2025 Feels Like the Year of the American Underdog

Detroit Lions should have lost Thursday night 's game against Green Bay , but somehow, doggedly, found their way.

Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard is a forgotten star in college football world.

The Fighting Irish haven’t been this close to glory in over a decade , the Lions ever.

The SEC , in particular, has been a bloodbath this year .

The first -of-its-kind, 12 -team bracket will be announced Sunday, December 8 at Noon ET following conference championship finals this Saturday .

Pundits have mostly filled in the bracket that will see higher-ranked teams gain home-field advantage in games scheduled to begin on December 20 .

The Irish are currently predicted to host 8 -3 Alabama, a team that has stumbled at times but possesses the talent to beat anyone on any day .