In the coming months, the stars of the College Football Playoff national championship game – namely Fernando Mendoza, Rueben Bain Jr. and Francis Mauigoa – are bound to become fixtures of 2026 NFL mock drafts.

There will be plenty of future pros on the field when the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes meet Monday at Hard Rock Stadium. For now, the focus will be on capping their scintillating seasons with a title. But another goal will emerge shortly after as the players involved begin to chase their dreams at the next level.

With that in mind, here is our latest 2026 NFL mock draft first-round projection after the divisional round of the playoffs:

2026 NFL mock draft

1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

A few weeks ago, he seemed to be the clear-cut front-runner to be the No. 1 pick. At this point, it seems safe to say the rest of the race can be called off. Three months out from the first round kicking off, Mendoza is basically without competition for the top spot. The Raiders might not tip their hand and could even consider any exploratory talks other teams might have about obtaining the selection. But it seems unfathomable that Tom Brady and the rest of the Silver and Black brass would bypass such a sound signal-caller who checks off almost every box when it comes to operating within structure.

2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

Dante Moore’s decision to return to school might be seen by some as a major blow to Gang Green, which now has vanishingly few options behind center other than taking the bridge route yet again. Yet the Jets now might be even better positioned to continue the slow and steady build they seemed to embrace at midseason. Reese is one of this class’ few true difference-makers, as he projects to be a massively disruptive edge rusher if he can continue to grow the stunning skill set he displayed as a linebacker.

3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech

With no coaching staff in place and Kyler Murray’s future in the desert uncertain, Arizona sizes up as perhaps the biggest wild card in the top 10. Though the talent after the first two picks is a bit of a jumble, Bailey might be the best young cornerstone for the team after its plan to microwave a playoff contender with free-agent additions went sideways. Together with Josh Sweat, he’d give the defense a fearsome tandem off the edge for the foreseeable future.

4. Tennessee Titans – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

In a class short on top-tier prospects, the most straightforward mission for Tennessee might simply be to emerge with multiple prospects who can make life drastically easier for Cam Ward in Year 2 . Tate certainly qualifies as someone who can do just that, as his penchant for high-pointing passes and creating separation would keep the quarterback from reverting to hero mode as frequently as he did as a rookie.

5. New York Giants – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

John Harbaugh’s arrival marks a significant win for a franchise that has long struggled to build itself up in a proper manner. Addressing the offensive line, particularly if right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor finds a more robust payday elsewhere in free agency, would show that the Giants remain on the right track. Paired with left tackle Andrew Thomas, the fleet-footed Fano would give Big Blue perhaps its strongest outlook up front in years.

6. Cleveland Browns – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)

Cleveland managed to compile one of the season’s more impressive rookie classes by tabling some questions about positional value and upside to simply bring aboard proven high performers. The Browns could continue that effort with Mauigoa, who could be central to the effort to repair a dilapidated offensive line, whether as a guard or right tackle.

7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

After wrecking college football throughout the season, Bain presents a fascinating dilemma to teams on how closely they want to cling to prototypes. Listed at 6-3 and 275 pounds, he’s almost sure to fall short of the arm-length measurements that some organizations demand of their edge rushers. But in marrying overwhelming power with an unrelenting approach, he’s carved a place for himself as an extremely vexing matchup. Washington might be more inclined than most to look past any perceived imperfections, as the Commanders’ defensive line is short on true disruptors.

8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Raiders’ debacle in integrating Ashton Jeanty into the team’s offense should serve as a reminder that any team taking a running back in the top 10 needs to have plenty of supporting pieces in place to make the investment work. With a promising offensive line and quarterback on the upswing in Tyler Shough, New Orleans is better positioned than many other teams to fully take advantage of Love’s explosive capabilities.

9. Kansas City Chiefs – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

Bailey and Bain are far more prolific pass rushers than Faulk, though neither one quite fits the bill of a Steve Spagnuolo edge rusher. In this scenario, however, Kansas City uses its rare early pick on a defensive end who more closely fits its longstanding mold. Faulk likely won’t ramp up the pressure production right off the bat as he continues to find his way, but the imposing 20-year-old would help the franchise that stands at a crossroads chart a new course.

10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The Bengals might be seeking a new day after falling short of the postseason yet again, but it’s largely been status quo for an organization with an established habit of eschewing change. If things are to truly get better for a defense that showed some promise, the unit might need to bring on a transformative figure like Downs, who can be an eraser near the line of scrimmage and provide the leadership Zac Taylor openly pleaded for last season.

11. Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Miami is clearly hoping that new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan can take a Green Bay Packers approach toward infusing a roster in transition with a good deal of home-grown talent. Given how much the Packers emphasized early cornerback picks and the Dolphins’ glaring hole at the position, McCoy would be a sensible starting point, even though he missed all of last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

12. Dallas Cowboys – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Jerry Jones invited quite a bit of scrutiny regarding positional value last year when he selected offensive guard Tyler Booker in this slot. Here’s to betting that choosing Styles wouldn’t be met with the same level of derision. A remarkably clean tackler who can close in an instant on ball carriers, the hyperathletic and versatile defender would help shore up arguably the biggest weakness of a Dallas defense with a laundry list of deficiencies.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

While the Rams have proven flexible on plenty of fronts on the field, their approach to building their roster has remained somewhat rigid at a few positions. A lack of substantial investment at cornerback has been a major impediment for a group that otherwise has a strong claim as the NFL’s best collection of talent. At first blush, Delane doesn’t seem like the kind of cover man who would convince a front office to change its ways, but his lockdown tendencies could plug a hole for a back end that has sprung several leaks down the stretch.

14. Baltimore Ravens – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

Jason Licht struck it big in the first round last year by taking Emeka Egubka, whose advanced feel for his position helped mask some supposed athletic limitations. Maybe a similar setup will serve him well on the other side of the ball with Howell, the Bowling Green transfer who wrecked the Southeastern Conference even though he lacks the optimal frame for an edge rusher.

16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Maybe this seems late for a player who, when healthy, seemed to bolster his preseason standing as the front-runner to be the first receiver taken. But Tyson has a fairly extensive injury history, which could leave some teams uneasy about using a premium pick on him. Gang Green, however, might relish the opportunity to place him alongside Garrett Wilson after the team didn’t have one player crack 400 receiving yards last season. Together, the two could set the team up nicely to make a splashy quarterback pick in 2027.

17. Detroit Lions – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

An unstable offensive front could be on even shakier ground if left tackle Taylor Decker retires, a path the 10-year veteran acknowledged earlier this month that he would consider in the offseason. Though Lomu might not be fully prepared for the physicality of NFC North battles, he’d give Dan Campbell a potential upper-echelon pass protector with room to grow as he sharpens his game.

