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Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams celebrate against Nebraska. We're projecting the Buckeyes into the CFP in our College Bowl Game Odds.
Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams celebrate against Nebraska. Photo by Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Bowl season is beginning to take shape with the college football season in its final stretch.

This year's bowl season will feature 41 games involving FBS schools, with the matchups being set at the conclusion of the regular season.

2024-25 college football bowl game odds & schedule

Saturday, Dec. 14

Cricket Celebration Bowl odds

Jackson State defensive back Robert McDaniel after beating Southern. We
Jackson State defensive back Robert McDaniel after beating Southern. Photo by Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
  • Conference matchup: MEAC vs. SWAC
  • Kickoff: Noon ET
  • How to watch: ABC
  • Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
  • Bowl projection: South Carolina State vs. Jackson State
  • Projected score: South Carolina State 34 Jackson State 31
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Robert McDaniel, DB, Jackson State

South Carolina State leads the MEAC thanks to the play of QB Eric Phoenix and receiver Caden High. It's a similar story for Jackson State in the SWAC with QB Jacobian Morgan lighting up scoreboards. These two teams are on a collision course.

Camellia Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: MAC vs. Sun Belt
  • Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Cramton Bowl (Montgomery, Ala.)
  • Bowl projection: Eastern Michigan vs. UL Monroe
  • Projected score: UL Monroe 29 Eastern Michigan 23
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Car'lin Vigers, CB, UL Monroe

The MAC is a mess right now with so much parity, but Eastern Michigan is set to make another bowl under Chris Creighton. The Sun Belt is similar with so many teams trending toward bowl-eligibility, and none are more surprising than UL Monroe.

Tuesday, Dec. 17

Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: AAC/CUSA/MAC/MWC/SBC
  • Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Toyota Stadium (Frisco, Texas)
  • Bowl projection: North Texas vs. San Jose State
  • Projected score: North Texas 36 San Jose State 30
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Nick Nash, WR, San Jose State

After a tough Year 1, North Texas is humming thanks to Eric Norris and QB Chandler Morris. Meanwhile, new San Jose State head coach Ken Niumatalolo is proving that service academy coaches don't need to run the triple option to succeed. 

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Boca Raton Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: AAC/CUSA/MAC/MWC/SBC
  • Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: FAU Stadium (Boca Raton, Fla.)
  • Bowl projection: South Alabama vs. Jacksonville State
  • Projected score: South Alabama 32 Jacksonville State 24
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Clay Webb, OL, Jacksonville State

South Alabama is trending toward a bowl game because of new head coach Major Applewhite and young stars Gio Lopez and Fluff Bothwell. Rich Rodriguez has Jacksonville State likely heading to one too because of his explosive running game.

LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk odds

  • Conference matchup: Mountain West vs. former Pac-12 team
  • Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, Calif.)
  • Bowl projection: Fresno State vs. Arizona State
  • Projected score: Arizona State 32 Fresno State 19
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Shamari Simmons, DB, Arizona State

Despite Jeff Tedford retiring in July, interim head coach Tim Skipper has done a good enough job to take Fresno State bowling. As for Arizona State, Kenny Dillingham is in the middle of one of the most impressive coaching jobs in the country after what Herm Edwards did to this program.

Thursday, Dec. 19

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: CUSA vs. Sun Belt
  • Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN2
  • Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, La.)
  • Bowl projection: Sam Houston vs. Georgia Southern
  • Projected score: Georgia Southern 30 Sam Houston 24
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Jalen White, RB, Georgia Southern

After losing several heartbreakers by one score last year, Sam Houston is thriving in its second season in the FBS under K.C. Keeler. The same can't be said for Clay Helton at Georgia Southern, but he's set to make his third straight bowl game.

Friday, Dec. 20

StaffDNA Cure Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: AAC/CUSA/MAC/MWC/SBC
  • Kickoff: Noon ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Camping World Stadium (Orlando)
  • Bowl projection: Toledo vs. Arkansas State
  • Projected score: Toledo 28 Arkansas State 25
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Maxen Hook, SAF, Toledo

While Toledo is in for a tough fight to win the MAC, reaching the Cure Bowl would be a solid get for recently extended head coach Jason Candle. And for Arkansas State, getting to a second straight bowl is proof the Butch Jones hire is working.

