The first round of the expanded College Football Playoff brought exciting campus-hosted games but few close contests. Notre Dame, Penn State, Texas, and Ohio State secured decisive wins to advance, highlighting home-field advantages, strong defenses, and a return to run-focused offenses—except for Ohio State, which dominated with its passing game. Controversies over the inclusion of Indiana and SMU linger, while coaches James Franklin and Ryan Day eased pressure with key victories. Quarterfinal matchups are set for New Year’s Eve and Day.