18. Minnesota Vikings – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Affording the secondary with a higher degree of flexibility might not seem like a pressing problem in Minnesota, but figuring out the right configuration is an important step to ensure the unit can operate in top form. Cisse’s outstanding athleticism and quick-fire ability to close in on the ball would be put to immediate use by Brian Flores – so long as the defensive coordinator doesn’t land a top job elsewhere.

19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

With a ruptured patella tendon suffered in the wild-card loss threatening Ikem Ekwonu’s 2026 season and potentially torpedoing any extension talks, Carolina must seriously examine its left tackle options if it hopes to unlock more opportunities for Bryce Young in the downfield passing game. Proctor figures to be one of this year’s more polarizing prospects given the wild swings in his play, but he might find a home doling out punishment for the Panthers’ ground game while polishing his pass protection.

20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

A good chunk of Dallas’ defensive coordinator candidates have a background rooted in the secondary. That’s a good indication of what Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer see as the primary source of the decrepit defense’s problems. Terrell equips the back end with a savvy and smooth coverage presence who can fit in a variety of different schemes.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Steelers president Art Rooney II has dismissed the idea of embracing a rebuild in the aftermath of Mike Tomlin’s resignation, making it all the more unreasonable to force a quarterback pick here. Lemon would resolve one of the more pressing issues in both the short and long term by providing a second legitimate threat at wideout. The Biletnikoff Award winner figures to continue doing yeoman’s work in the short-to-intermediate area while DK Metcalf does the bulk of his damage as a vertical threat.

22. Los Angeles Chargers – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

On both sides of the ball, Jim Harbaugh’s crew simply can’t afford to keep getting pushed around the way it was in 2025. Adding McDonald would mark a massive step toward better commanding the line of scrimmage, as defenses have to spend considerable attention and resources to ensure he doesn’t bully his way into the backfield.

23. Philadelphia Eagles – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

Howie Roseman no doubt would love to find a successor to Lane Johnson at right tackle, regardless of how much time the six-time Pro Bowler has left. With the way the board falls, however, the better solution up front might be Ioane, who could add a much-needed dose of stability to a group of interior blockers that failed to meet the line’s previous lofty standards.

24. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Paul Hornung winner for college football’s most versatile player, Concepcion can do a little bit of everything for whichever pro offense he joins. That has to sound appealing to Cleveland, which couldn’t count on much of anything from a sorely underwhelming receiving corps.

25. Chicago Bears – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

The Bears can’t let a likely regression to the mean on the takeaway front threaten the defense’s well-being. Able to detonate both pass and run plays from the interior, Banks generates a more tenable brand of splash plays, which Chicago surely would love to incorporate.

26. Buffalo Bills – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The composition of the Bills’ receiving corps went from an apparent shortcoming to a late-season laughingstock, with late November addition Brandin Cooks being called on to play a vital role in the team’s ill-fated playoff run. Boston’s knack for hauling in contested catches and beating man coverage would draw a sharp contrast with the rest of Buffalo’s options at wideout.

27. San Francisco 49ers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The notion of replacing George Kittle is foolhardy, as the five-time Pro Bowler surely isn’t finished after tearing his Achilles and won’t ever be replicated by one player. Still, if he lasts this long, Sadiq would be a tantalizing option for Kyle Shanahan as a mismatch nightmare in the passing game and burgeoning force as a run blocker.

28. Houston Texans – Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

So much for the supposed progress up front. Between a completely ineffective run game and C.J. Stroud’s divisional-round meltdown in the face of pressure, Houston still has more work to do along its line after last offseason’s overhaul. Pregnon’s forcefulness could help put the interior in a better place and allow the unit to establish better balance.

29. Rams – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Many assumed last year that the Rams would use at least one of their two 2026 first-rounders to secure Matthew Stafford’s eventual successor behind center. But with the 37-year-old enjoying an All-Pro season and few viable options in a thin class of passers, Los Angeles shouldn’t force the issue. Instead, it can bolster its outlook at tackle with Freeling, a stout presence who could rise throughout the pre-draft process.

30. New England Patriots – Zion Young, DE, Missouri

The Patriots have had to find several workarounds this season for their inability to generate pressure organically. Young might not register as many quick wins as others in this class, but he could endear himself to Mike Vrabel with his physicality and persistence as a pass rusher.

31. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

With Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad both on the wrong side of 30 and ticketed for free agency, the second level of the Broncos defense might be headed for a refresh. Allen’s calling card has primarily been in his downhill work, but the 6-1, 235-pounder might eventually make his biggest mark at the next level with his ability to match up with tight ends and running backs in coverage.

32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The idea of adding more weapons to Mike Macdonald’s swarming defense might seem like overkill. But Seattle’s secondary could be facing a reshuffling as several players hit free agency, and Hood would combine with Devon Witherspoon to ensure the Seahawks remain as imposing as ever on he perimeter.

CFP national championship: Indiana vs. Miami, 7:30 p.m., Monday; TV: ESPN
Indiana is an 8.5-point favorite against Miami tonight.

After blowout wins over Alabama and Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals and semifinals, Indiana enters tonight’s national championship game as 8.5-point favorites against Miami.

It’s a healthy spread with a title on the line.

On Monday’s ‘First Take’ on ESPN, Stephen A. Smith said, “I’m very, very worried about this national championship game. I want a competitive matchup. I don’t want to see a blowout. I don’t want to see what Indiana did to Alabama. I don’t want to see what Indiana did to Oregon.”

2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow responded: “I don’t think we’ll see that.”

Smith then asked Tebow, “What is it about Miami that should make us believe we’re not going to see them look like Alabama or Oregon looked against Indiana?

“Offensive and defensive line. Carson Beck has handled the situation, the way he plays,’ Tebow answered. ‘So many times we say about quarterbacks that, ‘Oh, he’s managing the game. He’s making smart decisions,’ as if it’s a bad thing. It is not a bad thing. He knows that this team goes through its offensive and defensive lines and Mark Fletcher, their running back. But when it’s put on him, like it was in the fourth quarter (vs. Ole Miss), then he can step up and make plays. He understands that. He started over 40 games. He’s a veteran.

‘I don’t see this game being a blowout. I see this game being extremely physical because I think it’s the best offensive and defensive line for Miami that Indiana has faced all year.”

When does national championship game start? Indiana vs Miami kickoff time tonight

Date: Monday, Jan. 19
Time: 7:50 p.m. ET

The actual kickoff time for the College Football Playoff national championship game between Indiana and Miami is 7:50 p.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 19.

