Every week for the duration of the 2025 regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates to the NFL’s ever-evolving playoff picture − typically starting Sunday afternoon and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday’s and Thursday’s games or Saturday’s, if applicable. And, when the holidays roll around, we’ll be watching then, too).

What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference’s seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday, Jan. 4.

Here’s where things stand with Week 14 nearly complete:

AFC playoff picture

1. Denver Broncos (11-2), AFC West leaders: They beat the Raiders on Sunday, winning their 10th in a row, matching New England’s victory total and overtaking the Patriots for possession of the top seed by virtue of a conference record (7-2) that is a half-game better. Remaining schedule: vs. Packers, vs. Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers

2. New England Patriots (11-2), AFC East leaders: The first team in the league to reach 11 wins thanks to Monday night’s rollover of the Giants, the Pats remain in a very tight race with Denver, the teams’ airtight tiebreakers now in effect with the Broncos playing their 13th game Sunday. Remaining schedule: vs. Bills, at Ravens, at Jets, vs. Dolphins

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4), AFC South leaders: They claimed first place outright by smashing the depleted Colts on Sunday in Duval County. Remaining schedule: vs. Jets, at Broncos, vs. Colts, at Titans

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6), AFC North leaders: They jumped up nine spots, from out of the field back into the division lead by winning at Baltimore on Sunday. Remaining schedule: vs. Dolphins, at Lions, at Browns, vs. Ravens

5. Buffalo Bills (9-4), wild card No. 1: Massive win over Cincinnati solidifies their playoff standing heading into a notable showdown at Foxborough in Week 15 to face the AFC East-leading Pats. Remaining schedule: at Patriots, at Browns, vs. Eagles, vs. Jets

6. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4), wild card No. 2: Facing the NFC’s Eagles on Monday night basically won’t serve them well in tiebreaker department even if Bolts win. Remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, at Chiefs, at Cowboys, vs. Texans, at Broncos

7. Houston Texans (8-5), wild card No. 3: They’ve won six of seven, including five in a row. Beating the Chiefs at Arrowhead moved Houston into a wild-card slot by virtue of their Week 13 defeat of Indianapolis. Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals, vs. Raiders, at Chargers, vs. Colts

8. Indianapolis Colts (8-5), in the hunt: They’ve dropped four of their past five and lost QB Daniel Jones to an Achilles injury Sunday in Jacksonville. Houston’s win Sunday night dropped Indy from the projected field entirely. And the schedule doesn’t let up the rest of the way. Remaining schedule: at Seahawks, vs. 49ers, vs. Jaguars, at Texans

9. Baltimore Ravens (6-7), in the hunt: Consecutive losses − and to AFC North foes (Bengals, Steelers) − has them on the outside looking in. A 4-5 record in AFC games places them ahead of K.C. and Miami. Remaining schedule: at Bengals, vs. Patriots, at Packers, at Steelers

10. Kansas City Chiefs (6-7), in the hunt: Their chances to win a 10th straight AFC West title are officially null and void. And Sunday night’s loss to Houston means they’ll likely miss the postseason for the first time since 2014 − Andy Reid’s second year in K.C. And don’t forget they’ve lost to the Broncos, Chargers, Bills, Texans and Jags, who are all ahead of them. Remaining schedule: vs. Chargers, at Titans, vs. Broncos, at Raiders

11. Miami Dolphins (6-7), in the hunt: They probably need to win the remainder of their games to even have a shot at postseason qualification but notched another one Sunday in New York. Remaining schedule: at Steelers, vs. Bengals, vs. Buccaneers, at Patriots

12. Cincinnati Bengals (4-9), in the hunt: They basically need to win the remainder of their games to even have a shot at postseason qualification … though they probably have a better one than Miami by virtue of living in this year’s surprisingly subpar AFC North. Remaining schedule: vs. Ravens, at Dolphins, vs. Cardinals, vs. Browns

NFC playoff picture

1. Los Angeles Rams (10-3), NFC West leaders: They regained the inside track for home-field advantage and a first-round bye by demolishing the Cardinals and benefiting from Chicago’s loss to Green Bay. The Rams’ Week 11 defeat of Seattle remains pivotal. Remaining schedule: vs. Lions, at Seahawks, at Falcons, vs. Cardinals

2. Green Bay Packers (9-3-1), NFC North leaders: They got the best of the archrival Bears, consequential win that put the Pack back on top of the division and just a half-game off the conference pace. Remaining schedule: at Broncos, at Bears, vs. Ravens, at Vikings

3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4), NFC East leaders: Two losses in a row not only mean a lot more scrutiny but − beware − a team that could still fall into the Cowboys’ clutches in the division if it’s not careful. Remaining schedule: at Chargers, vs. Raiders, at Commanders, at Bills, vs. Commanders

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6), NFC South leaders: They remain in first place despite a damaging loss to New Orleans. The Bucs currently have a one-game lead over Carolina in the common-games tiebreaker department. Remaining schedule: vs. Falcons, at Panthers, at Dolphins, vs. Panthers

5. Seattle Seahawks (10-3), wild card No. 1: Sunday’s rout of Falcons moved them atop the conference … for a few hours. But the Rams’ win at Arizona pushed Seattle back to the wild-card echelon. All three of the ‘Hawks’ losses are against NFC opponents, including two in the division − defeats that don’t serve them well in the tiebreaker department. Remaining schedule: vs. Colts, vs. Rams, at Panthers, at 49ers

6. San Francisco 49ers (9-4), wild card No. 2: They’re in a precarious spot given their pursuers, yet are just behind the Rams and Seahawks for the NFC West lead. Off this weekend, the Niners were in no danger of vacating the field. Remaining schedule: vs. Titans, at Colts, vs. Bears, vs. Seahawks

7. Chicago Bears (9-4), wild card No. 3: How tightly packed is the NFC? One narrow loss dropped the Bears from first place in the conference to seventh, just a game ahead of the division rival Lions. Remaining schedule: vs. Browns, vs. Packers, at 49ers, vs. Lions

8. Detroit Lions (8-5), in the hunt: Huge win over Dallas on Thursday night. It brought the Lions within a game of the NFC’s final wild card and helped them in the division standings given Chicago’s Sunday reversal. Remaining schedule: at Rams, vs. Steelers, at Vikings, at Bears

9. Carolina Panthers (7-6), in the hunt: Though Carolina is off this week, the Panthers basically pulled even atop the NFC South. Remaining schedule: at Saints, vs. Buccaneers, vs. Seahawks, at Buccaneers

10. Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1), in the hunt: Crippling loss Thursday in Motown. Dallas’ best bet now is probably to hope the Eagles continue to struggle and leave the NFC East in play. Remaining schedule: vs. Vikings, vs. Chargers, at Commanders, at Giants

NFL teams eliminated from playoff contention in 2025

The football seemingly bounced the Kansas City Chiefs’ way all of last season as they won 11 one-score games. The football is continuously bouncing in the opposite direction this year.

Kansas City’s 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans was emblematic of their season.

Whether it’s a 43-yard Harrison Butker field goal that doinked off the upright, a football that slipped through Rashee Rice’s hands on fourth down or a Travis Kelce drop that lands in the hands of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

The Chiefs aren’t the recipients of footballs bouncing their way in 2025.  

