Ohio State won its final regular season game against rival Michigan 27–9 at The Game on November 29.
Watch the College Football Playoff rankings released
Check out the potential matchups 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 will dramatically collapse as a No. 8 or 9 seed following coach Lane Kiffin’s sudden departure to LSU, new coach and previous defensive coordinator Pete Golding has a good handle on the roster after the first 11-win season in program history. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has continued to perform brilliantly, and the Rebels may play with a dangerous chip on their shoulder come playoff time.
4. Ohio State vs. Oklahoma
The Sooners played great defense, especially in their win against Alabama, but Ohio State has stopped the speedy quarterback well. John Miter is talented, but had three interceptions on November 20 against unranked LSU. The Oklahoma matchup will be low scoring for Ohio State, but the Buckeyes can control the game with their typical slow-paced style.
3. Ohio State vs. Notre Dame
The Buckeyes faced the Irish in the playoffs, but 2025 Heisman Trophy candidate Jeremiah Love was used on four carries for three yards in the national championship; The star was struggling with a knee injury. At full strength, Love will be a unique challenge for the Buckeyes, who have not played against the nation’s top running back in 2025.
Regardless of the opponent, any defensive coordinator, even Matt Patricia, should be wary of a running back who averaged 21 yards rushing on eight carries with three touchdown scores against Syracuse.
2. Ohio State vs. Alabama
The Crimson Tide’s 9–2 season is one of inconsistencies, including key wins against Georgia, Vanderbilt, and Missouri, yet a shocking loss to Florida State and a loss to Oklahoma have made the Iron Bowl winners hard to read.
An SEC Championship win could push the Crimson Tide into a No. 8 or 9 seed. Alabama has a good passing game with quarterback Ty Simpson, but running back Jaime Miller’s lower leg injury and general offensive inconsistencies could be kryptonite for Kellen DeBoer’s team.
1. Ohio State vs. BYU
The Cougars have had a great Big 12 season, but the only team worth watching for a potential upset in the conference is Texas Tech, which easily defeated BYU 29-7. Ohio State can destroy the Cougars’ complementary football with its defensive ability
When is the College Football Playoff bracket?
The final CFP rankings will be released on December 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 on December 7 at noon ET.
College Football Playoff Bracket 2025-26 Dates
- First round: 19 and 20 December
- quarter finals: 31 December and 2 January
- Semifinals: 8th and 9th January
- National championship: 19 January
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