The start time is listed at 7:30 p.m. ET, but as college football fans know all too well for high-profile television games, that listed time simply marks the start of ESPN’s broadcast. The game itself won’t begin until 20 minutes into that window.

National championship TV channel tonight

TV channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app ∣ Fubo (free trial)

The College Football Playoff championship game between Indiana and Miami is airing on ESPN. Chris Fowler (play-by-play) and Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) are calling the game while Holly Rowe and Molly McGrath are serving as sideline reporters.

Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app, which requires a valid cable login to access, and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Texas, Ohio State, and Georgia are early top contenders for the 2026 college football season.
The transfer portal continues to play a significant role in shaping team rosters for the upcoming season.
Big Ten and SEC schools dominate the top of the too-early rankings for 2026.

The book on the 2025 college football season is not yet closed after hundreds of contests across six months getting us to the final page of a showdown between Indiana and Miami in the College Football Playoff championship game.

That ending will bring us to a new beginning: The journey toward figuring out which teams will be national title contenders in 2026. The list of schools is long, and the situation is fluid with transfer portal closed but still not sorted. That makes assembling our too-early top 25 ranking quite difficult.

There should be ton of star power to follow, especially among quarterbacks. Texas will have Arch Manning back for his second season as starter. Ohio State has Julian Sayin. Georgia has Gunner Stockton. Notre Dame has CJ Carr. Oregon has Dante Moore. That’s just a few on the list that will compete for top honors.

Ohio State might also have the best player in wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who will be entering what is expected to be his final season. .

Our top 25 expectedly is full of Big Ten and SEC schools, however the balance of power in the sport allows the ACC and Big 12 along with Notre Dame to occupy plenty of positions. So with all that being said, here’s our first guess at the best teams for 2026 with their 2025 records in parenthesis.

1. Texas (10-3)

The Longhorns have loaded up on offensive weapons to support Arch Manning in what is expected to be his final college season. Returning WRs Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley will be joined by Auburn transfer Cam Coleman. The running back room has been remade with the additions of Hollywood Smothers (North Carolina State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State). A solid core returns on the offensive line but gains need to made there. On defense, new coordinator Will Muschamp will have Pittsburgh transfer Rasheem Biles joining the linebacker group and a veteran secondary that avoided some key losses in the portal. The star of the unit should be DL Colin Simmons, who projects to be among the best pass rushers in the nation.

2. Ohio State (12-2)

The Buckeyes are the preseason Big Ten favorites thanks to an offense that brings back some of the nation’s top players in quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. This group has yet to hire a new coordinator but is expected to operate at a a higher pace than this year’s offense. Key portal additions such as safeties Terry Moore (Duke) and Earl Little Jr. (Florida State) and cornerback Dominick Kelly (Georgia) will keep the defense near the top of the FBS. OSU will face one of the nation’s top schedules that include road games against Texas, Indiana, Iowa and Southern California, but the schedule could make it better prepared for the playoff after getting bounced in this year’s quarterfinals.

3. Georgia (12-2)

There are no doubts about the offensive backfield with Gunner Stockton back at quarterback and Nate Frazier and Chancey Bowens set to carry the ball behind what projects to be another strong offensive line. The biggest concern is the receiver group that needs rebuilding. Georgia Tech transfer Isiah Canion should help, and a strong group of tight ends will provide some cover. LBs Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole and DB KJ Bolden will anchor a defense that is full of talent. It might take some time for the unit to jell, following a similar path in the 2025 season. But look for Georgia to again have one of the best groups in the country when the playoff rolls around.

4. Indiana (15-0*)

Indiana isn’t going anywhere. While many key players will leave, including several former James Madison transfers, the foundation has been set to keep the Hoosiers in the title mix. The biggest adds have been quarterback Josh Hoover (TCU), cornerback A.J. Harris (Penn State), wide receiver Nick Marsh (Michigan State) and offensive lineman Joe Brunner (Wisconsin), part of what is again the nation’s best transfer class. There is every reason to believe Curt Cignetti’s success is sustainable.

5. Notre Dame (10-2)

The questions at quarterback that existed prior to the season were answered by the emergence of CJ Carr. In his second season as a starter, Carr should take a lead role of the offense with running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Prince departed. Jordan Faison anchors the wide receiver room with Ohio State transfers Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham added to the mix. There’s good experience along the offensive line, too. The defensive line returns standout Bryce Young and got a needed infusion from Francis Brewu (Pittsburgh) and Keon Keeley (Alabama). The secondary should be outstanding with Leonard Moore leading a group that includes Christian Gray and Colorado transfer DJ McKinney.

6. Oklahoma (10-3)

After reaching the playoff this season, the Sooners are poised to take the next step in 2026. Oklahoma will give senior quarterback John Mateer more weapons, including tight end Hayden Hansen (Florida) and wide receivers Trell Harris (Virginia) and Parker Livingstone (Texas), while the offensive line will be more experienced and much improved. Mateer should play better with another year to refine mechanics. The defense will carry over this year’s gains if a less deep but very talented line gets a boost from players such as former five-star PJ Adebawore. The secondary might be the best in the SEC.

7. Texas Tech (12-2)

No one in the Big 12 is ready to take down the Red Raiders. Look for Tech to more consistent on offense behind new starter Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati), who joins a unit that includes veteran holdovers in tight end Terrance Carter Jr. and tackle Howard Sampson. The defense loses David Bailey but has reloaded up front with an elite transfer class of lineman, led by tackle Mateen Ibirogba (Wake Forest). The Red Raiders’ overall talent is the best in the conference and could be enough to go deeper in next year’s playoff.

8. Texas A&M (11-2)

The Aggies benefited from a favorable SEC schedule before slumping in their final two games. Fixing the struggles in losses to Texas and Miami will be key. Part of that will be the continued development of QB Marcel Reed, who will be in his third year as the starter. WR Mario Craver is poised for All-America consideration, while Isaiah Horton arrives from Alabama as support. A host of transfers were brought in to shore up the offensive line group. A similar approach helped bolster the defensive front. An already strong secondary also should get immediate help from Rickey Gibson (Tennessee) and Tawfiq Byrd (Colorado).

9. Oregon (13-2)

Few teams lost more to the portal. The Ducks’ success may hinge on their ability to reload the depth chart and maintain this year’s depth. But the pieces are there to be hugely successful, starting with junior Dante Moore’s decision to return for another year. He leads an offense that will be very strong in the backfield and has the pieces to be explosive through the air. The defense brings back lineman Bear Alexander and added another impactful safety in Koi Perich (Minnesota). What may decide Oregon’s season is how well Dan Lanning replaces both of this year’s coordinators.

