The 2025-2026 college football season is almost over, but the excitement is just getting started. It’s time for the 2nd ever 12-team playoff in college football history. From a surprising Indiana team to a controversial Notre Dame no-bid, and a “weak” Heisman race, this season has had it all. Let’s take a look at the playoffs and some of my predictions.

First Round

12- James Madison Dukes (12-1)  VS  5- Oregon Ducks (11-1)  /  Oregon Wins (35-13)

9- Alabama Crimson Tide (10-3)  VS  8- Oklahoma Sooners (10-2)  /  Alabama Wins (27-20)

11- Tulane Green Wave (11-2)  VS  6- Ole Miss Rebels (11-1)  /  Ole Miss Wins (34-21)

10- Miami Hurricanes (10-2)  VS  7- Texas A&M Aggies (11-1)  /  Texas A&M Wins (17-13)

Quarterfinals

5- Oregon Ducks (11-1)  VS  4- Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1)  /  Texas Tech Wins (34-31)

9- Alabama Crimson Tide (10-3)  VS  1- Indiana Hoosiers (13-0)  / Indiana Wins (24-17)

6- Ole Miss Rebels (10-2)  VS  3- Georgia Bulldogs (12-1)  /  Georgia Wins (35-24)

7- Texas A&M Aggies (11-1)  VS  2- Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1)  /  Ohio State Wins (27-10)

Semifinals

4- Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1)  VS  1- Indiana Hoosiers (13-0)  /  Indiana Wins (17-13)

3- Georgia Bulldogs (12-1)  VS  2- Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1)  / Ohio State Wins (23-20)

National Championship

2- Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1)  VS  1- Indiana Hoosiers (13-0)  / Indiana Wins (20-17)

The Indiana Hoosiers will potentially win their first-ever College Football National Championship in program history. Indiana has been through everything you can imagine. Entering the season as the team with the most losses in CFB history, they now enter the playoffs as the team with the most wins on the season so far (13). The Hoosiers are easily one of the best stories in college football history. Indiana is led by head coach Curt Cignetti, who, since being hired at Indiana last year, has led the Hoosiers to a 24-2 record over two seasons, and he has a chance to add three more wins to that total. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been great this year, leading the country in passing touchdowns and leading the Heisman race. There are so many reasons to root for the Hoosiers. Even as a diehard Purdue fan, I have found myself rooting for Fernando Mendoza to win the Heisman trophy.

While the next few weeks will be all about the college football playoffs, we can’t forget about the awards that will be given out. Here’s a look at who I predict will win them.

College Football Award Predictions

Heisman Trophy– QB Fernando Mendoza- Indiana Hoosiers

Coach of the Year– Curt Cignetti- Indiana Hoosiers

National Running Back Award– Jeremiyah Love- Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Outstanding Receiver Award- Jeremiah Smith- Ohio State Buckeyes

Defensive Player of the Year– Jacob Rodriguez- Texas Tech Red Raiders

The college football playoff kicks off on December 19th and 20th. Don’t miss out. And hopefully my predictions aren’t too far off. Boiler Up.