Ohio State is expected to receive a top seed and first-round bye in the 2025 College Football Playoff, but how would the Buckeyes match up against potential quarterfinal opponents?
The No. 1 Buckeyes will get their biggest test before the CFP on Dec. 6 when they play No. 2 Indiana in the 2025 Big Ten Championship. Regardless of the result, the Buckeyes are likely to earn a first-round bye in the CFP. If Ohio State is the No. 1 seed, the winner of the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds in the first round will face the Buckeyes.
Ohio State won its final regular-season game 27-9 against archrival Michigan in The Game on Nov. 29.
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See the potential matchups ranked for Ohio State in the CFP, ranked from least favorable to favorable.
College Football Playoff bracket predictions for Ohio State football
5. Ohio State vs. Ole Miss
While it’s unlikely the Rebels fall as dramatically as the No. 8 or 9 seed after the abrupt departure of coach Lane Kiffin to LSU, new coach and previous defensive coordinator Pete Golding seems to have a good grasp of the roster after the first 11-win season in program history. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has played brilliantly down the stretch, and the Rebels could play with a dangerous chip on their shoulder come playoff time.
4. Ohio State vs. Oklahoma
The Sooners play brilliant defense, especially in their win against Alabama, but Ohio State has contained rushing quarterbacks well. John Mateer is talented, but had three interceptions against unranked LSU on Nov. 20. An Oklahoma matchup would be lower scoring for Ohio State, but the Buckeyes could control the game with their typical slow-tempo style.
3. Ohio State vs. Notre Dame
The Buckeyes faced the Irish in the playoffs, but 2025 Heisman Trophy candidate Jeremiyah Love was used on four carries for three yards in the national championship; the star was nursing a knee injury. At full strength, Love would be a peculiar challenge for the Buckeyes, who have not played against the nation’s top running backs in 2025.
Regardless of the opponent, any defensive coordinator, even Matt Patricia, should be wary of a running back who averaged 21 yards a rush on eight carries with three touchdown scores against Syracuse.
2. Ohio State vs. Alabama
The Crimson Tide’s 9-2 season is one of inconsistency, with key wins against Georgia, Vanderbilt and Missouri, yet a head-scratching loss to Florida State and a loss to Oklahoma make the Iron Bowl winners tough to read.
An SEC Championship win could push the Crimson Tide into the No. 8 or 9 seed. Alabama boasts a good passing game with quarterback Ty Simpson, but a lower-leg injury to running back Jam Miller and general offensive inconsistencies could be the kryptonite for Kalen DeBoer’s squad.
1. Ohio State vs. BYU
The Cougars have had a stellar Big 12 season, but the only team in the conference worthy of potential upset watch is Texas Tech, which beat BYU handily 29-7. Ohio State could dismantle the Cougars’ complementary football with its defensive prowess
When does College Football Playoff bracket come out?
The final CFP rankings will be released on Dec. 7. You can watch or stream the College Football Playoff selection show on ESPN.
What time is the College Football Playoff selection show?
The CFP rankings selection show is scheduled to begin at noon ET on Dec. 7.
College Football Playoff bracket 2025-26 dates
- First round: Dec. 19 and 20
- Quarterfinals: Dec. 31 and Jan. 2
- Semifinals: Jan. 8 and 9
- National championship: Jan. 19