10. Miami (13-2*)

Miami still needs a quarterback but is expected to sign Darian Mensah (Duke) soon after Monday night. The Hurricanes have more work to do in the portal, though they’ve already added two good pieces in defensive lineman Jarquez Carter (Ohio State) and safety Omar Thornton (Boston College). Given how Mario Cristobal emphasizes line play, a big factor will be how capably he rebuilds groups set to lose stars such as offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, interior lineman Ahkeem Mesidor and edge rusher Ruben Bain Jr.

11. Alabama (11-4)

The pressure is on Kalen DeBoer after a pair of four-loss seasons to start his tenure. The Rose Bowl loss to Indiana exposed issues on both sides of the ball that need addressing. The most-pressing is offensive line,  which was partly addressed by Michigan transfers Ty Haywood and Kaden Strayhorn. The quarterback position will again have first-year starter with Austin Mack and Keelon Russell competing for the job. That means a dismal running game must improve. Getting receiver Ryan Williams back to his game-breaking best is another priority. On defense, Yhonzae Pierre returns as the key piece of the group that needs overall improvement. The defensive line has some concerns. The secondary has key holdovers Quay Hubbard and Keon Sabb.

12. Southern California (11-2)

There’s reason for optimism at USC, including the return of quarterback Jaydan Maiava, additions such as cornerback Jontez Williams (Iowa State) and wide receiver Terrell Anderson (North Carolina State) and the arrival of the nation’s top recruiting class. The Trojans’ roster will be the deepest it has been since they joined the Big Ten. But USC will take on a schedule that includes Indiana, Penn State, Ohio State and Oregon.

13. Brigham Young (12-2)

Maybe the best news for BYU is the return of coach Kalani Sitake after he interviewed with Penn State. The Cougars will get more from sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier after his strong debut. BYU has also done a good job in the portal by adding linebacker Cade Uluave (California), offensive lineman Paki Finau (Washington) and tight end Walker Lyons (USC). In addition to Bachmeier, key returnees include running back LJ Martin, safety Faletau Satuala, wide receiver Parker Kingston and cornerback Tre Alexander.

14. Michigan (9-4)

A new era begins under former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who takes over a team potentially defined by quarterback Bryce Underwood’s growth as a sophomore under new coordinator Jason Beck. Defensively, Michigan has the framework of a starting lineup but lacks depth up front and is inexperienced on the second level, though edge rusher John Henry Daley and cornerback Smith Snowden came along from the Utes and will make immediate impacts. Look for Whittingham to install a high floor for his debut with the potential for a run at the Big Ten if the roster comes together this summer.

15. LSU (7-6)

It wasn’t the smoothest journey, but the Tigers eventually secured their quarterback by adding Sam Leavitt to give Lane Kiffin the key piece to build his offense around in his first season. There are expectedly a lot of other changes with upwards of 30 arrivals in the transfer portal, notably WRs Jayce Brown (Kansas State) and Tre Brown (Old Dominion). Two on defense worth watching are DL Stephiylan Green (Clemson) and DB Ty Benefield (Boise State), who will join holdover LB Whit Weeks after his decision to return after an injury-marred season. One big challenge early in Kiffin’s tenure is a schedule which features an enticing lineup of visits from Clemson, Texas, Alabama and Texas A&M.

16. SMU (9-4)

One of the strongest transfer classes in the ACC will help SMU maintain and even build on a 20-7 mark over the past two seasons. The headliners are edge rusher Marques White (Massachusetts), running back Kendrick Raphael (California), tight end Randy Pittman Jr. (Florida State) and defensive tackle Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder (Kansas State). Most of all, SMU was able to retain star quarterback Kevin Jennings, who could be one of the nation’s best in 2026.

17. Penn State (7-6)

A friendly schedule and the influx of multiple key Iowa State transfers should make Matt Campbell’s debut a success. Missing Oregon, Ohio State and Indiana gives the Nittany Lions a high floor to land in the nine-win range. Helping matters are former Cyclones such as quarterback Rocco Becht, defensive backs Jeremiah Cooper and Marcus Neal Jr., tight end Ben Brahmer and wide receiver Chase Sowell. While not built for a title, PSU is set up for a nice start under Campbell.

18. Utah (11-2)

Likewise for Utah and new coach Morgan Scalley. The continuity in schemes is one reason why the program should remain in the Big 12 hunt. The Utes also got great news in the return of quarterback Devon Dampier, one of the best players in the conference. One key addition is lanky cornerback Elijah Reed (Akron), who could blossom in Scalley’s system. Look for the defense to be stout despite losing Daley and others, while the offense will remain inventive under new coordinator Kevin McGiven.

19. Clemson (7-6)

This is a major roll of the dice given how the Tigers’ abysmal 2025 season and the uncertainty at quarterback, with junior Christopher Vizzina set to take over after an unimpressive run in the backup role. But Clemson has done a better job in the portal, grabbing edge London Merritt (Colorado), safety Corey Myrick (Southern Mississippi) and corner Donovan Starr (Auburn), among others, and Dabo Swinney will still have a roster that might be the most talented in the ACC. A lot is hinging on whether new offensive coordinator Chad Morris can recapture the magic of his previous stint with the program.

20. Mississippi (13-2)

After a run to the semifinals, it’s Pete Golding’s show in Oxford and building on the momentum will be crucial. With quarterback Trinidad Chambliss currently denied an extra year, Golding brought in Deuce Knight from Auburn. Knight was a five-star recruit but redshirted last season. RB Kewan Lacy was one of the key players that stuck with Ole Miss amid the departure of Lane Kiffin. The wide receiver group will feature arrivals Darrell Gill (Syracuse) and Cameron Miller (Kentucky). The defense has a lot of moving parts with DL Jordan Renaud (Alabama) and LB Blake Purchase (Oregon) coming aboard to help offset some significant departures.

21. Iowa (9-4)

Losing 27 seniors won’t be easy for Iowa, especially with key losses at quarterback and both lines. The Hawkeyes feel good about their internal options, though. The offensive line could be terrific behind left tackle Trevor Lauck and star right guard Kade Pieper. At quarterback, former Wake Forest transfer Jeremy Hecklinski holds the early edge for the starting job. Defensively, the Hawkeyes did suffer a big loss in safety Koen Entringer and still need transfer help up front. But Iowa’s track record on that side of the ball speaks for itself.

