<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="College Football Playoff Bracket PREDICTION" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C5wOtX_wq0A?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



The <a href="https://www.on3.com/category/college-football-playoff/news/">College Football Playoff</a> is set to begin in a little more than a week, with the mad race to the finish just around the corner. On3’s JD PicKell is here to make his predictions on the field.



PicKell picked the entire CFP bracket straight up, yielding his 2025 national champion. Who was it? For that, we have to dive into the picks.



Below is a listing of the picks for JD PicKell. Note that the commentary is provided by us and is not always a direct reflection of PicKell’s particular take on a matchup. Let’s begin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-round-no-9-alabama-at-no-8-oklahoma">First Round: No. 9 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/alabama-crimson-tide/">Alabama</a> at No. 8 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/">Oklahoma</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="538" src="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/07115531/DefenseOU-2-1024x538.png" alt="Alabama vs. Oklahoma" class="wp-image-4025084" srcset="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/07115531/DefenseOU-2-1024x538.png 1024w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/07115531/DefenseOU-2-300x158.png 300w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/07115531/DefenseOU-2-768x403.png 768w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/07115531/DefenseOU-2-50x26.png 50w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/07115531/DefenseOU-2.png 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alabama vs. Oklahoma (David Leong / Imagn Images)</figcaption></figure>



WINNER: <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/alabama-crimson-tide/">Alabama</a> In an SEC rematch, we’ll get to see whether Alabama has started to figure out Oklahoma a little bit after dropping games to the Sooners in each of the past two years. You have to figure that motivation won’t be a problem.



For Oklahoma, quarterback <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/john-mateer-63401/">John Mateer</a> has had more time to get fully healthy, but hasn’t necessarily snapped right back into form. That feels like it will have to change if Oklahoma is going to prove PicKell wrong with his first College Football Playoff pick.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-round-no-12-james-madison-at-no-5-oregon">First Round: No. 12 <a href="https://www.on3.com/college/james-madison-dukes/">James Madison</a> at No. 5 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/oregon-ducks/">Oregon</a></h2>



WINNER: <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/oregon-ducks/">Oregon</a> No surprises here for PicKell as he takes the heavy favorite to win at home. Oregon has been pretty close to dominant all season long, with its lone loss to a powerhouse Indiana team midway through the year.



James Madison has had an excellent season in its own right, but things are a little different going up against a Big Ten powerhouse. Viewers would probably settle for a remotely competitive game here, if we’re being honest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-round-no-10-miami-at-no-7-texas-a-amp-m">First Round: No. 10 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/miami-hurricanes/">Miami</a> at No. 7 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/texas-am-aggies/">Texas A&M</a></h2>



WINNER: <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/texas-am-aggies/">Texas A&M</a> After picking a road team upset in the Alabama-Oklahoma game, PicKell goes with back-to-back home favorites in the next two College Football Playoff games. That’s typically the way the first round goes, though we’ll see if this year is any different from last.



This one will pit some interesting style differences. Miami needs quarterback <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/carson-beck-18711/">Carson Beck</a> to play well, avoiding some of the turnovers that have been problematic in the team’s losses. Texas A&M has answers virtually everywhere and will be a tough out.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-round-no-11-tulane-vs-no-6-ole-miss">First Round: No. 11 <a href="https://www.on3.com/college/tulane-green-wave/">Tulane</a> vs. No. 6 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/ole-miss-rebels/">Ole Miss</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/10111701/USATSI_27131450-1024x576.jpg" alt="Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. Mandatory credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images" class="wp-image-4034912" srcset="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/10111701/USATSI_27131450-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/10111701/USATSI_27131450-300x169.jpg 300w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/10111701/USATSI_27131450-768x432.jpg 768w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/10111701/USATSI_27131450-50x28.jpg 50w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/10111701/USATSI_27131450.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>



WINNER: <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/ole-miss-rebels/">Ole Miss</a> In a regular season rematch, we’re not expecting anything too out of the ordinary. Ole Miss was the clear winner in Oxford earlier this year, <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/401752711/tulane-ole-miss">winning 45-10</a>, and we don’t really expect that to change just because there’s more familiarity now.



That said, Tulane will be out with something to prove after coach <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/coach/jon-sumrall-131272/">Jon Sumrall</a> opted to take the <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/florida-gators/">Florida</a> job. He’s sticking with the Green Wave through the playoffs, and Tulane will be hoping it’s for more than just a one-and-done.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quarterfinal-no-1-indiana-vs-no-9-alabama">Quarterfinal: No. 1 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/indiana-hoosiers/">Indiana</a> vs. No. 9 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/alabama-crimson-tide/">Alabama</a></h2>



WINNER: <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/indiana-hoosiers/">Indiana</a> The first mega matchup of the College Football Playoff will pit a traditional power against one of the hottest up-and-coming programs in the sport. Indiana coach <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/coach/curt-cignetti-131110/">Curt Cignetti</a> has gotten the job done at every turn; now it’s just about showing out in the playoff.



