What's happened
The College Football Playoff begins with key matchups, including Alabama vs. Oklahoma and Tulane vs. Ole Miss. Streaming options are available for cord-cutters, with games broadcast across ABC, ESPN, TNT, and more. The story highlights team prospects, betting odds, and how to watch for free today, December 21, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The playoff landscape is notably less hyped this year, partly due to the underdog status of Group of Five teams like Tulane and James Madison, which are heavy underdogs in their matchups. The Oklahoma vs. Alabama game stands out as a key fixture, with betting lines reflecting uncertainty about both teams' recent form. Oklahoma's elite defense suggests they could punch above their weight, but Alabama's recent struggles and injury issues make them vulnerable. The betting odds favor Ohio State, which remains a strong contender despite a recent loss, indicating a clear bias towards traditional powerhouses. The story underscores how coaching changes, such as Lane Kiffin leaving Ole Miss, influence team morale and expectations. The tournament's outcome will likely hinge on these dynamics, with streaming options democratizing access for viewers without cable. The emphasis on streaming reflects a broader shift in sports broadcasting, making high-stakes college football accessible to a wider audience. Overall, the story forecasts a competitive, unpredictable playoff with potential for surprises, especially from underdog teams aiming to defy expectations and make deep runs.
What the papers say
The articles from NY Post and Business Insider UK provide comprehensive coverage of the current college football landscape, including betting odds, team performances, and streaming options. The NY Post highlights specific matchups like Oklahoma vs. Alabama and Tulane vs. Ole Miss, emphasizing team form and coaching changes. Business Insider UK offers a broader overview of the playoff structure, streaming services, and the significance of underdog teams. The contrast lies in NY Post's focus on specific games and betting insights, while Business Insider provides context on the tournament's format and viewing options, illustrating the evolving media landscape for sports fans.
How we got here
This year's College Football Playoff features top teams like Ohio State, Georgia, and Indiana, following a regular season with notable upsets and conference championships. The tournament's first round includes underdog matchups, with some teams like Tulane and James Madison making rare appearances. The event is shaped by recent coaching changes and team performances, setting the stage for the quarterfinals and beyond.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Who Are the Key Teams Playing in the College Football Playoff Today?
The College Football Playoff is heating up with exciting matchups today, featuring top teams vying for a spot in the New Year’s bowls. Fans are eager to know which teams are competing, how to watch the games, and what the predictions are. Below, you'll find answers to the most common questions about today’s playoff action, including team lineups, viewing options, betting odds, and predictions for who might advance further.
More on these topics
-
The Alabama Crimson Tide refers to the intercollegiate athletic varsity teams that represent the University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa.
-
The Oklahoma Sooners are the athletic teams that represent the University of Oklahoma, located in Norman. The 19 men's and women's varsity teams are called the "Sooners", a reference to a nickname given to the early participants in the Land Run of 1889, w
-
The Ohio State Buckeyes are the athletic teams that represent Ohio State University, located in Columbus, Ohio. The athletic programs are named after the colloquial term for people from the state of Ohio and after the state tree, the Ohio Buckeye.
-
The Oregon Ducks are the intercollegiate athletic teams that represent the University of Oregon, located in Eugene. The Ducks compete at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I level as a member of the Pac-12 Conference.
-
The Miami Hurricanes are the intercollegiate varsity sports teams that represent the University of Miami, located in the Coral Gables suburb of Miami, Florida.
-
The Georgia Bulldogs are the intercollegiate athletic teams that represent the University of Georgia. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I and are members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The official mascot is an English Bulldog named Uga, (deriv
-
Brady Cook (born October 12, 2001) is an American football quarterback for the Missouri Tigers.
-
Lane Monte Kiffin is an American football coach who is currently the head football coach at the University of Mississippi.
Kiffin formerly served as the offensive coordinator for the USC Trojans football team from 2005 to 2006, head coach of the National
-
The Washington Football Team, previously known as the Washington Redskins, is a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The team competes in the National Football League as a member of the NFC East division.
-
The Texas Tech Red Raiders and Lady Raiders are the athletic teams that represent Texas Tech University, located in Lubbock, Texas. The women's basketball team uses the name Lady Raiders, while the school's other women's teams use the "Red Raiders" name.
-
Tyrod Di'allo Taylor is an American football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He played college football for Virginia Tech, leading the Hokies to the 2009 Orange Bowl as a Sophomore and 2011 Orange Bowl during his senior
-
Marcus Ardel Taulauniu Mariota is an American football quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans second overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
-
Stephen Thomas Golding (born February 8, 1984) known as Pete Golding is an American football coach who currently serves as the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach for Ole Miss.
-
The New York Jets are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Jets compete in the National Football League as a member club of the league's American Football Conference East division.