Chiefs pass catchers had six drops in their loss to Houston. Six drops factored into Patrick Mahomes passing for a season-low 160 yards.

“They are upset. They put it all out there and it didn’t work out for them,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters postgame. “The guys that had some mishaps, they are upset. These guys take responsibility for things.”

Injuries have also hurt Kansas City.

The Chiefs were down three starting offensive linemen (Josh Simmons, Trey Smith and Jawaan Taylor) in Week 14. Their banged up offensive line took another hit when tackle Wanya Morris injured his knee on the very first snap of Sunday night’s game and was ruled out for the rest of the contest.

Mahomes was under pressure on 50% of his dropbacks versus Houston, according to Pro Football Focus. He finished with a career-worst 19.8 passer rating.

Standout cornerback Trent McDuffie sustained a knee injury after he gave up a long 46-yard reception to Texans wideout Nico Collins in the first quarter and didn’t return.

Collins tallied a game-high 121 receiving yards on four catches.

When “mishaps” as Reid labeled it and injuries start to mount, one must wonder if it’s just not the Chiefs’ year.

Kansas City’s playoff probability decreased to 15% following its Week 14 defeat, per Next Gen Stats. They are in the 10th position in the AFC.

The Chiefs (6-7) have appeared in five Super Bowls over the past six seasons, including three Super Bowl victories. They’ve won the AFC West title for nine consecutive seasons during their dynasty. But the Chiefs’ latest loss could be a sign that their reign is beginning to falter.

If the Chiefs want to preserve their dynasty, they definitely need to undergo a retooling around Mahomes during an offseason that appears to have a start date earlier than expected.

“We know the (playoff) chances are getting lower and lower,” Mahomes said. “But I know the guys on this team are going to give everything they have every opportunity we get.”

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

• Mike Macdonald called on Rashid Shaheed to provide a spark for the Seahawks in Sunday’s game against the Falcons.
• Shaheed delivered with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that broke open the game.
• The Seahawks are leaning on complementary football while discovering different ways to win.

ATLANTA – With his Seattle Seahawks clearly sputtering for the first half of the game on Sunday, Mike Macdonald had a suggestion he was compelled to share in the locker room.

Or maybe it was a Nostradamus moment.

Let Devon Witherspoon, the heart-and-soul of Seattle’s big-play defense, fill in the details.

“He said, ‘Kickoff team, let’s take one to the house, ‘Shid. Do what you do, make a block and don’t let your guy make a tackle,’ ” said Witherspoon, the star cornerback, after the 37-9 romp against the Atlanta Falcons. “And then those guys went out and did that.

“Shout out to special teams.”

“‘Shid” would be Rahsid Shaheed, the electric receiver-returner, who followed the orders from the Seahawks coach and took the second-half kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown that broke open a 6-6 game – and then some.

Talk about speaking something into existence.

“Coach Macdonald, he called that for sure,” Witherspoon marveled.

The kick return ignited a magnificent second half for the Seahawks (10-3), who not only exploded for 31 points after halftime but produced what was likely their most complete game of the season.

How complete was it? On top of Shaheed’s momentum-seizing return, consider this: Sam Darnold passed for three TDs and the Seahawks rushed for 129 yards. Rookie phenom Nick Emmanwori blocked a field goal. The defense collected three turnovers – Witherspoon had a pick and a fumble recovery, Emmanwori had an interception – and a week after shutting out the Vikings ran its streak of quarters without a touchdown allowed to eight.

Sure, they pummeled the feeble Falcons (4-9), who clinched the franchise’s eighth consecutive season. But no matter. In notching a 10th victory before January for the first time since 2000, the Seahawks illustrated why they might be the team that no one wants to face in the playoffs next month.

“We feel really good,” said star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who rebounded from his least productive game of the season a week earlier with seven catches, 92 yards and two TDs. “We feel confident. This is a big stretch for us. We know that. Championship football, heading into the playoffs. Just trying to keep building this mojo and win out.”

At the moment, the Seahawks hold the NFC’s top wild-card spot and fifth seed overall for the playoffs. Yet challenges await. After hosting the battered Indianapolis Colts next weekend (after a 7-1 start, the Colts have lost four of their past five games, and it is feared that quarterback Daniel Jones could be done for the season due to an Achilles injury), Seattle gets a visit from the Los Angeles Rams to likely determine first place in the NFC West. Then they close the regular season with road games at the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers – two teams locked in intense playoff bids of their own.

Yet complementary football might be Seattle’s secret sauce. The defense has been outstanding all season, with playmakers on every level. Shaheed’s punch in the return game adds to a unit that includes one of the league best kickers, Jason Myers, who booted three field goals on Sunday.

Then there’s the explosiveness. The roll at Mercedes-Benz Stadium marked the fourth time this season that Seattle has scored at least 30 points in a half. The rest of the NFL produced six 30-point halves, heading into Sunday.

Smith-Njigba, who leads the NFL with 1,428 receiving yards on 89 receptions, mentioned something else reflected with the latest triumph. He said, “We’re learning how to win different types of games.”

The sluggish start by Seattle’s offense against the Falcons should ensure that there will no complacency for coordinator Klint Kubiak’s unit. The Seahawks managed just two field goals from five first-half drives and, with a Darnold interception, were stung again by the turnover woes that have plagued them as they entered the game with the second-most giveaways (22) in the league. And another drive stalled deep in Falcons territory, leaving Darnold to lament a need to sharpen details.

“We’re able to go up and down the field,” Darnold said. “We’ve just got to finish our drives.”

Then again, when Darnold called it a “total team effort,” he was mindful of the support coming from the Seattle defense.

The past two games, the Seahawks have allowed 9 points and zero touchdowns while forcing eight turnovers.

“There are going to be opportunities that are representative of big plays made by defense, special teams and offense,” receiver Cooper Kupp said. “The opportunities to play complementary football. What that does in terms of momentum swings and being able to beat an opponent down….when you can do that, the psychological toll is a big deal.”

It’s a formula the Seahawks will be eager to try applying in the playoffs. Especially if they speak it into existence with undeniable action.

Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on X: @JarrettBell

The NCAA volleyball tournament field has been narrowed to 16 teams.

Fifteen of the top 16 seeds advanced over the first and second rounds and will begin Sweet 16 play on Thursday, Dec. 11 or Friday, Dec. 12.

Cal Poly produced the lone upset, taking down No. 4 seed USC in the Lexington regional. The Mustangs will face Kentucky, the No. 1 seed in the region, on Thursday.

No. 1 overall seed Nebraska advanced by sweeping Kansas State and Long Island University in the first and second round, respectively. The Huskers face Kansas in the round of 16 on Friday. No. 1 seed Pittsburgh will be in action Thursday, and No. 1 seed Texas opens Sweet 16 play on Friday.

The 2025 NCAA women’s volleyball Final Four will be held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. It’s the third time since 2010 that the venue has hosted the volleyball national championship.

When is NCAA women’s volleyball Sweet 16?

• Date: Dec. 11 and 13 or Dec. 12 and 14
• Time: Four matches each day, beginning at 1 p.m. ET Thursday and noon ET Friday. Match-by-match times below.

