Former Heisman Trophy winner and FOX Sports analyst Mark Ingram revealed his top three contenders to win the national championship following the release of the 12-team College Football Playoff bracket. A couple traditional powers and one unexpected team with momentum.
Ingram’s No. 1 team was straightforward. The Ohio State Buckeyes, who look to defend their title. Despite the loss in the Big Ten Championship Game, he said their overall talent, depth and physicality still make them the safest bet to emerge from the field. Ohio State earned a first-round bye and will open its playoff in the Cotton Bowl.
The second choice for Ingram came from the SEC. Georgia’s championship ways under head coach Kirby Smart can't be overlooked. The Bulldogs’ defensive edge late-season offensive surge make them a threat.
With quarterback Gunner Stockton settling in, Ingram said the Bulldogs remain built for playoff success. “Kirby Smart is him,” Ingram said via On3. “Kirby just knows how to get his team to play tough, championship-level football.”
The surprise came at No. 3, where Ingram selected Big 12 champion Texas Tech. The Red Raiders, 11-1 in the regular season, earned a bye to the Orange Bowl. Ingram said he is drawn to the team’s versatility and confidence under head coach Joey McGuire. “There’s something about this team in Lubbock,” he said. “They can beat you any way you want.”
All three teams enjoy opening an opening-round bye and return to action around New Year’s Day. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami is the site for the national championship. One of the selections will likely be standing there at the end.
Here's a look at the entire Playoff game times and TV schedule.
2025-26 College Football Playoff schedule
Here is the College Football Playoff schedule (All times ET).
First round:
Dec. 19
Alabama at Oklahoma, 8 p.m. (ABC/ESPN on Fubo).
Dec. 20
Miami at Texas A&M, Noon ET (ABC/ESPN on Fubo).
Tulane at Ole Miss, 3:30 p.m. (TNT/HBO MAX).
James Madison at Oregon, 7:30 p.m. (TNT/HBO MAX).
Quarterfinals:
Dec. 31
Cotton Bowl (Miami-Texas A&M vs. Ohio State): 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN on Fubo).
Jan. 1
Orange Bowl (James Madison-Oregon vs. Texas Tech): Noon ET (ESPN on Fubo).
Rose Bowl (Alabama-Oklahoma vs. Indiana): 4 p.m. ET (ESPN on Fubo).
Sugar Bowl (Tulane-Ole Miss vs. Georgia): 8 p.m. ET (ESPN on Fubo).
Semifinals:
Jan. 8
Fiesta Bowl: 7:30 p.m. (ESPN on Fubo).
Jan. 9
Peach Bowl: 7:30 p.m. (ESPN on Fubo).
National championship game:
Jan. 19
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.: 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN on Fubo).
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