22. Florida State (5-7)

Here’s another gamble on a fallen ACC power. FSU hasn’t been the same since 2023 but will rebound next season thanks in part to transfers such as running back Tre Wisner (Texas), offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin (Auburn), quarterback Ashton Daniels (Auburn) and linebackers Chris Jones (Southern Mississippi) and Mikai Gbayor (North Carolina). Another factor to consider is how the Seminoles will benefit from another offseason under offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, defensive coordinator Tony White and offensive line coach Herb Hand.

23. Houston (10-3)

Houston is a dark-horse playoff contender after surging to 10 wins in Willie Fritz’s second year. The Cougars signed the league’s best transfer class this side of Texas Tech by bringing in offensive linemen Anthony Boswell (Toledo) and Shadre Hurst (Tulane), running back Makhi Hughes (Oregon) and safety Javion White (Tulane). UH will also bring back vital pieces in quarterback Conner Weigman, top receiver Amare Thomas and defensive lineman Khalil Laufau.

24. Tennessee (8-5)

This is a bet on Tennessee’s defense carrying an offense that still doesn’t have a clear answer at quarterback, with sophomore George McIntyre the current favorite to start after making 24 attempts in 2025. Josh Heupel’s transfer class currently has no major difference makers on offense but gives the defense even more weapons, including edge Chaz Coleman (Penn State), linebacker Amare Campbell (Penn State), edge Jordan Norman (Tulane) and defensive back TJ Metcalf (Michigan). If the offense rebounds, the Volunteers are a sneaky SEC and playoff contender.

25. Boise State (9-5)

A third consecutive Mountain West title in a down season speaks to the consistency of the Broncos and puts them as early favorites to make the College Football Playoff in their first season in the Pac-12. The winning culture and the return of Maddux Madsen for his third season as the starting quarterback make them the early contenders for the Group of Five playoff berth. On defense, the front will be led by Jayden Virgin-Morgan and Max Stege. LB Boen Phelps return after solid sophomore season.

There will be a surprising winner of the college football national championship when Indiana and Miami meet in Miami Gardens, Florida in the College Football Playoff title game.

The Hoosiers and Hurricanes started at No. 19 and No. 10, respectively, in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll and took very different journeys to reach Monday night’s matchup.

Indiana blew through its first half of the season and stayed unbeaten with wins at Oregon and Penn State before beating Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game for its first conference title since 1967. In the playoff, the Hoosiers have dominated both Alabama and Oregon and arrive as large favorites to win their first national title.

Miami reeled off wins against ranked opponents Notre Dame, South Florida and Florida State and reached No. 2 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. Losses to Louisville and SMU in a span of three games put the Hurricanes on the outside of he playoff field. A late surge led them to being the last at-large team selected before wins against Texas A&M, Ohio State and Mississippi.

So who will emerge the winner when the teams meet at Hard Rock Stadium? Our experts offer their predictions.

National championship game: Indiana vs Miami predictions

Matt Hayes

I’m torn by this game. Indiana looks indestructible, but I can’t stop thinking about what Miami did to Ohio State: lined up, punched them in the mouth and physically manhandled them. The game is won on the lines of scrimmage, and Miami looks to have the advantage. But the Hoosiers have white-hot QB Fernando Mendoza, and consistently produce breaks and big plays by doing the little things perfectly — so the big things become routine. Indiana 30, Miami 21.

Jordan Mendoza

Can Indiana complete the dream season? Miami has been able to find ways to win on both sides of the ball during this run, but it needs a complete game in order to stop the Hoosiers. Miami punches first, but it doesn’t take long for Indiana to get rolling. The running game takes over and the Hoosiers pull away from the Hurricanes in the second half to cement the greatest turnaround in recent memory with a national championship. Indiana 38, Miami 23.

Paul Myerberg

There’s a way for Miami to score the upset. But that requires winning in two areas where Indiana never loses: on the line of scrimmage and the turnover margin. While the Hurricanes are playing well on both front, no team has been able to match Indiana’s line play. And no team is better at limiting mistakes than the Hoosiers, who lead the nation in turnover margin per game. This one favors Indiana. Indiana 34, Miami 17.

Erick Smith

Indiana is on one of the all-time postseason runs in college football. It seems silly to pick against the Hoosiers given that domination after nearly flawless performances against Alabama and Oregon. So how does Miami disrupt them? The Hurricanes can follow a similar blueprint to Penn State, which harassed Fernando Mendoza and nearly pulled off a huge upset. Even if the defense does its job, their success will ultimately come down to the play of quarterback Carson Beck. He must be at his best, and that’s a high bar for him to exceed given the talent on Indiana’s defense. Indiana 27, Miami 14.

Eddie Timanus

Unlike Indiana’s two previous opponents, Miami has the size and personnel to hold its own on both sides of the line of scrimmage. But the Hurricanes will need to have flawless execution, and they won’t be able to do it for a full 60 minutes. The Hoosiers will, and they’ll complete one of the most remarkable turnarounds the sport has witnessed. Indiana 28, Miami 17.

Blake Toppmeyer

The Hoosiers don’t have a weakness to exploit. That helps protect them from an upset. After Indiana finishes a 16-0 season, coaches everywhere will wonder which Curt Cignetti secrets they can try to steal and mimic, but replicating the completeness of this Hoosiers team will be no easy feat. Indiana 31, Miami 17.

Indiana vs Miami spread: National championship game odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Sunday, Jan. 18

Spread: Indiana (-7.5)
Over/under: 47.5 points
Moneyline: Indiana (-325) ∣ Miami (+260)

Indiana is a 7.5-point favorite over Miami heading into Monday night’s national championship game, according to the latest odds from BetMGM.

Sean McDermott’s nine-year run in Buffalo ended Monday, Jan. 19, when the Bills fired one of the most successful coaches in franchise history after another heartbreaking playoff loss.

The Bills’ decision to move on from the McDermott-Josh Allen era again reordered the NFL’s list of longest-tenured head coaches, as 10 teams have split with their coaches since the start of the 2025 regular season.

Mainstays like John Harbaugh, Mike Tomlin, McDermott and Kevin Stefanski are off the list, with Harbaugh (New York Giants) and Stefanski (Atlanta Falcons) already on to their next stops.

Entering Jan. 19, McDermott was tied for second on this list, as only Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs has spent more than a decade as head coach of his current NFL team.

For those wondering, Curly Lambeau in Green Bay (1921-49) and Tom Landry in Dallas (1960-88) are tied for the longest tenure leading one team at 29 seasons.

1. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs

Age: 67
Number of seasons: 13
Record with Chiefs: 149-64 (.700)
Playoff berths (Super Bowls): 10 (4; won Super Bowl 54, lost Super Bowl 55, won Super Bowl 57, won Super Bowl 58, lost Super Bowl 59)

T2. Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams

Age: 39
Number of seasons: 9
Record with Rams: 92-57 (.617)
Playoff berths (Super Bowls): 7 (2; lost Super Bowl 53, won Super Bowl 56)

T2. Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers

Age: 46
Number of seasons: 9
Record with 49ers: 82-67 (.550)
Playoff berths (Super Bowls): 5 (2; lost Super Bowl 54, lost Super Bowl 58)

T4. Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers

Age: 46
Number of seasons: 7
Record with Packers: 76-40-1 (.654)
Playoff berths: 6

T4. Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals

Age: 42
Number of seasons: 7
Record with Bengals: 52-63-1 (.453)
Playoff berths (Super Bowls): 2 (1; lost Super Bowl 56)

T6. Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions

Age: 49
Number of seasons: 5
Record with Lions: 48-36-1 (.571)
Playoff berths: 2

T6. Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles

Age: 44
Number of seasons: 5
Record with Eagles: 59-26 (.694)
Playoff berths (Super Bowls): 5 (2; lost Super Bowl 57, won Super Bowl 59)

T8. Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Age: 62
Number of seasons: 4
Record with Buccaneers: 35-33 (.515)
Playoff berths: 3

T8. Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings

Age: 40
Numbers of seasons: 4
Record with Vikings: 43-25
Playoff berths: 2

10. Basically everyone else

This is where the velocity of the NFL coaching carousel really starts to show. After O’Connell and Bowles, we come to the list of coaches who have three or fewer seasons with their current teams, including the Seattle Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald and Denver Broncos’ Sean Payton, both still coaching in the playoffs.

With the NFL playoffs’ divisional round now complete, the conference championship matchups are replete with favorites and heavyweights. Yet it wouldn’t be fair to say that things have gone as expected in the postseason.

The surprising developments certainly rolled in on Jan. 18, when the New England Patriots bested the Houston Texans 28-16 in a contest that featured eight turnovers. And in the round’s finale, the Los Angeles Rams regrouped after Caleb Williams’ incredible overtime-forcing touchdown heave to down the Chicago Bears 20-17.

Not bad for a weekend known as one of the best on the sporting calendar.

Here’s our look at the biggest winners and losers from Sunday’s divisional-round playoff action:

Winners

Rams’ resilience

Caleb Williams’ incredible touchdown heave at the end of the fourth quarter might have sapped lesser teams of all hope. Somehow, the Rams managed to regroup and finish the job in overtime with an interception and game-winning field goal. Los Angeles has plenty to answer for after some bizarre game-management and play-calling decisions by Sean McVay. But finding an answer for a win and becoming the lone road team to win on divisional weekend was still impressive.

Harrison Mevis

Special teams seemed to be Los Angeles’ biggest vulnerability for much of the season, to the point that McVay made the rare move to dismiss coordinator Chase Blackburn in December. Mevis, who was signed in November and eventually replaced Joshua Karty as the team’s kicker, delivered in the clutch with a game-winning 42-yard field goal. With just one missed field goal this season on 17 tries, his reliability could be a major asset in the uphill battle to topple the Seahawks.

Kyren Williams

It was downright baffling that McVay didn’t lean on his ground game more often against a Bears defense that ranked 29th in yards allowed per carry during the regular season. At least he woke up in the late fourth quarter with a run-heavy drive, which Williams capped with a 4-yard touchdown run – his second score of the day.

Kam Curl

On a day when Matthew Stafford was extremely spotty, Curl had a strong case to be the Rams’ MVP. The sixth-year safety was disruptive in all phases throughout the day. But his signature moment came in overtime, when he snagged an interception from Williams to turn the tides. Set to become a free agent this offseason, he’s positioning himself for a sizable deal from a team that prizes its defensive backs more highly than the Rams do. But he’d surely like of take care of some additional business with this defense beforehand.

Patriots defensive backs

C.J. Stroud sure made their life easier, but New England’s cover men came up clutch in several spots. Carlton Davis III set the tone early with an incredible diving interception toward the end of the first quarter, and he secured his second of the day before halftime. Marcus Jones, meanwhile, bounced back from allowing a first-quarter touchdown to Christian Kirk by pulling off a pick-six that he returned 25 yards. Rookie safety Craig Woodson accounted for the final pick. Meanwhile, standout cornerback Christian Gonzalez allowed just 58 yards on seven catches despite being targeted 16 times, according to Next Gen Stats. In all, the Patriots tallied an incredible 14 passes defensed.

Milton Williams

His dominant postseason run last year helped vault the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl title before he secured a massive payday from the Patriots. Now, the defensive tackle is once again wreaking havoc in the postseason. After last week’s two-sack outing against the Los Angeles Chargers, Williams made himself a mainstay in the Texans’ backfield, even though his efforts weren’t properly reflected by the box score. And this time, he managed not to bloody Mike Vrabel in his postgame celebration.

Stefon Diggs

A mercurial player on his fourth team in 11 years, Diggs has somehow managed to find greener pastures in almost all of his transitions. And with the Bills bowing out on Saturday and his new team vanquishing the Texans, Diggs managed to pull off the feat yet again as he came off the torn anterior cruciate ligament that upended his lone year in Houston.

It wasn’t a particularly prolific outing for the veteran wideout, who finished with four catches for 40 yards. But Diggs snared a tight-window throw in such impressive fashion that even he marveled afterward at his accomplishment.

Drake Maye’s passing

The bottom line – 179 yards on 16-of-27 passing – surely wasn’t what one would expect from a leading MVP candidate. But the second-year signal-caller managed to do what Stroud couldn’t: be judicious about how he attacked his opponent in a game defined by defensive performances. Maye tends to thrive against blitz-heavy teams that provide him the opportunity to punish them for their aggressiveness. That’s decidedly not the Texans, who can put quarterbacks in uncomfortable spots without diverting from their established ways. But Maye was largely discerning and at times even opportunistic, with his 32-yard deep shot to Kayshon Boutte essentially putting the game out of reach in the fourth quarter.

Zak Kuhr

The 37-year-old de facto defensive coordinator for the Patriots – he’s served as the play-caller since Week 2 – cooked up quite a plan to keep the Texans in check. In compensating for a pass rush that has had trouble generating pressure organically, Kuhr showed a variety of different looks and brought heat in multiple ways. The result was a barrage of takeaways, with New England taking the mantle from Houston as the defense that dominated the day.

Will Anderson Jr.

