The stage is set for the 2025-2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) and bowl season. This one looks like it’ll have a wild finish to an already pretty captivating year.
This time, the expanded 12-team CFP has shaken things up. We’re seeing some new faces, and a few regulars facing odd challenges.
As usual, the coaching carousel and player moves are making predictions trickier than ever. Let’s just jump in and break down each game, from the first round all the way to the championship.
CFP First-Round Games
Alabama Crimson Tide at Oklahoma Sooners
The CFP opens with a rematch: Alabama heads to Oklahoma’s Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Oklahoma got the better of them last time, winning 23-21 and flexing some defensive muscle.
But Alabama, with Ty Simpson at quarterback and Jam Miller running the ball, feels overdue for a bounce-back. The Tide had a rocky finish, but honestly, their experience might tip the scales.
Prediction: Alabama 20, Oklahoma 17
Miami Hurricanes at Texas A&M Aggies
Miami and Texas A&M will meet at Kyle Field, and it’s the first CFP trip for both. Miami just squeaked past Notre Dame for a playoff spot, thanks in part to a defense that’s finally clicking under Corey Hetherman.
Texas A&M lost recently but will have the home crowd behind them. It could all come down to quarterbacks Marcel Reed (A&M) and Carson Beck (Miami). If Miami’s defense makes a late play, that could be it.
Prediction: Miami 31, Texas A&M 28
Tulane Green Wave at Ole Miss Rebels
Tulane faces Ole Miss, but Lane Kiffin’s out of the picture—now it’s Pete Golding’s team. Jon Sumrall is coaching Tulane, which is a twist.
Even though Tulane’s defense looked good in the American Conference title game, Ole Miss has too much firepower. Trinidad Chambliss at quarterback should make the difference.
Prediction: Ole Miss 34, Tulane 16
James Madison Dukes at Oregon Ducks
James Madison made the CFP, which is wild, but now they have to play Oregon at Autzen. The Ducks are still stinging from last year’s early exit and want redemption.
James Madison had a heck of a run, but Oregon, with Dante Moore at quarterback, just looks like too much.
Prediction: Oregon 38, James Madison 13
CFP Quarterfinals
Miami Hurricanes vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
In the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, it’s Miami versus Ohio State. The Buckeyes are trying to run it back after last year’s success.
They’ll lean on their defense and O-line to slow down Miami’s front. Ohio State just has a little more experience and grit.
Prediction: Ohio State 27, Miami 20
Oregon Ducks vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Capital One Orange Bowl brings Oregon against Texas Tech. Both programs have plenty of resources, but Oregon’s Dante Moore is up against a tough Red Raiders defense.
Shiel Wood’s defense for Texas Tech could make the difference in a tight one.
Prediction: Texas Tech 23, Oregon 20
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Indiana Hoosiers
The Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential has Alabama taking on Indiana. Indiana’s coming off a Big Ten title and has Fernando Mendoza at quarterback, plus a strong running game.
Alabama might struggle if they can’t find some offensive balance against Indiana’s defense.
Prediction: Indiana 24, Alabama 16
Ole Miss Rebels vs. Georgia Bulldogs
The Allstate Sugar Bowl is an SEC rematch: Ole Miss and Georgia. Georgia’s Gunner Stockton is hoping to erase last year’s Sugar Bowl letdown.
Ole Miss is talented, but Georgia’s defense and overall form should get them through.
Prediction: Georgia 31, Ole Miss 21
CFP Semifinals
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl sets up Georgia against Ohio State. Both have recent national titles, so there’s no shortage of big-game experience.
Ohio State’s receivers and defensive staff might be the x-factor in what could end up a low-scoring scrap.
Prediction: Ohio State 19, Georgia 16
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Indiana Hoosiers
In the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Texas Tech and Indiana face off in what looks like a defensive battle. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and their balanced running attack could give them just enough to pull it out.
Prediction: Indiana 20, Texas Tech 17
CFP National Championship
The CFP National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium brings an all-Big Ten showdown: Ohio State vs. Indiana. It’s a rematch of the conference title, and it could be a thriller.
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith gets to play in his hometown, and that just feels like a storybook setup. I’m leaning Buckeyes for the repeat.
Prediction: Ohio State 24, Indiana 20
Notable Bowl Games
Cricket Celebration Bowl
South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. Prairie View A&M Panthers
South Carolina State is back in the Celebration Bowl, but Prairie View A&M has a tough defense and a playmaker in Jyzaiah Rockwell. That combo should be enough.
Prediction: Prairie View A&M 27, South Carolina State 21
Bucked Up LA Bowl
Boise State Broncos vs. Washington Huskies
Boise State missed out on the CFP, so now they get a young Washington squad. The Huskies have Demond Williams Jr. at quarterback, and this could be a springboard for next year.
Prediction: Washington 37, Boise State 27
IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl
Troy Trojans vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Troy’s offense hasn’t really clicked. Jacksonville State’s Cam Cook, the C-USA MVP, probably leads the way here.
Prediction: Jacksonville State 24, Troy 20
StaffDNA Cure Bowl
Old Dominion Monarchs vs. South Florida Bulls
Both teams are in a bit of flux, but South Florida’s got the edge in talent and defense. That should be enough in what might be a lower-scoring affair.
Prediction: South Florida 24, Old Dominion 17
68 Ventures Bowl
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns vs. Delaware Blue Hens
Louisiana gets to play close to home, and that usually counts for something. Delaware keeps it close, but I’ll take Louisiana.
Prediction: Louisiana 28, Delaware 24
Xbox Bowl
Arkansas State Red Wolves vs. Missouri State Bears
This one could get wild on the scoreboard. Missouri State’s passing game is probably the difference.
Prediction: Missouri State 34, Arkansas State 30
Myrtle Beach Bowl
Kennesaw State Owls vs. Western Michigan Broncos
Western Michigan’s defense looks like the deciding factor. Kennesaw State will need something special to break through.
Prediction: Western Michigan 28, Kennesaw State 20
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
Memphis Tigers vs. NC State Wolfpack
NC State closed out their season on a high note. That momentum could give them an edge over Memphis, who stumbled a bit down the stretch.
Prediction: NC State 28, Memphis 20
If you want to dig deeper or just see more takes, check out the full article on ESPN.
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