College Football Playoffs: Opening Betting Lines for the Quarterfinals

Read Time:2 Minute, 20 Second

The 2025-26 College Football Playoff Quarterfinals are set, and oddsmakers have released the opening lines for the New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day matchups. Following a chaotic first round where Miami (FL) pulled off a defensive stunner, and Alabama avenged its regular-season loss to Oklahoma, the bracket is now focused on the four major bowl games.

Here is a detailed look at the opening betting lines for the Quarterfinals:

CFP Quarterfinals: Opening Lines

Game	Matchup	Spread	Total (O/U)	Moneyline
Cotton Bowl (12/31)	(10) Miami vs. (2) Ohio State	OSU -9.5	42.5	OSU -395 / MIA +320
Orange Bowl (1/1)	(5) Oregon vs. (4) Texas Tech	ORE -1.5	52.5	ORE -115 / TTU -105
Rose Bowl (1/1)	(9) Alabama vs. (1) Indiana	IU -6.5	48.5	IU -255 / BAMA +205
Sugar Bowl (1/1)	(6) Ole Miss vs. (3) Georgia	UGA -7	56.5	UGA -250 / MISS +210

The Storylines Behind the Lines

1. The “Disrespect” Line: Indiana -6.5 vs. Alabama

Despite being the #1 overall seed and the only undefeated team in the FBS, Indiana is getting relatively “short” respect against the Crimson Tide. The line opened at -6 and quickly moved to -6.5, with some books touching -7. Bettors are wary of “Postseason Bama,” especially after Ty Simpson’s commanding performance in the first round.

2. Defensive Gridlock in the Cotton Bowl

The Ohio State vs. Miami total is notably low at 42.5. This is a direct reaction to Miami’s 10-3 rock-fight victory over Texas A&M in the first round. Ohio State boasts the #1 scoring defense in the country, and oddsmakers expect a physical, low-scoring affair where the Buckeyes eventually pull away as nearly double-digit favorites.

3. The “Pick’em” in South Florida

The Oregon vs. Texas Tech matchup is the tightest line on the board. Oregon opened as a slim 1.5-point favorite. Texas Tech has been the best team in the nation against the spread (11-2 ATS) and is coming off a dominant Big 12 title win. This game features the highest projected total of the afternoon, as both offenses are known for high-tempo “explosive play” styles.

4. The SEC Rematch

In the Sugar Bowl, Georgia opens as a full touchdown favorite over Ole Miss. While the Rebels looked unstoppable in their 41-10 rout of Tulane, the betting public remembers Georgia’s defensive dominance in the SEC Championship. The total has actually ticked up from 55.5 to 56.5, signaling that sharps expect more points than the regular-season meeting.