2025 NCAA Football Bracket: From Sweet 16 to National Championship

Relive the thrilling journey from the Sweet 16 to the National Championship in the 2025 NCAA Football Bracket. Discover the key moments, upsets, and standout performances that defined the season.

Midwest Regional

Semifinals

  • (1) Ohio State 28, (5) BYU 23: Ohio State's receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate proved too much for BYU, with Tate racking up 124 yards and two touchdowns.
  • (3) Tennessee 34, (2) Oregon 32: Tennessee's Nico Iamaleava led the Vols to a narrow victory over Oregon, with a late sack sealing the win.

Regional Final

  • (1) Ohio State 31, (3) Tennessee 21: Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith continued his dominance, scoring two second-half touchdowns to secure the win.

South Regional

Semifinals

  • (5) Illinois 27, (1) Texas 24: Illinois pulled off a stunning upset against Texas, with their defense shutting down the Longhorns' offense.
  • (2) Notre Dame 31, (3) Miami 20: Notre Dame's Leonard Moore intercepted two passes, leading the Irish to victory.

Regional Final

  • (2) Notre Dame 28, (5) Illinois 21: Jeremiyah Love's 138-yard rushing performance, including a crucial 8-yard touchdown, propelled Notre Dame to the Final Four.

East Regional

Semifinals

  • (1) Penn State 35, (12) Memphis 17: Penn State's ground game overwhelmed Memphis, with Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen each rushing for over 100 yards.
  • (2) Alabama 27, (3) Michigan 23: Alabama avenged their Rose Bowl loss with a strong fourth-quarter performance, led by Jam Miller's 72 rushing yards.

Regional Final

  • (2) Alabama 22, (1) Penn State 19: Ty Simpson's clutch plays, including a 28-yard touchdown pass, secured Alabama's spot in the Final Four.

West Regional

Semifinals

  • (1) Georgia 35, (4) LSU 31: Georgia's Gunner Stockton outdueled LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, spreading the ball to multiple receivers for touchdowns.
  • (2) Clemson 33, (3) Ole Miss 24: Clemson's defense, led by transfer Will Heldt, stifled Ole Miss, advancing the Tigers to the regional final.

Regional Final

  • (2) Clemson 31, (1) Georgia 30: A pivotal interception by Avieon Terrell swung the game in Clemson's favor, setting up a dramatic win.

Final Four

  • (2) Clemson 35, (1) Ohio State 28: Clemson's Gideon Davidson delivered the game-winning touchdown in a high-scoring affair.
  • (2) Alabama 33, (2) Notre Dame 27: Alabama's defense, led by Tim Keenan III, shut down Notre Dame's late rally to secure the win.

National Championship

  • (2) Alabama 30, (2) Clemson 24: Ryan Williams' 2-yard touchdown catch sealed Alabama's 19th national championship, marking a triumphant end to the 2025 season.

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