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: AAC/ACC/SEC
  • Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Fla.)
  • Bowl projection: Memphis vs. Duke
  • Projected score: Duke 31 Memphis 24
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Roc Taylor, WR, Memphis

While Memphis is enjoying a strong season, earning the G5 playoff spot seems too tall of a task for Ryan Silverfield's program. A nice consolation for the Tigers would be getting to embrace their inner pirate against a Duke team that Manny Diaz has kept afloat in his first season.

College Football Playoff first-round game odds

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  • Conference matchup: TBD
  • Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ABC/ESPN
  • Location: Hosted by higher seeded team
  • Bowl projection: No. 12 Tennessee vs. No. 5 Oregon
  • Projected score: Oregon 27 Tennessee 18
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

With Ohio State and Oregon likely set for a rematch in the Big Ten Championship, I think the Buckeyes win this time. That would give the Ducks the highest seed among at-large teams. Meanwhile, Tennessee is poised to get in over Alabama because the Volunteers beat the Crimson Tide.

Saturday, Dec. 21

College Football Playoff first-round game odds

Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Georgia. We
Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Georgia. Photo by Brett Patzke via Imagn Images.
  • Conference matchup: TBD
  • Kickoff: Noon ET
  • How to watch: TNT
  • Location: Hosted by higher seeded team
  • Bowl projection: No. 11 SMU vs. No. 6 Texas
  • Projected score: Texas 28 SMU 24
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

SMU has earned a real chance to win the ACC and a bye, but I think the Mustangs ultimately get in as an at-large team. It's a similar situation for Texas in the SEC, but the Longhorns will fall to Georgia again and end up as the No. 6 seed.

College Football Playoff first-round game odds

  • Conference matchup: TBD
  • Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: TNT
  • Location: Hosted by higher seeded team
  • Bowl projection: No. 10 Penn State vs. No. 7 BYU
  • Projected score: BYU 26 Penn State 24
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

While I am projecting BYU to win the Big 12, I don't think it's a guarantee the school gets a first-round bye over Boise State. In that scenario, I have them taking on a Penn State team that gets in despite losing to Ohio State.

College Football Playoff first-round game odds

  • Conference matchup: TBD
  • Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ABC/ESPN
  • Location: Hosted by higher seeded team
  • Bowl projection: No. 9 Notre Dame vs. No. 8 Indiana
  • Projected score: Indiana 28 Notre Dame 22
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana

Notre Dame has bounced back significantly since losing to Northern Illinois, and it could end up going 11-1 and earning an even higher seed. The Fighting Irish will take on an overachieving Indiana team in a battle of programs from The Hoosier State.

Monday, Dec. 23

Myrtle Beach Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: AAC/MAC/Sun Belt
  • Kickoff: 11 a.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Brooks Stadium (Conway, S.C.)
  • Bowl projection: Ohio vs. James Madison
  • Projected score: James Madison 31 Ohio 22
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Jacob Dobbs, LB, James Madison

At one point, both of these programs looked like they may win their respective conferences. Instead, I'm expecting they'll get to play on the teal turf in Conway. But both Tim Albin and Bob Chesney deserve a tip of the hat for the work they've done following legends at their schools.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: MWC vs. MAC
  • Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Albertsons Stadium (Boise, Idaho)
  • Bowl projection: Colorado State vs. Miami (Ohio)
  • Projected score: Miami (Ohio) 25 Colorado State 21
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Brian Ugwu, EDGE, Miami (Ohio)

It looked like Miami (Ohio) making a bowl game might be in doubt after a slow start, but Chuck Martin's team seems to have found its groove. The same can be said about Colorado State with the Rams on a winning streak after a 2-2 start.

Tuesday, Dec. 24

Hawaii Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: MWC vs. CUSA
  • Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex (Honolulu)
  • Bowl projection: UConn vs. Liberty
  • Projected score: UConn 29 Liberty 22
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Chase Lundt, OL, UConn

Liberty was supposed to earn the G5 College Football Playoff spot, but Jamey Chadwell's offense hasn't looked right all season. So instead I think they could end up playing a UConn team that fills this spot with the Mountain West not having enough bowl-eligible teams.

Thursday, Dec. 26

GameAbove Sports Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: Big Ten vs. MAC
  • Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Ford Field (Detroit)
  • Bowl projection: Nebraska vs. Bowling Green
  • Projected score: Nebraska 31 Bowling Green 16
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green

Matt Rhule isn't getting Nebraska to relive the glory days, but getting bowl-eligible is a step in the right direction. Bowling Green boasts the most talented player in the MAC, Harold Fannin Jr., and he's reason enough to watch the Falcons play.