How to watch NCAA volleyball tournament

• Streaming: ESPN+ ∣ Fubo (free trial)

The 2025 NCAA women’s volleyball tournament will air across the ESPN and ABC family of networks. Games can be streamed ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription streaming service, and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Watch NCAA volleyball tournament on Fubo

NCAA volleyball Sweet 16 schedule: Times, TV

All times Eastern

Thursday, Dec. 11

• No. 2 Arizona State vs. No. 3 Creighton, 1 p.m. | ESPN2
• No. 1 Kentucky vs. Cal Poly, 3:30 p.m. | ESPN2
• No. 4 Minnesota vs. No. 1 Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. | ESPN2
• No. 2 SMU vs. No. 3 Purdue, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN2

Friday, Dec. 12

• No. 1 Texas vs. No. 4 Indiana, 12 p.m. | ESPN
• No. 3 Wisconsin vs. No. 2 Stanford, 2:30 p.m. | ESPN
• No. 3 Texas A&M vs. No. 2 Louisville, 7 p.m. | ESPN2
• No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 4 Kansas, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN2

NCAA volleyball second-round results

Lexington bracket

• No. 1 Kentucky 3, No. 8 UCLA 1 (30-28, 25-16, 28-30, 25-17)
• No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 6 Northern Iowa 1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21)
• No. 2 Arizona State 3, Utah State 1 (25-15, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15)
• Cal Poly 3, No. 4 USC 2 (25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 14-25, 15-7)

Austin bracket

• No. 4 Indiana 3, No. 5 Colorado 0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-23)
• No. 3 Wisconsin 3, North Carolina 0 (25-14, 25-21, 27-25)
• No. 1 Texas 1, No. 8 Penn State 0 (25-16, 25-9, 25-19)
• No. 2 Stanford 3, Arizona 1 (25-16, 25-27, 25-17, 25-20)

Pittsburgh bracket

• No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 6 Baylor 1 (25-16, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20)
• No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, Michigan 0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18)
• No. 2 SMU 3, Florida 0 (25-11, 25-21, 26-24)
• No. 4 Minnesota 3, No. 5 Iowa State 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-14)

Lincoln bracket

• No. 4 Kansas 3, No. 5 Miami 1 (25-17, 25-22, 22-25, 27-25)
• No. 2 Louisville 3, Marquette 2 (21-25, 25-11, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12)
• No. 1 Nebraska 3, Kansas State 0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-16)
• No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 6 TCU 1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 29-27)

NCAA volleyball first-round results

Lexington bracket

• No. 1 Kentucky 3, Wofford 0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-12)
• No. 8 UCLA 3, Georgia Tech 2 (24-26, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, 15-10)
• Cal Poly 3, No. 5 BYU 2 (25-19, 17-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10)
• No. 4 USC 3, Princeton 0, (25-19, 25-12, 25-13)
• No. 3 Creighton 3, Northern Colorado 2 (12-25, 25-23,25-23,17-25, 8-15)
• No. 6 Northern Iowa 3, Utah 2 (15-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-20, 15-10)
• Utah State 3, No. 7 Tennessee 2 (25-19, 25-15, 19-25, 25-18, 15-11)
• No. 2 Arizona State 3, Coppin State 0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-12)

Austin bracket

• No. 1 Texas 3, Florida A&M 0 (25-11, 25- 8, 25-14)
• No. 8 Penn State 3, South Florida 1 (25-23, 12-25, 25-21, 25-19)
• No. 5 Colorado 3, American 0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-16)
• No. 4 Indiana 3, Toledo 0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-17)
• No. 3 Wisconsin 3, Eastern Illinois 0 (25-11, 25-6, 25-19)
• North Carolina 3, No. 6 UTEP 1 (24-26, 25-11, 25-18, 25-21)
• Arizona 3, No. 7 South Dakota State 1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-15, 25-15)
• No. 2 Stanford 3, Utah Valley 1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-13, 25-14)

Pittsburgh bracket

• No. 1 Pitt 3, UMBC 0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-13)
• Michigan 3, No. 8 Xavier 0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-23)
• No. 5 Iowa State 3, St. Thomas-Minnesota 2 (21-25, 25-13, 25-16, 21-25, 15-8)
• No. 4 Minnesota 3, Fairfield 0 (25-12, 25-7, 25-13)
• No. 3 Purdue 3, Wright State 0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-19)
• No. 6 Baylor 3, Arkansas State 2 (23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 23-25, 15-10)
• Florida 3, No. 7 Rice 0 (27-25, 25-23, 25-19)
• No. 2 SMU 3, Central Arkansas 0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-13)

Lincoln bracket

• No. 1 Nebraska 3, Long Island 0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-17)
• Kansas State 3, San Diego 2 (21-25, 25-17, 26-28, 25-22, 15-12)
• No. 5 Miami 3, Tulsa 1 (25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 25-20)
• No. 4 Kansas 3, High Point 0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-18)
• No. 3 Texas A&M 3, Campbell 0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-13)
• No. 6 TCU 3, Stephen F. Austin 0 (25-8, 26-24, 25-20)
• Marquette 3, Western Kentucky 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-16)
• No. 2 Louisville 3, Loyola (Illinois) 0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-12)

NCAA volleyball tournament rounds

• Regionals: Dec. 11 and 13 or Dec. 12 and 14
• Semifinals: Thursday, Dec. 18, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. ET
• National championship: Sunday, Dec. 21, 3:30 p.m. ET

NCAA volleyball tournament automatic qualifiers

Here’s a look at the 31 teams that earned automatic berths to the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament by virtue of winning their conferences:

• ACC: Stanford
• American: Tulsa
• American East: UMBC
• Atlantic Sun: Central Arkansas
• Atlantic 10: Loyola (Illinois)
• Big East: Creighton
• Big Sky: Northern Colorado
• Big South: High Point
• Big Ten: Nebraska
• Big 12: Arizona State
• Big West: Cal Poly
• CAA: Campbell
• Conference USA: Western Kentucky
• Horizon: Wright State
• Ivy: Princeton
• MAAC: Fairfield
• MAC: Toledo
• MEAC: Coppin State
• Missouri Valley: Northern Iowa
• Mountain West: Utah State
• NEC: Long Island
• Ohio Valley: Eastern Illinois
• Patriot: American
• SEC: Kentucky
• SoCon: Wofford
• Southland: Stephen F. Austin
• SWAC: Florida A&M
• Summit: St. Thomas
• Sun Belt: Arkansas State
• WAC: Utah Valley
• WCC: San Diego

When is the NCAA volleyball Final Four in 2025?

• Dates: Thursday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 21

The two semifinal matches in the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 and will be broadcast on ESPN. The national championship game is Sunday, Dec. 21 on ABC.

NCAA volleyball tournament champions

Penn State is the reigning NCAA volleyball champion, having defeated Louisville in four sets last year in the national title game. It was the Nittany Lions’ eighth volleyball championship since 1999.

Here’s a look at the past 10 NCAA volleyball champions:

• 2024: Penn State
• 2023: Texas
• 2022: Texas
• 2021: Wisconsin
• 2020: Kentucky
• 2019: Stanford
• 2018: Stanford
• 2017: Nebraska
• 2016: Stanford
• 2015: Nebraska

For the full list of champions, click here.

