Here we list our most updated projections for the 2025-2026 NCAA College Football bowl games. Schools must have a record of 6-6 or better to be eligible for a bowl game. If there are not enough teams that are eligible to qualify, then those with a record of 5-7 will be eligible based on which teams have the highest APR.
This season is especially unique with the introduction of the 12-team playoff format to determine the national champion. This new structure adds an extra layer of complexity and excitement to the postseason. The expanded playoff not only intensifies the race for the top 12 spots but also affects the bowl game landscape significantly. With more teams now vying for a shot at the national championship, the selection process for the remaining bowl games has become even more dynamic and competitive.
Our bowl projections are forward looking , meaning that the current record is just one of many factors we consider when determining where teams might be placed. We analyze a variety of elements, including team performance trends, strength of schedule, and potential outcomes of remaining games. This approach allows us to provide a comprehensive view of where teams are likely to end up as the season progresses.
For a full list of bowl affiliations see: College Football Bowl Schedule. For all of our rankings on each of these teams, go to NCAA FBS Ratings and go to NCAA Football Game Projections for our predictions for each game.
Teams in BOLD have accepted their bowl bid.
Teams with an * are fill-in bids as some conferences do not have enough bowl eligible teams to fill their allotted slots.
Updated on 12/8/2025.
College Football Bowl Projections
Early in the season, we will just be projecting the CFB Playoffs, and will add more bowls as the season progresses
Major Bowls
| Date | Bowl | Location | Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/27/2025 | Pop-Tarts | Orlando, FL | Georgia Tech | BYU |
| 12/27/2025 | Gator | Jacksonville, FL | Virginia | Missouri |
| 12/30/2025 | Alamo | San Antonio, TX | USC | TCU |
| 12/30/2025 | Music City | Nashville, TN | Illinois | Tennessee |
| 12/31/2025 | ReliaQuest | Tampa, FL | Iowa | Vanderbilt |
| 12/31/2025 | Citrus | Orlando, FL | Michigan | Texas |
The College Football Playoff groups…
Playoff First Round
| Date | Bowl | Location | Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/19/2025 | 1st Round – 5 vs. 12 | TBD | Oregon | James Madison |
| 12/19/2025 | 1st Round – 6 vs. 11 | TBD | Mississippi | Tulane |
| 12/19/2025 | 1st Round – 7 vs. 10 | TBD | Texas A&M | Miami FL |
| 12/19/2025 | 1st Round – 8 vs. 9 | TBD | Oklahoma | Alabama |
The top-rated non Power-5 team is guaranteed a spot in the playoff.
Playoff Quarterfinals
| Date | Bowl | Location | Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/31/2025 | Cotton | Arlington, TX | Texas A&M | Ohio St |
| 1/1/2026 | Sugar | New Orleans, LA | Mississippi | Georgia |
| 1/1/2026 | Rose | Pasadena, CA | Oklahoma | Indiana |
| 1/1/2026 | Orange | Miami, FL | Oregon | Texas Tech |
The top four teams get byes into the Quarterfinals.
National Championship Playoff Semifinals
| Date | Bowl | Location | Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8/2025 | Fiesta | Glendale, AZ | Texas Tech | Indiana |
| 1/9/2026 | Peach | Atlanta, GA | Ohio St | Georgia |
National Championship Bowl Projections
| Date | Bowl | Location | Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/19/2026 | Championship | Miami, FL | Ohio St | Indiana |