Bowl Predictions: Breaking Down the 2025 College Football Postseason

Introduction

Bowl Predictions As the regular college football season draws to a close, fans and analysts alike begin turning their attention to the postseason: bowl season. Bowl games not only provide a final showcase for teams but also serve as a launching pad into the next season and a farewell for seniors and NFL-bound stars. This article offers a full breakdown of projected bowl matchups, from the College Football Playoff to underdog surprises in smaller bowls.

College Football Playoff (CFP) Predictions

The expanded 12-team playoff begins this year, but the spotlight remains on the top contenders for the national championship. Based on current performance and remaining schedules, the following teams are projected to make the playoff:

• 1. Georgia Bulldogs – The reigning powerhouse with unmatched depth.
  
• 2. Michigan Wolverines – Elite defense and a battle-tested offense.
  
• 3. Texas Longhorns – Explosive playmakers and strong quarterback play.
  
• 4. Florida State Seminoles – Undefeated in the ACC with momentum on their side.
  

Predicted Semifinal Matchups:

• Georgia vs. Florida State
  
• Michigan vs. Texas
  

National Championship Prediction:
Georgia defeats Michigan in a hard-fought title game to claim their third title in four years.

New Year’s Six Bowl Predictions

Outside of the playoff, the New Year’s Six Bowls feature top-tier matchups with big-time programs.

• Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon
  
• Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Oklahoma
  
• Orange Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Penn State
  
• Cotton Bowl: LSU vs. USC
  
• Fiesta Bowl: Washington vs. Tulane
  
• Peach Bowl: Missouri vs. Louisville
  

These games should deliver competitive action, with rising programs like Tulane and Missouri getting their shot on the national stage.

Notable Non-New Year’s Six Bowls

While not part of the playoff or NY6, several traditional bowls will still offer compelling matchups:

• Citrus Bowl: Tennessee vs. Wisconsin
  
• Gator Bowl: North Carolina vs. Texas A&M
  
• Holiday Bowl: UCLA vs. Iowa
  
• Alamo Bowl: Kansas State vs. Arizona
  
• Outback Bowl: Kentucky vs. Minnesota
  

These games often provide breakout performances from underclassmen and future NFL stars.

Group of Five and Underdog Picks

Every Bowl Predictions season includes a few surprises from smaller schools, and 2025 is no different.

• Top Group of Five Team: Tulane – Likely NY6-bound again.
  
• Potential Upset: Liberty over a Power Five opponent in the Cure Bowl.
  
• Dark Horse Team: James Madison – First full FBS-eligible season, playing with a chip on their shoulder.
  

Conference Outlooks

SEC:

Dominant as always. Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Missouri are all projected to make high-profile bowls.

Big Ten:

Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State lead a strong showing, with 8+ teams expected to be bowl eligible.

Big 12:

Texas leads the charge in the conference’s final year before major realignment, with Kansas State and Oklahoma also representing well.

ACC:

Florida State, Louisville, and North Carolina highlight the conference’s depth.

Pac-12:

The conference’s final season before reorganization sees Oregon and Washington go out with strong records.

Group of Five:

Tulane, Liberty, and James Madison are all in line for strong matchups and potential upsets.

X-Factors Affecting Bowl Outcomes

Player Opt-Outs and Injuries:

As always, some stars may skip bowls to prepare for the NFL Draft, altering the outcomes of even marquee games.

Coaching Changes:

With the coaching carousel in full swing, interim coaches and distracted teams often underperform.

Motivation and Momentum:

Bowl games often come down to which team wants it more—especially in non-playoff bowls where motivation varies widely.

Final Thoughts and Predictions Summary

The 2025 Bowl Predictions season promises to be historic, especially with the first-ever 12-team playoff format. Traditional powers like Georgia and Michigan are expected to contend for the national title, while emerging teams like Tulane, Missouri, and Liberty look to make statements of their own. With intriguing matchups across the board and plenty of drama yet to unfold, college football fans are in for an unforgettable postseason.

FAQ: Bowl Predictions

Q1: What are bowl games in college football?

A: Bowl games are postseason college football matchups played after the regular season, often featuring top teams from various conferences.

Q2: How are bowl matchups determined?

A: Matchups are based on team records, conference affiliations, rankings, and selection committees for major bowls and the College Football Playoff.

Q3: What is the College Football Playoff (CFP)?

A: The CFP is a postseason tournament that determines the national champion, involving the top-ranked teams as selected by a committee.

Q4: Which teams are favored to make the 2025 College Football Playoff?

A: Georgia, Michigan, Texas, and Florida State are projected favorites for the 2025 playoff based on current season performance.

Q5: Can lower-ranked teams or Group of Five schools make bowl games?

A: Yes, many Group of Five teams qualify for bowl games and occasionally participate in New Year’s Six bowls or create upsets.

Q6: What factors can affect bowl game outcomes?

A: Player opt-outs, injuries, coaching changes, and team motivation can all significantly influence the results of bowl games.

Q7: Where can I watch the bowl games?

A: Bowl games are broadcast on major sports networks such as ESPN, FOX Sports, and ABC, with schedules announced closer to the postseason.