The Texans’ loss means Anderson won’t receive his proper due for a three-sack day that also included two forced fumbles. But anyone watching could identify him as a singular force on the field. Had it not been for Myles Garrett’s record-setting campaign, Anderson might have had a strong case for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Count on him as a preseason favorite for the award in 2026. Meanwhile, fellow edge fiend Danielle Hunter bagged two sacks of his own, too. The disruptiveness helped ensure that New England’s offense didn’t score any points off Houston’s barrage of turnovers, with the pick-six standing as the lone payoff.

Jarrett Stidham

In stepping into the Denver Broncos’ starting quarterback role in place of Bo Nix, who is out for the rest of the season with a broken bone suffered Saturday night, the seventh-year veteran was assured of a difficult task after not throwing a pass all season. Yet avoiding a meeting with a Texans defense that has essentially engulfed all comers has to be a win for Stidham and Sean Payton. New England will present plenty of distinct challenges for the top-seeded Broncos. But they seem more manageable for a team that was thrown for a loop coming off its biggest triumph.

Losers

Cardiac Bears

The magic had to end at some point. At first, it seemed as though it would expire when Williams retreated 25 yards before single-handedly reviving Chicago’s hopes and positioning his team for an incredible eighth fourth-quarter comeback this season. But living on the edge against a more experienced team in the Rams ultimately proved untenable.

Caleb Williams

In his first two postseason games, the Bears quarterback has managed to author two of the most memorable throws in recent playoff history. Yet Williams completed just 10 of 23 passes with two interceptions in the second half and overtime of Sunday’s loss to the Rams, with off-target throws undermining his flashes of brilliance. On his overtime interception, Williams said he and DJ Moore had a miscommunication, with the quarterback wanting the receiver to flatten his route. There’s little questioning that he has a singular capacity for lifting his team from holes that other quarterbacks would simply find too deep. But there’s also work to be done to ensure Williams isn’t a contributing factor in Chicago sinking to those spots in the first place.

Rome Odunze

The second-year receiver didn’t consistently post prolific production in Ben Johnson’s debut campaign, and his rocky go of things continued Sunday when he let what looked to be a surefire touchdown careen off him. Odunze also blew a block on a third-down goal-line play in the fourth quarter, allowing Quentin Lake to blast D’Andre Swift backward when the running back hit the ground after a hurdle. He caught just two of his six targets, and a better connection with Williams will be necessary after he hauled in just 44 of 90 throws that came his way in the regular season.

C.J. Stroud

It sure seemed that things couldn’t get worse than his wild-card showing, when the Steelers’ own offensive ineptitude overshadowed Stroud’s three-turnover outing. Yet the Texans’ third-year signal-caller hit a new nadir against New England, throwing four interceptions and holding back a historically dominant defense that was fully up to the task of competing in this game. The blame for his picks shouldn’t rest with him, as a pass that should have been a reception glanced off Xavier Hutchinson’s hands. The rest, however, were the product of ghastly decision-making. And Stroud was well off the mark and out of sorts in a number of other instances.

Stroud has enjoyed remarkable highs in stretches, proving capable of elevating his supporting cast since his Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. But he’s also one of the league’s most volatile presences behind center. After his last two performances, can Houston in good conscience negotiate what surely would be a massive commitment in a contract extension? The better move seems to be exercising his fifth-year option and maintaining some degree of flexibility moving forward.

Drake Maye’s handle/running

The elements surely factored in here. But Maye’s four fumbles – two of which were lost – threatened to put New England in a perilous spot in a game in which it should have had an even greater turnover advantage. And Maye ran just four times for 10 yards despite Houston’s defense showing some vulnerability against mobile quarterbacks.

Texans’ run game

A more standard offense would have focused its efforts more heavily on the ground game, especially given Stroud’s struggles and the slick conditions. But Houston’s inert rushing attack couldn’t get anything going, logging just 48 yards on 22 carries. Lead back Woody Marks was stuffed for a loss or no gain on eight of his team-high 14 carries, according to Next Gen Stats. That led the Texans to embrace an unhealthy imbalance, with Stroud attempting 47 passes despite how off-kilter the quarterback was. A reworking of this phase has to be atop the offseason priority list.

Will Campbell

At least the Patriots’ rookie left tackle recovered two of Maye’s fumbles to avert further disaster. Safe to say that was pretty much the only positive on the day for Campbell, who was routinely beaten off the edge when he didn’t receive help. To be fair, the Texans’ pass-rushing tandem is an exceedingly difficult matchup for even the savviest veterans. But Maye and the rest of the Patriots offense can’t be feeling at ease heading into a showdown with a Broncos defense that paced the league in sacks.

C.J. Stroud struggled badly during the Houston Texans’ 28-16 loss to the New England Patriots in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

ESPN color commentator Troy Aikman believes that could bring about a moment of reckoning for the Texans as they look to get over the hump with their 24-year-old old quarterback.

‘DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio, they’ve got some tough decisions they’ve gotta make about this team on the offensive side of the ball,’ Aikman said, referencing Houston coach and general manager combination.

Aikman went onto detail the trouble the Texans have endured attempting to replicate the success Stroud enjoyed as a rookie. He noted the team tried to jumpstart the young signal-caller by parting with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik following the 2024 NFL season, but that still didn’t help Stroud regain his rookie-season form.

‘C.J. Stroud has been chasing his rookie success for the last two years,’ Aikman opined. ‘He’s not been the same player. We’ve not seen the development from him. There’s a reason for that, and it has to be addressed.’

Stroud certainly was a star as a rookie. He was named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year after completing 63.9% of his passes for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. He led the Texans to a seven-win turnaround and a playoff win, inspiring hope he could bring the franchise to new heights.

Instead, Stroud has stagnated, getting the Texans to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons but never advancing past the divisional round. And during this year’s postseason, Stroud struggled mightily, turning the ball over a whopping seven times across two games and posting a passer rating of just 51.77.

‘You just can’t overcome that kind of quarterback play,’ Aikman said when discussing Stroud’s performance during the 2025 playoffs.

C.J. Stroud stats vs. Patriots

It’s hard to argue with Aikman’s assessment when analyzing Stroud’s performance against the Patriots. Stroud threw a whopping four interceptions – including a pick-six that gave the Patriots a lead they wouldn’t relinquish – failed to complete 50% of his passes and posted a passer rating of 28 in Houston’s 28-16 loss.