On paper, it feels like Alabama will have to be a little more well-balanced to pull off a major upset here. But might running back <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/jam-miller-55173/">Jam Miller</a> be fully healthy by then? That could make a big difference, potentially.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quarterfinal-no-4-texas-tech-vs-no-5-oregon">Quarterfinal: No. 4 <a href="https://www.on3.com/sites/red-raider-sports/">Texas Tech</a> vs. No. 5 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/oregon-ducks/">Oregon</a></h2>



WINNER: <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/oregon-ducks/">Oregon</a> Speaking of programs that have popped up seemingly out of nowhere that now look sustainably built, Texas Tech has done remarkable work in the NIL era. The program has players across the board on both sides of the ball, with the defense actually standing out the most.



Can Oregon and quarterback <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/dante-moore-29804/">Dante Moore</a> figure out the keys to unlocking that Texas Tech defense? One other factor to consider: Oregon will have played a week earlier and might be a little more in sync.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quarterfinal-no-2-ohio-state-vs-no-7-texas-a-amp-m">Quarterfinal: No. 2 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/ohio-state-buckeyes/">Ohio State</a> vs. No. 7 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/texas-am-aggies/">Texas A&M</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="538" src="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/11/30135936/Ryan-Day-8-1024x538.jpg" alt="Ryan Day-Ohio State" class="wp-image-3995381" srcset="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/11/30135936/Ryan-Day-8-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/11/30135936/Ryan-Day-8-300x158.jpg 300w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/11/30135936/Ryan-Day-8-768x403.jpg 768w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/11/30135936/Ryan-Day-8-50x26.jpg 50w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/11/30135936/Ryan-Day-8.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ryan Day (Birm/Lettermen Row)</figcaption></figure>



WINNER: <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/ohio-state-buckeyes/">Ohio State</a> Despite taking a loss in the Big Ten Championship Game, Ohio State is still viewed as one of the powerhouse programs in this year’s College Football Playoff. It’s going to take a serious effort to derail the Buckeyes, who have answers at every level on both sides.



Could a warmed-up Texas A&M team carry some momentum into the contest and get hot? It’s certainly possible. The Aggies are a team that has managed to feast on opponent miscues, so forcing the Buckeyes into uncomfortable spots would have to be a goal in this one. Still, Ohio State simply has too much in PicKell’s mind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quarterfinal-no-3-georgia-vs-no-6-ole-miss">Quarterfinal: No. 3 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/georgia-bulldogs/">Georgia</a> vs. No. 6 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/ole-miss-rebels/">Ole Miss</a></h2>



WINNER: <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/georgia-bulldogs/">Georgia</a> In a rematch of a regular season contest, Ole Miss will look to flip its fortunes against Georgia. Georgia hosted the regular-season contest in Athens and came away with a 43-35 victory. It was a game Ole Miss controlled early, then faded in late.



Georgia looks to be firing on all cylinders entering the playoff. Will the time off have done anything to cool the momentum? Or will it have allowed the Bulldogs to get even healthier (and scarier)?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-semifinal-no-1-indiana-vs-no-5-oregon">Semifinal: No. 1 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/indiana-hoosiers/">Indiana</a> vs. No. 5 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/oregon-ducks/">Oregon</a></h2>



WINNER: <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/oregon-ducks/">Oregon</a> Perhaps the first major upset in PicKell’s College Football Playoff bracket, the college football analyst sees Oregon getting hot and taking down Indiana in a regular season rematch. Keep in mind, Indiana won the first meeting relatively convincingly on the road at Oregon.



The Ducks will likely have been stewing on that loss for quite some time, hoping for their shot at revenge. And few are as skilled at motivating players as <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/coach/dan-lanning-134322/">Dan Lanning</a>. This one would be one of the most anticipated rematches possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-semifinal-no-2-ohio-state-vs-no-3-georgia">Semifinal: No. 2 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/ohio-state-buckeyes/">Ohio State</a> vs. No. 3 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/georgia-bulldogs/">Georgia</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="538" src="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/02150527/USATSI_27490934-1024x538.jpg" alt="Kirby Smart Georgia" class="wp-image-4004475" srcset="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/02150527/USATSI_27490934-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/02150527/USATSI_27490934-300x157.jpg 300w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/02150527/USATSI_27490934-768x403.jpg 768w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/02150527/USATSI_27490934-1536x806.jpg 1536w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/02150527/USATSI_27490934-50x26.jpg 50w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/12/02150527/USATSI_27490934.jpg 1905w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]</figcaption></figure>



WINNER: <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/georgia-bulldogs/">Georgia</a> The other semifinal matchup doesn’t feature a rematch but rather two powerhouse programs going head-to-head. Few teams in the sport are built as soundly as Georgia and Ohio State. Both recruit at elite levels, and both have the financing to fund strong transfer portal classes.