James Madison is in. Notre Dame is out.

The College Football Playoff saved the biggest drama for the final rankings, bumping the Sun Belt champions into the tournament over ACC champion Duke and Miami instead of the Fighting Irish for the final at-large spot.

In the end, the selection committee leaned on the Hurricanes’ head-to-head win against Notre Dame to open the season after ignoring that result throughout the rankings. This is a decision that ranks alongside Florida State’s exclusion in 2023 as the most controversial in playoff history.

The top four seeds are Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia and Texas Tech. The at-large picks are No. 5 Oregon, No. 6 Mississippi, No. 7 Texas A&M, No. 8 Oklahoma, No. 9 Alabama and No. 10 Miami. No. 11 Tulane and No. 12 James Madison round out the field.

If the favorites win at home in the opening round, the quarterfinal matchups would be Indiana against Oklahoma, Ohio State against Texas A&M, Georgia against Mississippi and Texas Tech against Oregon.

James Madison, Miami and the Irish lead the winners and losers from the bracket reveal:

Winners

Miami

The Hurricanes played their way into the field with a dominant four-game winning streak to end the regular season, which forced the committee to finally take into account the tiebreaker over Notre Dame. That they waited until this point will bring the committee under intense scrutiny, and deservedly so: Why not move Miami ahead earlier in the process to avoid this very situation? You have to think a major factor was Duke’s win and the possibility the ACC would be left out of the tournament entirely – even if the committee chairman said otherwise.

James Madison

James Madison was able to squeeze into the field after Duke beat Virginia in the ACC championship game, leading to a comparison of the one-loss Sun Belt champions against a five-loss Power Four winner. In the end, the Dukes lacked the Blue Devils’ résumé of wins, which included seven against Power Four competition, but had the record and level of game control to upend expectations and give the Group of Five two teams in the tournament.

Alabama

The Crimson Tide benefitted from the precedent set by the committee that says teams will not be docked for what happens in conference championship games. That’s obvious after Georgia handled Alabama with room to spare on Saturday night, avenging an earlier loss at home. While the Tide can exhale after a worrisome overnight wait, the bigger concern now is how this team has played since beating Tennessee early last month. Since then, the Tide haven’t looked the part of a playoff team, though the résumé was there to keep them in the bracket ahead of Notre Dame and Miami.

The Big 12

The conference couldn’t get two teams into the tournament after Texas Tech beat Brigham Young to knock out the Cougars. That’s the same as last season, when only Arizona State represented the Big 12. But this year feels very different nonetheless thanks to a deeper run of teams in the final rankings. In addition to the No. 4 Red Raiders and No. 12 BYU, the Big 12 placed No. 15 Utah, No. 17 Arizona and No. 21 Houston in the final top 25. The Big 12 had four teams in last year’s final rankings but only one inside the top 15.

Group of Five

This is a major look-at-us moment for the conferences that exist in the long shadow cast by the Power Four. While the American was assured of a playoff berth regardless of what happened in the championship game between Tulane and North Texas, there was little thought given to getting a second Group of Five team into the bracket until the final two weeks of the regular season. There needed to be a perfect storm of events to make this a possibility: JMU had to be perfect and the ACC had to be perfectly scrambled to open just the slightest path for another Group of Five team. While the Green Wave and Dukes will be underdogs in the opening round, this is a banner moment for the non-major conferences.

Losers

Notre Dame

There was almost no reason think Notre Dame would be the team left out after conference championship games, given Alabama’s pathetic showing against Georgia and the fact the Irish had been in front of Miami – as many as eight spots in front, in fact – throughout the entire ranking process. There’s also the idea that Notre Dame brings eyeballs and ratings to the playoff, making the Irish an even stronger candidate. That makes the fact they were bumped on Sunday extremely controversial, highly dramatic and definitely hard to explain. In the committee’s defense, the Irish did have a weaker résumé of wins than other at-large contenders. But Notre Dame was a powerhouse down the stretch and looked the part of a playoff team.

The ACC

While the ACC did get Miami into the tournament to avoid an embarrassing shutout, the conference also had just three teams in the rankings – Miami, No. 19 Virginia and No. 22 Georgia Tech – for the fewest of any Power Four league. The ACC is even lucky to a third team in the Yellow Jackets, who lost three of four in November and barely beat Boston College. Overall, Tech beat only three teams with a winning record and none with more than eight wins.

Brigham Young

The Cougars never factored into the at-large debate and were even dropped in the rankings after losing a second time to Texas Tech, even though a similar loss to Georgia didn’t move Alabama off of the No. 9 seed. BYU lost just twice, both to the Red Raiders, and had wins against East Carolina, Arizona, Utah, Iowa State, TCU and Cincinnati. That wasn’t enough to make the Cougars a legitimate contender.

Vanderbilt

The Commodores did their part, taking care of Tennessee in the season finale for the first 10-win finish in program history, but never came under any realistic consideration from the committee as an at-large candidate. Three teams would’ve earned the nod over Vanderbilt in Notre Dame, BYU and Texas. You can shift some of the blame to South Carolina, LSU and Missouri, which collapsed down the stretch after being ranked when meeting the Commodores. Still, look for quarterback Diego Pavia to be a Heisman Trophy finalist and potentially win the award, though he’s likely to finish second behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.

The NCAA Division I volleyball tournament’s second round concluded on Saturday.

No. 1 seeds Nebraska, Texas, Pitt and Kentucky advanced to the Sweet 16.

Cal Poly defeated No. 4 seed USC in the second round of the tournament play on Friday, the biggest upset of the tournament thus far.

The 2025 NCAA volleyball Final Four will be held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. It’s the third time since 2010 that the venue, formerly known as the Sprint Center, has hosted the volleyball national championship.

What time is NCAA volleyball tournament?

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
• Start time: Eight matches, beginning at 6 p.m. ET Saturday. Match-by-match times below.

How to watch NCAA volleyball tournament

• Streaming: ESPN+ ∣ Fubo (free trial)

The 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament will air across the ESPN and ABC family of networks. All first- and second-round games can be found streaming on ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription streaming service, and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Watch the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament live with Fubo (free trial)

Follow along with USA TODAY Sports for live updates, scores and schedule for the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament:

Saturday’s NCAA women’s volleyball tournament

Stanford 3, Arizona 1

The Cardinal advance, 25-16, 25-27, 25-17, 25-20.

SMU 3, Florida 0

The Mustangs win the first match 25-11, 25-21, 26-24.

Texas A&M 3, TCU 1

The Aggies won 23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 29-27 in the closest match of the game.

Nebraska 3, Kansas State 0

The Huskers are now 32-0 after the sweep, 25-17, 25-21, 25-16.

Minnesota 3, Iowa State 0

The Gophers eliminate the Cyclones 25-22, 25-21, 25-14.

Texas 3, Penn State 0

Texas eliminates defending champion Penn State, 25-16, 25-9, 25-19.

Pittsburgh 3, Michigan 0

No. 1 seed Pitt won 25-23, 25-23, 25-18 to eliminate Michigan.

Louisville 3, Marquette 2

Louisville staved off an upset 21-25, 25-11, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12.

