physicality in the first round. Mark Fletcher Jr. delivered a statement performance on the ground and the defense created three takeaways. But replicating that against Ohio State’s tempo and depth is a much taller order.
My Picks
Ohio State -9.5: This matchup heavily favors Ohio State’s strengths. The Buckeyes thrive on third down defense and explosive passing, while Miami struggled to sustain drives in the first round. Ohio State’s depth and rest advantage should show as the game wears on, especially if Miami is forced into a pass-heavy script.
Under 42.5: Miami’s path to staying competitive involves limiting possessions and leaning on the run game. Ohio State’s defense can also shorten the game by forcing punts and controlling field position. Unless Miami suddenly finds explosive passing success, points should be at a premium.
Julian Sayin Over Passing Yards: Even in a down performance in the Big Ten title game, Julian Sayin moved the ball effectively between the 20s. With healthier receivers and a favorable matchup against Miami’s secondary, volume and efficiency should push him past his yardage number.
Jeremiah Smith Anytime Touchdown: Miami allowed too many explosive plays throughout the season and Jeremiah Smith is Ohio State’s primary downfield weapon. Whether in the red zone or on broken coverage, he remains the most likely Buckeye to find the end zone.
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The Orange Bowl: Oregon Ducks (5) vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4)
Hard Rock Stadium; Miami Gardens, Fla. – Thursday, Jan. 1
Betting Odds: Â Oregon -1.5 | Total: Â 52.5
On paper, this is the tightest matchup of the round. Both teams sit at 12-1 and both believe a national title is within reach.
Oregon’s recent history tells a clear story. The Ducks rarely lose and when they do, it is to championship-caliber opponents. Dan Lanning has built a program that executes with consistency on both sides of the ball.
Texas Tech’s rise has been powered by defense. The Red Raiders allowed just 10.9 points per game and finished among the nation’s best against the run. Lombardi Award winner Jacob Rodriguez anchors a front that has overwhelmed most opponents.
The concern lies with Texas Tech’s offensive consistency. The Red Raiders rank outside the top 50 in success rate and have struggled to sustain drives against elite competition. Quarterback Behren Morton is tough and experienced, but he has played much of the season below full health.
Oregon’s Dante Moore has looked every bit the future NFL quarterback. He shredded James Madison in the opening round and continues to elevate his draft profile. With injuries thinning the receiver room, Oregon’s running backs have emerged as a major strength and could be the key to cracking Tech’s elite defense.
My Picks
Oregon -1.5: Texas Tech’s defense is elite, but its offense has been inconsistent against top competition. Oregon’s ability to score in multiple ways, particularly through a diversified run game, gives the Ducks the edge in a tight matchup. If this comes down to execution late, Oregon has been more reliable.
Over 52.5: Despite Texas Tech’s defensive numbers, both teams are capable of turning short fields into points. Oregon’s tempo and offensive balance, combined with Tech’s opportunistic defense, create conditions for scoring swings and momentum shifts.
Dante Moore Over Passing Yards:Â Dante Moore has been at his best against single-high looks and aggressive fronts. If Texas Tech commits extra bodies to stopping the run, Moore will have opportunities to exploit matchups downfield.
The Sugar Bowl: Ole Miss Rebels (6) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (3)
Caesers Superdome; New Orleans, La. – Thursday, Jan. 1
Betting Odds: Â Georgia -6.5 | Total: Â 55.5
Moments after the defensive slugfest between Miami and Texas A&M concluded, Ole Miss took the field and reminded everyone how to score points in its opening-round rout of Tulane. Now comes a familiar foe; Georgia already beat the Rebels once this season, rallying late behind an outstanding performance from Gunner Stockton.
Georgia’s adaptability and ability to shape-shift has defined its year. The Bulldogs can win shootouts or grind games into defensive battles. Quarterback Gunner Stockton has been the steady presence holding it all together. In his first full season as the starter, he has been efficient rather than flashy, throwing 23 touchdown passes against just five interceptions while completing more than 70% of his throws. He does not force the ball and consistently makes the correct read, a trait that has allowed Georgia to stay on schedule offensively and limit self-inflicted mistakes.
The running game has also quietly become a strength. Sophomore Nate Frazier has emerged as the lead back and already owns Georgia’s most productive rushing season since 2020. While the Bulldogs have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since D’Andre Swift in 2019, Frazier is well within reach of that mark if Georgia’s playoff run extends beyond the Sugar Bowl. His physical running style has helped Georgia close games and control tempo late.
Ole Miss enters with momentum, but also questions. Trinidad Chambliss has been one of the stories of the season, combining high-level passing with dynamic rushing. His performance against Tulane continued that trend. However, the bigger concern is the health of Kewan Lacy, one of the nation’s most productive backs, after leaving the first-round game injured. If Lacy is limited, Ole Miss becomes more reliant on explosive passing plays, something Georgia is well-equipped to defend with extended preparation time.
My Picks
Georgia -6.5: Georgia’s versatility is the difference. The Bulldogs can win a shootout or lean on defense and field position. Having already beaten Ole Miss once and now facing the Rebels with extra preparation time, Georgia is well-positioned to adjust and pull away in the second half.
Over 55.5:Â Both teams are comfortable playing fast and attacking vertically. Georgia showed in the first meeting that they can score in bunches, while Ole Miss has the weapons to force Georgia to keep scoring.
Gunner Stockton Over Passing Touchdowns: Ole Miss struggled to adjust to Georgia’s passing concepts in the first meeting. Gunner Stockton’s efficiency and Georgia’s red-zone play calling give him multiple scoring chances again.
Trinidad Chambliss Over Total Yards:Â Even if Ole Miss falls behind, Trinidad Chambliss remains central to the offense as both a runner and passer. His ability to extend plays and create with his legs raises his floor regardless of the game script.
National Championship Odds
- Ohio State Buckeyes +180
- Indiana Hoosiers +300
- Georgia Bulldogs +500
- Oregon Ducks +700
- Texas Tech Red Raiders +950
- Alabama Crimson Tide +1800
- Miami Hurricanes +2200
- Ole Miss Rebels +2200
Ohio State sits as the betting favorite at +180 despite Indiana holding the No. 1 seed largely because oddsmakers continue to trust the Buckeyes’ combination of roster depth, playoff experience and two-way efficiency. The Buckeyes are viewed as the most complete team left in the field, pairing an elite defense with explosive passing weapons and a quarterback capable of winning multiple game scripts.
Indiana’s resume is undeniable and its +300 odds reflect real respect for an undefeated season, elite efficiency and a Heisman-winning quarterback. However, the Hoosiers still carry a perception gap when it comes to sustaining that level through three straight playoff games.
From a value standpoint, Indiana at +300 and Georgia Bulldogs at +500 stand out as the most attractive numbers, with Georgia offering a championship pedigree and matchup flexibility at a price that feels slightly inflated by public money flowing toward Ohio State.
No. 5 seed Oregon, at +700, also offers upside for bettors seeking a longer number tied to a high-end quarterback and balanced offense. They get the lowest-ranked of the teams given a bye in this round, and as mentioned earlier, only seem to suffer defeats against elite competition.
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*Photo Credit: Brett Davis – USA TODAY Sports*
