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The 4 teams currently playing like national champions -- and why

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 18:48 GMT by ESPN
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College Football Week 9 Recap: Four Teams on the Brink of a National Championship Showdown

The final week of the regular season saw a dramatic convergence of power as the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee’s top four teams—Indiana, Ohio State, Texas, and Alabama—each delivered decisive victories that cemented their spots in the national championship game. ESPN’s comprehensive recap of Week 9 highlights not only the outcomes of those pivotal matchups but also the ripple effects across the entire NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

1. Indiana – A Big Ten Upset that Sends Shockwaves

Indiana’s 28‑21 win over Clemson in Bloomington was the most talked‑about game of the week. The Badgers faced a Clemson squad that had been dominant in the ACC, yet Indiana’s balanced attack and disciplined defense held firm. Freshman quarterback Nick Carter, who had already posted a 70‑percent completion rate, guided the offense through three fourth‑quarter drives, culminating in a late touchdown that put the game out of reach. On defense, linebacker Jalen “J-Bird” Mitchell intercepted a Clemson pass and returned it for a 35‑yard score, a play that instantly electrified the home crowd.

The victory propelled Indiana into the top spot of the CFP rankings for the first time in program history. The Big Ten’s strong defensive line, led by senior defensive end Daryl Johnson, forced five turnovers and held Clemson to just 13 points after an early 14‑point blitz. The game’s narrative—an underdog defeating a perennial powerhouse—was echoed across the internet, with several social media threads celebrating the moment.

2. Ohio State – The Buckeye’s Clutch Performance

Ohio State’s 24‑20 win against Michigan in Columbus was a showcase of the Buckeyes’ resilience. The game, played under bright lights at Ohio Stadium, was a defensive duel that saw both teams trade touchdowns in the first half. Ohio State’s backup quarterback, Tyler Miller, stepped up when starter Carson Kelley was injured early in the third quarter. Miller’s two‑thirds of the offense came from a series of audibles, including a trick play that resulted in a 25‑yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Deandre Simmons.

Key to Ohio State’s success was the defense’s ability to contain Michigan’s ground attack. Defensive tackle Mike Simmons forced a fumble that was recovered by the Buckeyes in the red zone, giving the offense a much‑needed momentum shift. The victory ensured Ohio State’s place as the number two seed, setting up a potential rematch with Indiana if both teams advance.

3. Texas – The Long‑Range Offensive Explosion

Texas’ 45‑10 rout of Kansas in Austin showcased the Longhorns’ offensive prowess. Running back Jayden Robinson carried the ball 25 times for 165 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Caleb Jones threw for 320 yards and four touchdowns. The spread offense, which had struggled in the first part of the season, was back in full swing, with the offense executing a series of trick plays that caught the Sooners’ defense off guard.

Defensively, Texas’s line, anchored by senior defensive end Darius Hughes, pressured the Kansas quarterback into making mistakes. The Longhorns forced two sacks and intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter, sealing the game. The result put Texas at the third spot in the CFP rankings, creating a fascinating narrative as the conference rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma remained alive in the national title conversation.

4. Alabama – The Crimson Tide’s Dominant Defense

Alabama’s 35‑14 win over Auburn in Tuscaloosa was a masterclass in defensive execution. The Crimson Tide’s defense forced three interceptions, and linebacker T.J. Brown returned one for a touchdown. Alabama’s offense, paced by junior quarterback Trevor Barnes, used a balanced attack, with 220 rushing yards and 300 passing yards, underscoring the team’s versatility. The victory secured Alabama’s place as the fourth seed and guaranteed a spot in the championship game regardless of other results.

The game also highlighted Alabama’s coaching staff, with head coach Nick Sullivan earning praise for his game‑plan adjustments. Alabama’s defensive coordinator, Mark Riley, was singled out for developing a playbook that effectively neutralized Auburn’s explosive offense, a key factor in the victory.

National Championship Implications

The CFP selection committee’s announcement of the top four teams came after a day of intense debate among fans, analysts, and team representatives. With Indiana, Ohio State, Texas, and Alabama all victorious in Week 9, the committee’s decision was straightforward: Indiana earned the top seed, Ohio State the second, Texas the third, and Alabama the fourth. This configuration will produce a championship game between the number one and number four teams, and a semifinal match between the number two and number three teams.

The national championship game is set for January 10, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, a venue chosen for its state‑of‑the‑art facilities and historic significance. The anticipation is palpable, with both fans and analysts speculating about the matchup dynamics. Indiana’s underdog status, Ohio State’s storied tradition, Texas’s high‑powered offense, and Alabama’s defensive dominance will all factor into the strategic planning for the teams as they head into the final stretch of the season.

Broader Season Context

The Week 9 recaps also highlighted other teams that were in the national title conversation earlier in the season but faltered in recent games. Clemson, previously ranked in the top five, lost to a lower‑ranked opponent, dropping out of the top four. Michigan’s defensive struggles and offensive inconsistency were points of concern, especially after the loss to Ohio State. Additionally, the conference championship games are still pending, and their outcomes will affect the CFP’s final four as well.

The article links to several detailed recaps of the individual games, including in‑game highlights, player statistics, and post‑game interviews. For instance, the link to Indiana’s game recap provides a play‑by‑play breakdown of the pivotal interception by Mitchell and the subsequent touchdown run. The Ohio State recap includes an in‑depth interview with backup quarterback Tyler Miller, who discussed his preparation and the importance of the win. Texas’ recap highlights the spread offense’s adjustments and provides a breakdown of Robinson’s rushing yardage. Finally, the Alabama recap features a defensive analysis that underscores the team’s ball‑hawking prowess.

In conclusion, Week 9 of the 2024‑25 college football season was a decisive juncture that brought four teams—Indiana, Ohio State, Texas, and Alabama—into the spotlight. Their victories not only secured their positions in the national championship game but also set the stage for a historic showdown that will determine the premier college football program of the season. The drama, skill, and sheer competitiveness displayed across the country promise an unforgettable finish to the season.