NCAA volleyball second-round matchups, game times

The second round concludes Saturday Dec. 6.

Lexington bracket

• No. 1 Kentucky 3, No. 8 UCLA 1 (30-28, 25-16, 28-30, 25-17)
• No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 6 UNI 1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21)
• No. 2 Arizona State 3, Utah State 1 (25-15, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15)
• Cal Poly 3, No. 4 USC 2 (25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 14-25, 15-7)

Austin bracket

• No. 4 Indiana 3, No. 5 Colorado 0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-23)
• No. 3 Wisconsin 3, North Carolina 0 (25-14, 25-21, 27-25)
• No. 1 Texas 1, No. 8 Penn State 0 (25-16, 25-9, 25-19)
• No. 2 Stanford 3, Arizona 1 (25-16, 25-27, 25-17, 25-20)

Pittsburgh bracket

• No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 6 Baylor 1 (25-16, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20)
• No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, Michigan 0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18)
• No. 2 SMU 3, Florida 0 (25-11, 25-21, 26-24)
• No. 4 Minnesota 3, No. 5 Iowa State 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-14)

Lincoln bracket

• No. 4 Kansas 3, No. 5 Miami 1 (25-17, 25-22, 22-25, 27-25)
• No. 2 Louisville 3, Marquette 2 (21-25, 25-11, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12)
• No. 1 Nebraska 3, Kansas State 0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-16)
• No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 6 TCU 1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 29-27)

NCAA volleyball first-round results

Lexington bracket

• No. 1 Kentucky 3, Wofford 0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-12)
• No. 8 UCLA 3, Georgia Tech 2 (24-26, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, 15-10)
• Cal Poly 3, No. 5 BYU 2 (25-19, 17-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10)
• No. 4 USC 3, Princeton 0, (25-19, 25-12, 25-13)
• No. 3 Creighton 3, Northern Colorado 2 (12-25, 25-23,25-23,17-25, 8-15)
• No. 6 Northern Iowa 3, Utah 2 (15-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-20, 15-10)
• Utah State 3, No. 7 Tennessee 2 (25-19, 25-15, 19-25, 25-18, 15-11)
• No. 2 Arizona State 3, Coppin State 0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-12)

Austin bracket

• No. 1 Texas 3, Florida A&M 0 (25-11, 25- 8, 25-14)
• No. 8 Penn State 3, South Florida 1 (25-23, 12-25, 25-21, 25-19)
• No. 5 Colorado 3, American 0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-16)
• No. 4 Indiana 3, Toledo 0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-17)
• No. 3 Wisconsin 3, Eastern Illinois 0 (25-11, 25-6, 25-19)
• North Carolina 3, No. 6 UTEP 1 (24-26, 25-11, 25-18, 25-21)
• Arizona 3, No. 7 South Dakota State 1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-15, 25-15)
• No. 2 Stanford 3, Utah Valley 1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-13, 25-14)

Pittsburgh bracket

• No. 1 Pitt 3, UMBC 0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-13)
• Michigan 3, No. 8 Xavier 0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-23)
• No. 5 Iowa State 3, St. Thomas-Minnesota 2 (21-25, 25-13, 25-16, 21-25, 15-8)
• No. 4 Minnesota 3, Fairfield 0 (25-12, 25-7, 25-13)
• No. 3 Purdue 3, Wright State 0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-19)
• No. 6 Baylor 3, Arkansas State 2 (23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 23-25, 15-10)
• Florida 3, No. 7 Rice 0 (27-25, 25-23, 25-19)
• No. 2 SMU 3, Central Arkansas 0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-13)

Lincoln bracket

• No. 1 Nebraska 3, LIU 0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-17)
• Kansas State 3, San Diego 2 (21-25, 25-17, 26-28, 25-22, 15-12)
• No. 5 Miami 3, Tulsa 1 (25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 25-20)
• No. 4 Kansas 3, High Point 0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-18)
• No. 3 Texas A&M 3, Campbell 0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-13)
• No. 6 TCU 3, Stephen F. Austin 0 (25-8, 26-24, 25-20)
• Marquette 3, Western Kentucky 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-16)
• No. 2 Louisville 3, Loyola Chicago 0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-12)

NCAA volleyball tournament rounds

• Second round: Dec. 6
• Regionals: Dec. 11 and 13 or Dec. 12 and 14
• Semifinals: Thursday, Dec. 18
• National championship: 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 21

All games on ESPN Unlimited, ESPN, ABC

NCAA volleyball games Friday

Cal Poly 3, USC 2

Cal Poly 3, No. 4 USC 2 (25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 14-25, 15-7)

Final: Stanford 3, Utah Valley 1

No. 2 Stanford 3, Utah Valley 1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-13, 25-14)

Final: Arizona State 3, Utah State 1

No. 2 Arizona State 3, Utah State 1 (25-15, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15)

Final: Nebraska 3, Long Island University 0

No. 1 Nebraska swept Long Island University 25-11, 25-15, 25-17

Final: No. 3 Wisconsin 3, North Carolina 0

No. 3 Wisconsin swept North Carolina 25-14, 25-21, 27-25

Final: No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 6 UNI 1

No. 3 Creighton defeated No. 6 UNI 25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21

Final: No. 4 Minnesota 3, Fairfield 0

No. 4 Minnesota swept Fairfield 25-12, 25-7, 25-13

Final: Texas 3, Florida A&M

No. 1 Texas swept Florida A&M (25-11, 25- 8, 25-14)

Final: Arizona 3, No. 7 South Dakota State 1

Arizona defeated No. 7 South Dakota State 25-21, 22-25, 25-15, 25-15

Final: Kentucky 3, UCLA 1

No. 1 Kentucky defeated No. 8 UCLA 30-28, 25-16, 28-30, 25-17

Final: Kansas 3, Miami 1

No. 4 Kansas defeated No. 5 Miami (25-17, 25-22, 22-25, 27-25)

Final: Texas A&M 3, Campbell 0

Texas A&M swept Campbell 25-20, 25-10, 25-13

Final: SMU 3, Central Arkansas 0

No. 2 SMU swept Central Arkansas 25-13, 25-13, 25-13

Final: Purdue 3, No. 6 Baylor 1

No. 3 Purdue defeated No. 6 Baylor 1 (25-16, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20)

Final: No. 4 Indiana 3, No. 5 Colorado 0

No. 4 Indiana swept No. 5 Colorado (25-20, 25-17, 25-23)

Final: Kansas State 3, San Diego 2

Kansas State defeated No. 8 San Diego 21-25, 25-17, 26-28, 25-22, 15-12

Final: Pitt 3, UMBC 0

No. 1 Pitt swept UMBC 25-10, 25-17, 25-13

Final: Penn State 3, South Florida 1

No. 8 Penn State defeated South Florida 25-23, 12-25, 25-21, 25-19

No. 8 Penn State took the first set 25-23, while South Florida took the second set 25-12. The defending champions won the third set 25-21 and the fourth 25-19 to win, 3-1.