Guaranteed Rate Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: Big 12 vs. Big Ten
  • Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Chase Field (Phoenix)
  • Bowl projection: Cincinnati vs. Minnesota
  • Projected score: Cincinnati 25 Minnesota 23
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Aireontae Ersery, OL, Minnesota

Nobody is more shocked than I am that Scott Satterfield will likely have Cincinnati bowling this season. The Bearcats would be a worthy opponent for a Minnesota team that boasts quite a few NFL talents, despite underachieving in the win column. 

68 Ventures Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: SBC/CUSA/MAC
  • Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Hancock Whitney Stadium (Mobile, Ala.)
  • Bowl projection: Texas State vs. Buffalo
  • Projected score: Texas State 30 Buffalo 22
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Ismail Mahdi, RB, Texas State

This would be a surprising matchup for two reasons. Texas State was supposed to be better this year while Buffalo was supposed to be far worse. Instead they'd give us a battle of two contrasting philosophies. 

Friday, Dec. 27

Birmingham Bowl odds

South Carolina edge Kyle Kennard celebrates after a fourth down stop against LSU. We
South Carolina edge Kyle Kennard celebrates after a fourth down stop against LSU. Photo by Scott Kinser via Imagn Images.
  • Conference matchup: ACC/SEC/AAC
  • Kickoff: Noon ET or 3:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Protective Stadium (Birmingham, Ala.)
  • Bowl projection: Georgia Tech vs. South Carolina
  • Projected score: South Carolina 28 Georgia Tech 21
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina

Georgia Tech's run-first approach against South Carolina's game-wrecking front seven would be a perfect Friday afternoon matchup. Kyle Kennard, the heart and soul of the Gamecocks' defense, also happens to be a Georgia tech transfer.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: AAC vs. CUSA
  • Kickoff: Noon ET or 3:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium (Fort Worth, Texas)
  • Bowl projection: Navy vs. Old Dominion
  • Projected score: Navy 32 Old Dominion 26
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Jahron Manning, DB, Old Dominion

It doesn't look like the Conference USA will have enough bowl-eligible teams this year to fill all its bowl slots, so Old Dominion steps in. The Monarchs have turned around a slow start thanks to freshman QB Colton Joseph, but slowing Navy's rushing attack would be a significant ask.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: Big 12 vs. SEC
  • Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium (Memphis)
  • Bowl projection: Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M
  • Projected score: Texas A&M 31 Texas Tech 25
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

A pair of former Big 12 rivals going toe-to-toe in Memphis after both held larger aspirations than the Liberty Bowl? Sign me up. This game would be worth tuning into just to see Texas A&M's ferocious defensive line take on Texas Tech star running back Tahj Brooks.

DIRECTV Holiday Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: ACC vs. former Pac-12 team
  • Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: TBD
  • Location: Snapdragon Stadium (San Diego)
  • Bowl projection: Virginia vs. Washington State
  • Projected score: Washington State 32 Virginia 26
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Fa'alili Fa'amoe, OL, Washington State

Washington State is quietly enjoying an unbelievable season. But due to the Pac-12's temporary death, there aren't many high-end bowl options for the Cougars. Virginia has been similarly overachieving under Tony Elliott, and making a bowl would be huge.

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: SEC vs. former Pac-12 team
  • Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)
  • Bowl projection: Oklahoma vs. USC
  • Projected score: USC 26 Oklahoma 20
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma

This would be an all-time hilarious bowl matchup with Lincoln Riley taking on his former team in a year both programs massively disappointed. It's also funny because both Oklahoma and USC left their conferences for "greener pastures" and don't appear ready to compete for anything noteworthy.

Saturday, Dec. 28

Wasabi Fenway Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: ACC/Notre Dame vs. AAC
  • Kickoff: 11 a.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Fenway Park (Boston)
  • Bowl projection: Boston College vs. Tulane
  • Projected score: Boston College 29 Tulane 28
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

Bill O'Brien coaching Boston College at Fenway Park? It doesn't get much more Boston than that. The Eagles are positioned well to earn this bid and play in front of the hometown crowd against a Tulane team that should be competing for the G5 CFP spot under Jon Sumrall in the future.

Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: ACC/Notre Dame vs. Big Ten
  • Kickoff: Noon ET
  • How to watch: ABC
  • Location: Yankee Stadium (Bronx, N.Y.)
  • Bowl projection: Syracuse vs. Rutgers
  • Projected score: Syracuse 29 Rutgers 25
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers

A team from New Jersey against a team from New York playing at Yankee Stadium would probably be an ideal outcome for the Pinstripe Bowl. Syracuse has been a pleasant surprise under new head coach Fran Brown, while Rutgers needs to get it together to reach bowl eligibility. 