Below is a look at Stroud’s full stats from the Jan. 18 game:

Comp./Att. (%): 20/47 (42.6%)
Passing yards: 212
Passing TDs: 1
Interceptions: 4
Yards per attempt: 4.5
Passer rating: 28
Times sacked: 3 (19 yards lost)
Carries: 2
Rushing yards: 11

Stroud’s four-interception performance was just the 16th in a playoff game since 2000. Justin Herbert was the last quarterback to throw at least four picks in a single playoff game before Stroud. The Los Angeles Chargers achieved that ignominious mark in his team’s 32-12 loss to the Texans in the wild-card round of the 2024 NFL playoffs.

But even despite Stroud’s dismal performance – particularly in the first half – Ryans didn’t consider benching Stroud in the second half.

‘C.J.’s our guy,’ Ryans told reporters after the game. ‘I believed that he could come back out in the second half and flip it. I believed that he could play better, and he did that in the second half. He did play better. We had some positive drives in the second half. I believed that he would do that and he did that.’

As long as Ryans continues to have faith in Stroud, he figures to remain the Texans’ starting quarterback. Still, it will be interesting to watch how the Texans effort to build around the 24-year-old as they look to bounce back from a third consecutive divisional-round exit.

The Denver Broncos won a playoff game for the first time since Super Bowl 50 in their 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills.

However, they Broncos also suffered a brutal loss during the contest. Starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered an injury that will sideline him for the remainder of Denver’s playoff run.

Nix has started the last 36 games consecutively for the Broncos dating back to his rookie season. His absence will leave Denver leaning on its backup quarterback, who has played just 18 combined snaps over the last two seasons and hasn’t thrown a pass since 2023.

Here’s what to know about Nix’s injury and when Broncos fans can expect him back on the field.

Is Bo Nix out for the season?

Yes, Nix is out for remainder of the NFL playoffs after fracturing his ankle in Denver’s 33-30 win over Buffalo in the divisional round, as Broncos coach Sean Payton announced during his postgame news conference.

‘On the second-to-last play in overtime, Bo fractured a bone in his right ankle,’ Payton told reporters. ‘He’s scheduled to have surgery Tuesday of this week to put him out for the rest of the season.’

Payton’s announcement was a surprise, as Nix was able to finish the overtime period despite his injury. He completed 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards, three touchdowns and an interception while leading the Broncos with 12 carries and 29 rushing yards.

How did Bo Nix break his ankle?

Payton originally said Nix fractured his ankle on the second-to-last play of overtime. However, the 62-year-old coach later clarified the injury occurred on Nix’s rushing attempt the play before Marvin Mims Jr. drew a critical, 30-yard pass interference call against Tre’Davious White.

On the play in question, the Broncos attempted a sweep play to the left with Nix. Bills safety Cole Bishop was able to get into the backfield untouched and brought the second-year quarterback down behind the line of scrimmage with an ankle tackle.

Nix was able to get up after the play but appeared slightly hobbled after the tackle. He remained in the game despite the injury, playing the Broncos’ final two offensive snaps before Wil Lutz trotted out and made the game-winning, 23-yard field goal to send the Broncos to the AFC championship game.

Bo Nix injury video

Below is a full look at the play on which Nix was injured, per NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.

How long is Bo Nix out?

Nix is out for the remainder of the Broncos’ season, but Denver hasn’t yet provided a concrete timeline for his return to action.

The Broncos may provide more information about Nix’s recovery following his surgery, which Payton said was scheduled to take place in Alabama on Tuesday.

Who is Bo Nix’s backup?

Stidham, 29, is a seven-year veteran who was elected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He has a 1-3 career record as a starter and has completed 59.4% of his passes for 1,422 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interception across limited time with the Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders and Broncos.

Stidham last attempted a pass during the 2023 NFL season, when he went 1-1 across two starts with the Broncos and completed 60.6% of his passes for 496 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Despite his lack of recent experience, Payton remains confident the veteran can fill in effectively for Nix.

‘He’s ready,’ Payton said of Stidham shortly after announcing Nix’s injury. ‘I said this at the beginning of the season, I feel like I’ve got a [No. 2 quarterback] that’s capable of starting for a number of teams, and I know he feels the same way. So, watch out. Just watch. He’s experienced, he’s played in games.’

Broncos QB depth chart

The Broncos originally had just two healthy quarterbacks remaining in their organization after Nix’s injury. They are set to ink a third to a practice-squad contract to ensure they have depth at the position as they look to make a Super Bowl run without their starting quarterback.

Below is a look at the pecking order within Denver’s new-look quarterback room:

Jarrett Stidham
Sam Ehlinger
Ben DiNucci (practice squad)

Ehlinger is in his first season with the Broncos after spending his first four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. The 27-year-old last attempted a pass in 2022, when he started three games, going 0-3 and completing 63.4% of his passes for 573 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Meanwhile, DiNucci is reportedly joining Denver’s practice squad after Nix’s injury. The 29-year-old was a seventh-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2020 NFL Draft and made one start for the team that season while completing 53.5% of his passes for 212 yards across three appearances.

DiNucci spent the 2023 NFL season on Denver’s practice squad but hasn’t attempted a pass in regular-season or postseason NFL action since the 2020 season.

The Chicago Bears pushed the Los Angeles Rams to the brink in their first divisional round appearance since 2010.

Quarterback Caleb Williams led a game-tying touchdown drive to knot the game 17-17 with 18 seconds to go. In overtime, Chicago’s defense forced a three-and-out, giving the Bears a chance to make the NFC championship game.

On second-and-8 midway through the overtime period, Williams dropped back and fired a deep shot down the right sideline towards wideout D.J. Moore but Rams safety Kam Curl undercut it for an interception.

Some have pointed out that Moore’s effort on the route may have left something to be desired at that point in the game, with the receiver seemingly slowing to a jog before Williams delivered the ball.

After the game, Williams said that it was nothing but a ‘miscommunication’ on the critical turnover.

‘I got to go back and watch it… but in the moment, I saw the front-side safety down, front-sided concept,’ he explained. ‘End up getting hemmed up a little bit and so moved on and had D.J. [Moore] going over top over all of it. Just a miscommunication between him and I. Tried to flatten him off under the safety and he kept it vertical from what I saw in the moment.’

That was the third interception of the game for Williams, his most in a game this year (regular season and playoffs).

Williams finished the night 23-of-42 passing for 257 yards and two touchdowns in addition to his three interceptions. He added five carries for 40 yards on the ground as well.

He found Moore for the Bears’ first touchdown of the night, a three-yard score to tie the game 7-7 on the first play of the second quarter.

His other two interceptions came on the opening drive of the game and the third quarter with the game tied 10-10. A quarter later, Williams ensured the Bears had extra time to fight for a spot in the NFC championship game.