Final: Iowa State 3, St. Thomas-Minnesota 2

No. 5 Iowa State defeated St. Thomas-Minnesota 21-25, 25-13, 25-16, 21-25, 15-8

St. Thomas took the first set 25-21, while Iowa State took the second, 25-13, and third, 25-16. St. Thomas forced a decisive fifth set by taking the fourth 25-21, but Iowa State closed it out 15-8 in the fifth.

Final: Louisville 3, Loyola Chicago 0

No. 2 Louisville swept Loyola Chicago 25-17, 25-9, 25-12.

Final: TCU 3, Stephen F. Austin 0

No. 6 TCU swept Stephen F. Austin 25-8, 26-24, 25-20.

Final: Florida 3, Rice 0

Florida swept No. 7 Rice 27-25, 25-23, 25-19.

Final: Michigan 3, Xavier 0

Michigan swept No. 8 Xavier 25-19, 25-15, 25-23

Final: Marquette 3, Western Kentucky 0

Marquette swept No. 7 Western Kentucky 25-22, 25-21, 25-16.

NCAA volleyball games Thursday

Final: USC 3, Princeton 0

No. 3 seed USC swept Princeton 25-19, 25-12, 25-13

Final: Kentucky 3, Wofford 0

No. 1 Kentucky swept Wofford 25-11, 25-19, 25-12

Final: Arizona State 3, Coppin State 0

No. 2 Arizona State swept Coppin State 25-11, 25-14, 25-12

Final: Wisconsin 3, Eastern Illinois 0

No. 3 Wisconsin swept Eastern Illinois 25-11, 25-6, 25-19

Final: Purdue 3, Wright State 0

No. 3 Purdue swept Wright State 25-13, 25-21, 25-19

Final: Creighton 3, Northern Colorado 2

No. 3 Creighton swept Northern Colorado 12-25, 25-23,25-23,17-25, 8-15

Final: Kansas 3, High Point 0

No. 4 Kansas swept High Point 25-20, 25-15, 25-18

Final: Cal Poly 3, BYU 2

Cal Poly defeated No. 5 BYU 25-19, 17-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10

Final: Utah State 3, Tennessee 2

Utah State defeated No. 7 Tennessee 25-19, 25-15, 19-25, 25-18, 15-11

Final: North Carolina 3, UTEP 1

North Carolina downed No. 6 UTEP 24-26, 25-11, 25-18, 25-21

Final: Northern Iowa 3, Utah 2

No. 6 Northern Iowa defeated Utah 15-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-20, 15-10

Final: UCLA 3, Georgia Tech 2

No. 8 UCLA defeated Georgia Tech 24-26, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, 15-10

Final: Baylor 3, Arkansas State 2

No. 6 Baylor defeated Arkansas State 23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 23-25, 15-10

Final: Miami 3, Tulsa 1

No. 5 Miami defeated Tulsa 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 25-20

Final: Indiana 3, Toledo 0

No. 4 Indiana swept Toledo 25-18, 25-15, 25-17

Final: Colorado 3, American University 0

Colorado eliminated American 25-16, 25-19, 25-16

NCAA volleyball tournament automatic qualifiers

Here’s a look at the 31 teams that earned automatic berths to the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament by virtue of winning their conferences:

• ACC: Stanford
• American: Tulsa
• American East: UMBC
• Atlantic Sun: Central Arkansas
• Atlantic 10: Loyola Chicago
• Big East: Creighton
• Big Sky: Northern Colorado
• Big South: High Point
• Big Ten: Nebraska
• Big 12: Arizona State
• Big West: Cal Poly
• CAA: Campbell
• Conference USA: Western Kentucky
• Horizon: Wright State
• Ivy: Princeton
• MAAC: Fairfield
• MAC: Toledo
• MEAC: Coppin State
• Missouri Valley: Northern Iowa
• Mountain West: Utah State
• NEC: LIU
• Ohio Valley: Eastern Illinois
• Patriot: American
• SEC: Kentucky
• SoCon: Wofford
• Southland: Stephen F. Austin
• SWAC: Florida A&M
• Summit: St. Thomas
• Sun Belt: Arkansas State
• WAC: Utah Valley
• WCC: San Diego

When is the NCAA volleyball Final Four in 2025?

• Dates: Thursday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 21

The two semifinal matches in the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 and will be followed three days later by the national championship game on Sunday, Dec. 21.

NCAA volleyball tournament champions

Penn State is the reigning NCAA volleyball champion, having defeated Louisville in four sets last year in the national title game. It was the Nittany Lions’ eighth volleyball championship since 1999.

Here’s a look at the past 10 NCAA volleyball champions:

• 2024: Penn State
• 2023: Texas
• 2022: Texas
• 2021: Wisconsin
• 2020: Kentucky
• 2019: Stanford
• 2018: Stanford
• 2017: Nebraska
• 2016: Stanford
• 2015: Nebraska

For the full list of champions, click here.

Duke has won the ACC championship and thrown the College Football Playoff picture into chaos. Its coach believes the Blue Devils should be in the bracket.

By beating Virginia on Saturday, Dec. 6, Duke has opened up the final automatic bid. Typically, it would make sense for the ACC champion to automatically be in, but the Blue Devils present an unusual case. They are 8-5 and weren’t ranked in any poll, including the College Football Playoff rankings, coming into conference championship week.

However, No. 19 James Madison was in the CFP rankings at No. 25 and won the Sun Belt. Therefore, it looks like the Dukes would get in given the criteria for the field is the five highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large teams. 

Regardless, Duke coach Manny Diaz spent his postgame interview vouching for his team to be in the playoff, seemingly claiming James Madison doesn’t have a resume like the Blue Devils.

‘They don’t have wins like this. They don’t have a win against a team like that. That’s a big-time team right there in Virginia,’ Diaz said on the ESPN broadcast. ‘Seven wins in this conference, seven Power Four wins compared to zero. That’s a playoff team. Darian Mensah may be the best damn quarterback in the country. These guys deserve to be in.’

While James Madison doesn’t have any Power Four wins, with its lone loss coming against Louisville, the Dukes also went 12-1 on the season, and two of Duke’s five losses came against Group of Five teams in Tulane and Connecticut.

The Blue Devils will have to wait for the playoff reveal show at Noon ET on Sunday, Dec. 7 to see if they will be able to play for a national championship.

A Power Four conference champion was determined Saturday night — even though the winner of the game may not earn a College Football Playoff berth.

The 2025 ACC football season wrapped up on Saturday, Dec. 6 with Duke outlasting No. 16 Virginia (No. 17 CFP) 27-20 in overtime at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina to win the ACC Championship game for the first time in program history.

Watch the ACC championship game on Fubo (free trial)

The win improves the Blue Devils to 8-5, though it’s unlikely they’ll be able to leapfrog No. 19 James Madison (No. 25 CFP) in the playoff selection committee rankings. Duke was unranked in last week’s committee rankings. Because of that, the ACC could be shut out of the playoff, with No. 13 Miami (No. 12 CFP), as a potential at-large participant, standing as its best hope to make the field.

The Cavaliers had been one of the best stories in college football this season and will finish the regular season with a 10-3 record after going just 11-23 in their previous three seasons under coach Tony Elliott. It’s Virginia’s first 10-win season since 1989.