Isleta New Mexico Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: MWC vs. CUSA/AAC/SBC/MAC
  • Kickoff: 2:15 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: University Stadium (Albuquerque, N.M.)
  • Bowl projection: Oregon State vs. Marshall
  • Projected score: Oregon State 30 Marshall 29
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

This would be a bizarre New Mexico Bowl matchup, but the Mountain West may not have enough bowl-eligible teams to send one to Albuquerque. That would potentially mean the Beavers fill the spot against a Marshall squad that's exceeding expectations. 

Pop-Tarts Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: ACC/Notre Dame vs. Big 12
  • Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ABC
  • Location: Camping World Stadium (Orlando)
  • Bowl projection: Virginia Tech vs. TCU
  • Projected score: Virginia Tech 34 TCU 27
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Mansoor Delane, CB, Virginia Tech

This is the most prestigious bowl in the eyes of sickos, and we could get a TCU team that's regressed significantly since its championship game appearance two years ago. The Hokies would be poised to eat the live Pop-Tarts mascot thanks for their run game.

Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop odds

  • Conference matchup: MAC vs. MWC
  • Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: The CW
  • Location: Arizona Stadium (Tucson, Ariz.)
  • Bowl projection: Western Michigan vs. UNLV
  • Projected score: UNLV 34 Western Michigan 26
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Ricky White, WR, UNLV

The Rebels probably deserve a better bowl bid after the season they've been enjoying, but the Mountain West doesn't really have any high-end bowl ties. So instead they get to face a solid MAC program in a bowl game with a preposterously long name.

Go Bowling Military Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: ACC/Notre Dame vs. AAC
  • Kickoff: 5:45 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Memorial Stadium (Annapolis, Md.)
  • Bowl projection: North Carolina vs. Army
  • Projected score: North Carolina 31 Army 27
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

Army is producing one of its best seasons under Jeff Monken, but the Black Knights will likely miss out on the CFP due to Boise State's dominance. Instead, they end up playing a North Carolina team that's been underachieving this season, which has many questioning Mack Brown's future in Chapel Hill.

Valero Alamo Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: Big 12 vs. former Pac-12 team
  • Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ABC
  • Location: Alamodome (San Antonio, Texas)
  • Bowl projection: Baylor vs. Washington
  • Projected score: Washington 27 Baylor 25
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

Washington has been somewhat of a disappointment this season under a new head coach, while Baylor looked like it might need to hire new coaches. But the Bears have looked better in the second half of the season and could reach a bowl game in their home state.

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: TBD
  • Kickoff: 9:15 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Independence Stadium (Shreveport, La.)
  • Bowl projection: Utah vs. Louisiana
  • Projected score: Utah 25 Louisiana 24
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Lander Barton, LB, Utah

The Independence Bowl has multiple conference tie-ins. In this scenario, Louisiana gets in instead of an AAC team, which I think bowl organizers would be very happy about given the Ragin' Cajuns' proximity to Shreveport. The opponent is set to be a former Pac-12 team, opening the door for Utah to reach a bowl in a down season.

Monday, Dec. 30

TransPerfect Music City Bowl odds

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia celebrates against Auburn. We expect the Commodores to reach the Music City Bowl in our college bowl game odds.
Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia celebrates against Auburn. Photo by Jake Crandall/Advertiser/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
  • Conference matchup: SEC vs. Big Ten
  • Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Nissan Stadium (Nashville)
  • Bowl projection: Vanderbilt vs. Wisconsin
  • Projected score: Vanderbilt 25 Wisconsin 22
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

In what's been a magical year for Vanderbilt, the best-case scenario would be closing out the season in Nashville with a bowl win. The Commodores are enjoying an all-time season, while Wisconsin is enduring a forgettable one in Luke Fickell's second year in charge. 

Tuesday, Dec. 31

ReliaQuest Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: SEC vs. Big Ten
  • Kickoff: Noon ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa)
  • Bowl projection: Missouri vs. Michigan
  • Projected score: Missouri 23 Michigan 20
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan

These are two teams trending in the wrong direction after both were ranked among the top 10 in the country early in the season. While neither school is overly impressive, both boast first-round NFL talents on their rosters that would be fun to see if they don't opt out.

