The 2025–26 College Football Playoff reaches its pivotal stretch this week. The top four seeds—Indiana (#1), Ohio State (#2), Georgia (#3), and Texas Tech (#4)—enter after first‑round byes.
Last season, every top seed was eliminated in the quarterfinals, a stunning collapse that reshaped expectations for the expanded 12‑team format. This year, each program enters rested and focused, with a clearer path to the semifinals after their byes.
Betting on the college football playoffs is legal in every US state, but access to state-authorized online sports betting varies by jurisdiction. Below, we will discuss the four quarterfinal games scheduled for this week, the odds for each matchup, and offer our advice on how to bet on the games.
Quarterfinal Matchups
Rose Bowl
Indiana (#1) opens the week against Alabama (#9) in the Rose Bowl. The Hoosiers seek to atone for last year’s early quarterfinal loss, while Alabama brings momentum from a comeback win over Oklahoma (#8) in the opening round.
- Indiana (-7) vs. Alabama. Indiana is a one‑touchdown favorite, reflecting its No. 1 seed and balanced play.
Cotton Bowl
Meanwhile, Ohio State (#2) faces Miami (#10) in the Cotton Bowl, a matchup pitting the defending national champions against a Hurricanes squad that survived a defensive slugfest against Texas A&M (#7) to advance to the quarterfinals.
- Ohio State (-9.5) vs. Miami. The Buckeyes are nearly double‑digit favorites, consistent with their status as defending champions and Miami’s offensive struggles late in the season.
Sugar Bowl
The other side of the bracket delivers two compelling rematches. Georgia (#3) and Ole Miss (#6) meet in the Sugar Bowl, just months after the Bulldogs’ 43‑35 regular‑season win over the Rebels. Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, now a seasoned veteran, has directed a surging offense since the SEC title. Meanwhile, Ole Miss, led by interim coach Pete Golding, is coming off a 41-10 rout of Tulane (#11) in the first round.
- Georgia (-3) vs. Ole Miss. Georgia’s earlier win over the Rebels and stronger defensive metrics give the Bulldogs a narrow edge.
Orange Bowl
In the Orange Bowl, Texas Tech (#4) and Oregon (#5) collide in what may be the most evenly matched game of the round. Both teams rank inside the national top 11 in scoring offense, scoring defense, total offense, and total defense, combining for a 24‑2 record entering the quarterfinals. Oregon arrives fresh off a 51‑34 win over James Madison (#12), while Texas Tech earned a bye after a 12‑1 season and Big 12 championship run.
- Oregon (-2.5) vs. Texas Tech. The Ducks are slight favorites in what oddsmakers view as the closest matchup of the quarterfinals.
Odds sourced from Bovada’s online sportsbook – 12/30/2025
Legal Offshore Sportsbooks Serving U.S. Players
While regulated sports betting is available in more states each year, online sports betting remains prohibited or restricted in some U.S. jurisdictions. However, many football bettors often utilize established online football betting sites that accept U.S. players. These online platforms operate under international gambling laws and are held to strict compliance checks performed by trusted gaming regulators. Offshore operators such as Bovada, BetUS, and MyBookie remain popular for several reasons:
- Nationwide availability for both desktop and mobile users
- Full college football betting menus, including props, live betting, and futures
- Crypto-friendly banking options with fast withdrawals
- Competitive odds that often post earlier than domestic books
For bettors in states without legalized sports wagering or those seeking broader market options, offshore sportsbooks are a primary destination during major events like the College Football Playoff.