Duke was in the ACC Championship game despite finishing just 7-5 in the regular season. A 6-2 record in conference play, however, sent it to Charlotte after a convoluted series of tiebreakers notably left out Miami.

Duke led 20-10 with four minutes remaining, but Virginia mounted a furious comeback to tie the game on an 18-yard Chandler Morris touchdown pass to Eli Wood with 22 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. In overtime, the Blue Devils got a touchdown pass from Darian Mensah on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line and intercepted Morris on the first play of the Cavaliers’ ensuing possession to end the game.

USA TODAY brought you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Here are the highlights:

Virginia vs Duke score

This section will be updated throughout the game.

Virginia vs Duke updates

FINAL: Duke 27, Virginia 20

Virginia INT ends game, gives Duke ACC championship

After a roughing-the-passer penalty pushed Virginia back to the 40-yard line to start its drive. The Cavaliers went with some trickery on their first play, with Chandler Morris ending up with the ball and firing the ball to Eli Wood. Duke linebacker Luke Mergott, however, steps in to intercept the pass and end the game. It’s Mergott’s first career interception.

Duke has won the ACC championship.

Duke gets TD on first drive of OT

Duke has little trouble moving it up the field, getting a first-and-goal at the Virginia 1-yard line before the Cavaliers hold firm, stopping the Blue Devils on three straight plays. Manny Diaz opts to go for it on fourth-and-goal from the 1, with Darian Mensah rolling out and finding Jeremiah Hasley in the end zone.

Duke is now four for four on the day on fourth down.

End of fourth quarter: Duke 20, Virginia 20

After a short kickoff return, Duke opts to take a knee and send the game to overtime. Virginia wins the toss and decides to play defense first.

Of note, the Cavaliers have won three overtime games this season, so they’ve got plenty of experience with this situation, albeit not with these kinds of stakes.

Virginia ties game on Chandler Morris TD pass

Virginia’s furious comeback has us on the brink of overtime. The Cavaliers go 96 yards in 10 plays and just 1:22, with a Chandler Morris 18-yard touchdown pass to Eli Wood serving as the exclamation point. The extra point is good and we’re tied, 20-20, with 22 seconds left. Wood stepped out of bounds, but it was determined that he was forced out by the Duke defensive back and he re-established himself on the field before hauling in the catch.

Duke does have two timeouts left, though it’s fair to wonder whether the Blue Devils want to be too aggressive and not risk a turnover.

Virginia forces Duke punt, will have chance to tie

It all comes down to one drive.

Virginia’s defense stands tall, stuffing Duke on back-to-back plays from the Blue Devils’ 48-yard line. The second of those stops, a Nate Sheppard 2-yard run on third-and-8 ended with Sheppard going out of bounds, stopping the clock with 1:51 remaining and allowing the Cavaliers to hold on to their two timeouts.

Virginia takes over at its own 4-yard line after a 46-yard punt and will have 1:44 to try to mount a game-tying drive, along with two timeouts.

Virginia FG makes it a one-score game

It’s not quite over yet in Charlotte. Thanks in large part to a 25-yard pass from Chandler Morris to Cam Ross, Virginia goes 50 yards in eight plays, with Will Bettridge finishing it off with a 42-yard field goal.

Duke’s lead is down to seven, 20-13, with 3:54 left. After the kickoff, the Blue Devils take over at their own 25-yard line. The Cavaliers still have all three of their timeouts, as well as the two-minute timeout.

Duke FG extends lead over Virginia to 10

Duke capitalizes on the short field, getting a 23-yard Todd Pelino field goal to push its lead over Virginia to 10, 20-10, with 5:02 left.

The Blue Devils very nearly got seven points instead of three, with Darian Mensah connecting with Cooper Barkate for a 30-yard pickup to the Cavaliers’ 3-yard line. They’re not able to get any closer to the end zone, though, and ultimately settle for a field goal. But with a two-possession lead with five minutes left, Duke’s chances of a conference title just got that much better.

Chandler Morris INT gives Duke ball in Virginia territory

Duke makes good on pinning Virginia deep. On a third-and-9 from his team’s own 2-yard line, Chandler Morris tosses it deep, but there isn’t a receiver in the area and Blue Devils safety Caleb Weaver makes a diving catch to pick it off at the Cavaliers’ 33-yard line. Looked to be a potential miscommunication between Morris and his receiver.

With 7:21 remaining, Duke has the chance to burn some clock and, more importantly, stretch its lead to two possessions.

Duke punts, pins Virginia deep

The Blue Devils aren’t able to get past the Virginia 47-yard line, with a Darian Mensah pass on third-and-6 getting batted down before it could get to Cooper Barkate. A 47-yard punt from Kade Reynoldson is downed at the Virginia 1, where the Cavaliers will take over with 8:46 remaining.

Duke stops Virginia on fourth down, takes over

A huge play from a Duke defense that’s been uncharacteristically strong most of the night, with Chandler Morris sailing a pass high to Trell Harris in the end zone as Harris was covered by a pair of Duke defensive backs on fourth-and-5 from the Blue Devils’ 24-yard line.

Duke will take over at its own 24-yard line with 14:24 left in the game.

Third quarter: Duke 17, Virginia 10

Virginia will start the fourth quarter with a third-and-9 at the Duke 28-yard line.

Duke pushes lead back to seven with FG

Duke stretches its lead back to seven with a field goal of its own, with Todd Pelino knocking through a 27-yard field goal after a six-play, 63-yard drive. Much of that yardage came on a 38-yard pass from Darian Mensah to Cooper Barkate that got the Blue Devils down to the Virginia 15-yard line after a face mask penalty was tacked on to the reception.

Duke had been set to go for a fourth-and-2 from the Virginia 7, but a false start penalty knocked the Blue Devils back five yards. Manny Diaz opts for the sure three points, giving his team a 17-10 lead with 3:53 left in the third quarter.

Virginia cuts into Duke lead with FG

The Cavaliers get all the way down to the Blue Devils’ 2-yard line on their opening drive of the second half, but Duke’s defense stands tall from there, dropping Virginia for a 5-yard loss and then forcing Chandler Morris into an incompletion.

Still, the Cavaliers cap off a 17-play drive with a 24-yard field goal from Will Bettridge to get within four, 14-10, with 7:19 remaining in the third quarter.

Halftime: Duke 14, Virginia 7

Duke holds a 14-7 lead over Virginia at halftime. The Blue Devils have a 170-115 advantage in total yards, with the Cavaliers running only 23 plays and Duke leading the time of possession battle 20:29-9:31.

Virginia is set to receive the opening kickoff of the second half.

Duke punts

Duke goes three-and-out and punts away to Virginia, which will take over at its 30-yard line with 1:43 left.

Virginia punts

For the first time tonight, we have a punt. A Chandler Morris pass on third-and-9 from the Virginia 48-yard line falls incomplete and the Cavaliers opt to punt. The ball bounces into the end zone for a touchback, giving Duke the ball at its own 20 with 2:55 remaining in the first half.

Nate Sheppard TD run puts Duke back ahead of Virginia

Duke has another lengthy touchdown drive, this one going 75 plays in 13 plays in 8:02. It’s punctuated by a 16-yard Nate Sheppard touchdown run to give the Blue Devils a 14-7 lead with 6:14 left in the first half.