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: ACC/Notre Dame vs. former Pac-12 team
  • Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: CBS
  • Location: Sun Bowl Stadium (El Paso, Texas)
  • Bowl projection: Louisville vs. Colorado
  • Projected score: Louisville 30 Colorado 29
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

This would be one of the most fun bowl matchups of the season. Both Louisville and Colorado boast talented QBs and stud pass-catchers, which would make for a potential shootout between the two. Imagine Travis Hunter covering Ja'Corey Brooks, and then Quincy Riley covering Hunter. Tons of NFL talent.

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: SEC vs. Big Ten
  • Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ABC
  • Location: Camping World Stadium (Orlando)
  • Bowl projection: Arkansas vs. Illinois
  • Projected score: Illinois 26 Arkansas 25
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Landon Jackson, DL, Arkansas

Who wouldn't want to see Bret Bielema lead Illinois against his former team? Plus, these two teams match up similarly with chaotically fun QBs, big running backs, and talent in the trenches. JC Davis blocking against Landon Jackson would get plenty of NFL scouts attending the game, too.

Texas Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: Big 12 vs. SEC
  • Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: NRG Stadium (Houston)
  • Bowl projection: Kansas State vs. Ole Miss
  • Projected score: Ole Miss 28 Kansas State 22
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Walter Nolen, IDL, Ole Miss

It looked like both Ole Miss and Kansas State might make the College Football Playoff after the first month of the season, but upset losses to unranked teams killed all chances. Still, these two would make for a fun matchup, especially with the Wildcats' offense against the Rebels' defense.

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal: Vrbo Fiesta Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: TBD
  • Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Ariz.)
  • Bowl projection: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 4 Boise State
  • Projected score: Oregon 37 Boise State 22
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

In my CFP projections, Oregon beats Tennessee in the first round to set up a rematch with Boise State, a team I gave a bye to over Big 12 champ BYU. In the rematch, the projections show the Ducks blowing the Broncos out of the water, despite needing a walk-off field goal to beat them in the regular season.

Wednesday, Jan. 1

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal: Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: TBD
  • Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
  • Bowl projection: No. 6 Texas vs. No. 3 Miami
  • Projected score: Miami 27 Texas 26
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

This would probably be one of the most exciting matchups of the CFP, with potential Heisman winner Cam Ward taking on one of the nation's best defenses. It would likely come down to Texas QB Quinn Ewers rising to the occasion for the Longhorns to win.

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal: Rose Bowl Game odds

Michigan wide receiver Cornelius Johnson celebrates as we look at the college bowl game odds.
Michigan wide receiver Cornelius Johnson celebrates. Photo credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK.
  • Conference matchup: TBD
  • Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Rose Bowl Stadium (Pasadena, Calif.)
  • Bowl projection: No. 8 Indiana vs. No. 1 Ohio State
  • Projected score: Ohio State 24 Indiana 22
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Tyleik Williams, IDL, Ohio State

This would be a rematch, with these two programs set to play on Nov. 23. Between Ohio State's dominant defense and the Hoosiers' efficient offense, it would be one heck of a fun game that would definitively draw the focus of NFL scouts.

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal: Allstate Sugar Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: TBD
  • Kickoff: 8:45 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans)
  • Bowl projection: No. 7 BYU vs. No. 2 Georgia
  • Projected score: Georgia 29 BYU 25
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia

Georgia's defense is just full of blue-chip recruits with NFL talent who possess the ability to wreck any offense. The Bulldogs' pass rush would likely be the difference in this game, with Cougars QB Jake Retzlaff putting together a better season than Carson Beck.

Thursday, Jan. 2

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: SEC vs. ACC/Notre Dame
  • Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: EverBank Stadium (Jacksonville, Fla.)
  • Bowl projection: Alabama vs. Clemson
  • Projected score: Alabama 32 Clemson 24
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: LT Overton, DL, Alabama

Most years you'd expect Alabama to be playing Clemson in the College Football Playoff. But I have both teams missing out this season, which would set up a very interesting Gator Bowl. This would probably be one of the most watched non-premier bowl games of the season.

Friday, Jan. 3

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: AAC/ACC/Big 12
  • Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium (Dallas)
  • Bowl projection: Pittsburgh vs. Iowa State
  • Projected score: Iowa State 28 Pittsburgh 26
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State

This would be a must-watch bowl game between two teams that still have a chance to play for their conference championships. One offense lives by the passing game, the other by the ground attack, and both play hard-nosed defense. 