So what wins out? This would be a fascinating quarterback matchup. Both seem ready to put together a breakout game on the national stage, just waiting for their opportunity. Will <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/gunner-stockton-47246/">Gunner Stockton</a> or <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/julian-sayin-68682/">Julian Sayin</a> seize the moment?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-championship-no-3-georgia-vs-no-5-oregon">Championship: No. 3 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/georgia-bulldogs/">Georgia</a> vs. No. 5 <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/oregon-ducks/">Oregon</a></h2>



WINNER: <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/georgia-bulldogs/">Georgia</a> In a classic matchup pitting Lanning against his former mentor <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/coach/kirby-smart-134971/">Kirby Smart</a>, Smart comes out ahead in PicKell’s College Football Playoff prediction. Georgia certainly seems to be playing better all-around football entering the playoff.



That said, if Oregon has made it this far it is firing on all cylinders and we should have one heck of a title game on our hands. Can Georgia maintain its momentum from the SEC Championship Game all the way through a playoff run? PicKell says yes.

JD CFP AFI

On3 Football

College Football Playoff predictions: J.D. PicKell reveals his picks for entire bracket

team image

The Main Board

Football

Basketball

Women's Basketball

Softball

Baseball

Teams

Fan Sites

Forums

Shows

team-link

College Football News

College Football Player Rankings

College Football Rankings

College Football Playoff

College Basketball News

Women's Sports

College

NIL News

NIL Valuation

NIL Deals

NIL Deal Tracker

Sports Business

Transfer Portal News

NCAA Transfer Portal News

NCAA Transfer Portal

Transfer Portal Rankings

Transfer Portal Team Rankings

Transfer Portal

NCAA Transfer Portal Home

Football Recruiting

Basketball Recruiting

Database

Team Rankings

Player Rankings

Industry Comparison

Commitments

Recruiting Prediction Machine

Recruiting

High School News

Schools

High School Search

Rankings

High School Rankings

Scores

High School Scores

High School

NFL Draft

NFL Draft News

Draft By Stars

College Draft History

College Draft Totals

NBA Draft

NBA Draft News

Draft

NASCAR

Culture

Sports Betting

About

On3 App

Advertise

Press

Contact

Alabama

Arizona State

Arizona

Arkansas

Auburn

Baylor

Boston College

California

Removed

Clemson

Colorado

Duke

Florida

Florida State

Georgia

Georgia Tech

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Iowa State

Kansas

Kansas State

Kentucky

Lettermen Row

Lettermen Lounge

Louisville

Maryland

Miami

Michigan State

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi State

Missouri

NC State

Nebraska

North Carolina

Northwestern

Notre Dame

Ohio State

Oklahoma

Oklahoma State

Ole Miss

Oregon

Oregon State

Penn State

Pittsburgh

Purdue

Rutgers

South Carolina

Stanford

Syracuse

Tennessee

Texas A&M

Texas

Texas Tech

UCLA

Utah

Vanderbilt

Virginia

Virginia Tech

Wake Forest

Washington

Washington State

West Virginia

Wisconsin

BamaOnLine

BOL Round Table

Inside Texas

IT Members Only

DawgsHQ

Dawg Walk

Scoop Duck

Recruiting & Sports

AuburnSports

The Corner

WeAreSC

GarryP's Trojan Huddle

The Wolverine

The Fort

The Lions Den

The Wolfpacker

The Wolves’ Den

GatorsOnline

Swamp Talk

Alabama A&M

Alabama State

Albany

Alcorn State

Abilene Christian

Appalachian State

Akron

Army

Austin Peay

Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Arkansas-Little Rock

Arkansas State

Air Force

Ball State

American

Wofford

Winthrop

Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Wisconsin-Green Bay

Wichita State

Western Carolina

Volleyball

Gymnastics

Men's Lacrosse

Women's Lacrosse

Men's Soccer

Women's Soccer

Women's Track

Men's Golf

Women's Golf

Men's Hockey

Women's Hockey

Men's Swimming

Women's Swimming

Wrestling

Men's Tennis

Women's Tennis

Annual $1

Annual Premium

Annual $1 

Monthly

Annual

Unlimited Access to This and All Articles.

Article (On3 Plus Rivals)

Forum (On3 Plus Rivals)

Intro

Join

College scoop, experts, and community - all in one.

College Football Playoff predictions: J.D. PicKell reveals his picks for entire bracket

Charles Bediako

Transfer Portal Intel

Cody Campbell

Jordan Seaton

Mel Kiper