Duke yet again comes up with big plays with it needed them, converting on two fourth downs on the drive, one of which came on a fake punt from its own 33-yard line. It’s the Blue Devils’ third-consecutive game with a special teams fake for a first down.

Chandler Morris TD pass ties Virginia with Duke

Darian Mensah’s interception proves to be costly, turning what could have been a 14-point lead into a tie ballgame.

On a first-and-10 from the Duke 11-yard line, Chandler Morris dumps it off to running back J’Mari Taylor, who cuts and plows through the Blue Devils’ defense for a touchdown, tying the game after the extra point with 14:16 left in the first half.

End of first quarter: Duke 7, Virginia 0

Virginia has a second-and-1 at the Duke 14-yard line once the second quarter begins.

Darian Mensah INT gives Virginia ball back

Shortly after Duke benefits from a momentum swing, the Blue Devils give the ball right back. On a second-and-14 from the Duke 24-yard line, two plays after Virginia’s missed field goal, Darian Mensah throws an interception right to Cavaliers safety Corey Costner, who returns it to the Duke 23-yard line with 47 seconds left in the quarter.

Virginia misses FG

The Cavaliers have a nice response to Duke’s opening touchdown drive, getting as far as the Blue Devils’ 20-yard line. From there, though, they’re dropped for a 2-yard loss on a rushing attempt, Chandler Morris is brought down for a sack on third down and Will Bettridge misses a 45-yard field goal wide left.

Duke will take over at its own 28 with about two minutes left in the first quarter.

Duke scores TD on first drive

After days of jokes about how it made the conference championship game, Duke showed on its first drive that it just might belong on this stage. The Blue Devils go 75 yards in 15 plays and 9:38, capped off by a 12-yard touchdown pass from Darian Mensah to Jeremiah Hasley.

It’s the longest opening drive by plays and time of possession in ACC Championship game history.

There were several instances on the possession that it seemed like Duke might not get any points, let alone seven. The Blue Devils faced four third-downs, converting three of them, and went for it on a fourth-and-2 from the Virginia 41-yard line.

Pregame

How did Duke get into the ACC championship game?

Despite going 7-5 in the regular season, which included losses to Tulane and UConn, Duke finds itself 60 minutes away from a conference title. How, exactly, did the Blue Devils get there?

Even with its subpar overall mark, coach Manny Diaz’s team went 6-2 in conference play, putting it in a five-way tie for second place in the conference standings behind Virginia. Duke ended up getting the edge over the four other teams because of the ACC’s sixth tiebreaker: conference opponent record. Duke’s ACC opponents had a combined win percentage of .500, while Miami and Georgia Tech came in behind them at .438.

Virginia football injury updates

Here’s a look at the injury situation for Virginia heading into its ACC championship matchup against Duke, according to the ACC’s latest athlete availability report:

Out

• CB #1 Dre Walker
• WR #2 Andre Greene Jr.
• LB #5 Kam Robinson
• DB #7 Ja’Maric Morris
• CB #9 Jam Jackson
• TE #9 Dakota Twitty
• QB #19 Grady Brosterhous
• RB #20 Xavier Brown
• RB #28 Noah Vaughn
• S #38 Armstrong Jones
• OL #54 Makilan Thomas
• DL #56 Tyler Simmons
• OL #56 Tyshawn Wyatt
• OL #71 Monroe Mills
• WR #80 Trevor Ladd

Game-time decision

• WR #6 Cam Ross
• WR #8 Jayden Thomas
• OL #52 McKale Boley

Ross is the Hoos’ third-leading wide receiver this season, with 459 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Duke football injury updates

Here’s a look at the players who will be out for Duke in Saturday’s ACC championship game against Virginia, according to the ACC’s latest athlete availability report:

• S #1 Terry Moore
• CB #5 Kimari Robinson
• DE #14 Bryce Davis
• LB #24 Bradley Gompers
• LB #31 Elliott Schaper
• LB #36 Nick Morris Jr.
• OL #52 Micah Sahakian
• OL #73 Evan Scott
• OL #78 Nathan Kutufaris

ACC championship game odds

Virginia is favored by -3.5 over Duke in the ACC championship game, according to the latest odds from BetMGM.

Who is calling the ACC championship game?

The ACC championship game between Virginia and Duke will be airing on ABC, with Sean McDonough (play-by-play) and Greg McElroy (analyst) on the call while Molly McGrath and Taylor McGregor report from the sideline.

What time does Virginia vs Duke start?

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Where: Bank of American Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)

Virginia vs Duke will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 6 from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

What TV channel is Virginia vs Duke on today?

• TV channel: ABC
• Livestream: Fubo (free trial)

The ACC championship game between Virginia and Duke will be broadcast on ABC. Streaming options for the game include Fubo, which carries ABC and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Virginia vs Duke predictions

Craig Meyer, USA TODAY Sports: Duke 27, Virginia 24

The Blue Devils were handled by the Cavaliers in their regular-season matchup, but Virginia, for all of its success, has been inconsistent this season. With a better effort from quarterback Mensah this time around, Duke earns a tight win and potentially shuts the ACC out of the playoff.

Virginia football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Virginia’s schedule in 2025, including past scores.

• Saturday, Aug. 30: Virginia 48, Coastal Carolina 7
• Saturday, Sept. 6: NC State 35, Virginia 31
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Virginia 55, Williams & Mary 16
• Saturday, Sept. 20: Virginia 48, Stanford 20 *
• Friday, Sept. 26: Virginia 46, Florida State 38 (2OT) *
• Saturday, Oct. 4: Virginia 30, Louisville 27 (OT) *
• Saturday, Oct. 11: BYE
• Saturday, Oct. 18: Virginia 22, Washington State 20
• Saturday, Oct. 25: Virginia 17, North Carolina 16 (OT) *
• Saturday, Nov. 1: Virginia 31, Cal 21 *
• Saturday, Nov. 8: Wake Forest 16, Virginia 9 *
• Saturday, Nov. 15: Virginia 34, Duke 17 *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 29: Virginia 27, Virginia Tech 7 *
• Saturday, Dec. 6: Virginia vs Duke | ESPN, 8 p.m. ET **

* – denotes ACC game

** – denotes ACC championship game

Duke football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Duke’s schedule in 2025, including past scores.

• Thursday, Aug. 28: Duke 45, Elon 17
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Illinois 45, Duke 19
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Tulane 34, Duke 27
• Saturday, Sept. 20: Duke 45, NC State 33 *
• Saturday, Sept. 27: Duke 38, Syracuse 3 *
• Saturday, Oct. 4: Duke 45, Cal 21 *
• Saturday, Oct. 11: BYE
• Saturday, Oct. 18: Georgia Tech 27, Duke 18 *
• Saturday, Oct. 25: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 1: Duke 46, Clemson 45 *
• Saturday, Nov. 8: UConn 37, Duke 34
• Saturday, Nov. 15: Virginia 34, Duke 17 *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: Duke 32, North Carolina 25 *
• Saturday, Nov. 29: Duke 49, Wake Forest 32 *
• Saturday, Dec. 6: Virginia vs Duke | ESPN, 8 p.m. ET **

* – denotes ACC game

** – denotes ACC championship game