Duke's Mayo Bowl odds

West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Neal Brown gets covered in mayonnaise as we look at the college football bowl game odds.
West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Neal Brown gets covered in mayonnaise. Photo Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.
  • Conference matchup: ACC/Notre Dame vs. Big Ten
  • Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)
  • Bowl projection: LSU vs. Iowa
  • Projected score: LSU 27 Iowa 24
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Will Campbell, OL, LSU

Technically LSU isn't in a conference with tie-ins to the Duke's Mayo Bowl, but there's no other ACC teams that are projected to be bowl-eligible. And also, could you imagine Brian Kelly and Kirk Ferentz coaching against each other knowing the winner would have mayo dumped on his head? Social media would go crazy.

Saturday, Jan. 4

Bahamas Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: CUSA vs. MAC
  • Kickoff: 11 a.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN2
  • Location: Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium (Nassau, Bahamas)
  • Bowl projection: Western Kentucky vs. Northern Illinois
  • Projected score: Western Kentucky 23 Northern Illinois 21
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Antario Brown, RB, Northern Illinois

One of these teams took down Notre Dame and nearly ruined its College Football Playoff chances. The other is expected to win the Conference USA over a Liberty program that was supposed to be in the CFP. A fun game between two teams that boast NFL-level playmakers.

Thursday, Jan. 9

College Football Playoff Semifinal: Capital One Orange Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: TBD
  • Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)
  • Bowl projection: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 1 Ohio State
  • Projected score: Oregon 23 Ohio State 22
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Derrick Harmon, IDL, Oregon

Based on the way I have it playing out, Ohio State beats Oregon to win the Big Ten and earn the No. 1 seed. If that happens, it would also set them on a collision course for a third game between the two. Could you imagine that happening and the Ducks winning to advance to the championship? It would be incredible.

Friday, Jan. 10

College Football Playoff Semifinal: Goodyear Cotton Bowl odds

  • Conference matchup: TBD
  • Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
  • Bowl projection: No. 3 Miami vs. No. 2 Georgia
  • Projected score: Miami 30 Georgia 29
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Mykel Williams, DL, Georgia

This would be a best-case scenario for NFL scouts hoping to see Ward against a top-notch defense. He's the potential top QB in the NFL draft, and he'd be going against a defense that's set to produce multiple first-round picks.

I project Ward's magic leading the Hurricanes to a berth in the championship game.

Monday, Jan. 20

College Football Playoff National Championship odds

Fans stop to take photos with the College Football National Championship trophy as we look at the college football bowl game odds.
Fans stop to take photos with the College Football National Championship trophy. Photo credit: Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK.
  • Conference matchup: TBD
  • Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
  • Bowl projection: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 3 Miami
  • Projected score: Oregon 31 Miami 27
  • NFL draft prospect to watch: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami

Get your popcorn ready for Mario Cristobal taking on his former team in the national championship. The storylines that come from this matchup would be almost as fun as the game. But the Ducks looked like the most well-rounded team in the country, and Dan Lanning would get a chance to bring Oregon its first title.

CFP National Championship FAQs

How many college football bowl games will there be this year?

There are 41 bowl games featuring FBS schools in the 2024-25 college football bowl game season, including the college football playoffs.

Who won the CFP National Championship last year?

The Michigan Wolverines won their first title since 1997 by defeating the Washington Huskies in the 2024 national championship.

When will the CFP National Championship be decided?

The 2025 CFP National Championship will be decided on Monday, Jan. 20.

Where will the CFP National Championship take place?

The 2025 college football championship will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.

Who has won the most college football championships?

Yale has won the most college football championships with 18. Alabama ranks second with 16 total victories, and the Crimson Tide's three championships in the college football playoff era also stand as the most.

How many teams make the College Football Playoff?

Previously only four teams were selected for the College Football Playoff, but this season the playoff will expand to 12 teams. The top five ranked conference champions will be automatic qualifiers for the playoff along with seven at-large teams, decided by the College Football Playoff selection committee.

The top four conference champions will receive a first-round bye in the playoff.

Who made the College Football Playoff last year?

Michigan, Washington, Texas, and Alabama were chosen for the College Football Playoff by the selection committee last season.

When does the College Football Playoff start?

The 2025 College Football Playoff starts with the first round on Dec. 20 and 21, with games being played at the campus of the higher seed. The quarterfinals will then be played across the Fiesta, Peach, Rose, and Sugar Bowl on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

The semifinals take place Jan. 9 and 10 at the Orange and Cotton Bowl before the CFP National Championship game on Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

College football odds pages

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