2025-2026 College Football Bowl Schedule and Playoff Predictions
The 2025-2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) and bowl season is shaping up to be a wild ride for fans and teams. There’s a lineup of matchups and possible upsets that could really shake up college football.
This article takes a look at predictions, previews, and the scoreboard for the upcoming season. If you want to keep up or just get a feel for what’s coming, you’re in the right place.
Contents
Overview of the 2025-2026 Bowl Season
This bowl season will feature a string of high-stakes games, all building up to the College Football Playoff National Championship. Bowl games aren’t just about finding the best team; they give schools a chance to show off on a national stage.
Sometimes, the results are wild and totally unexpected. It’s not only about the big-name programs—there’s plenty of room for surprises and breakout performances.
Key Dates and Matchups
Got your calendar handy? The action gets underway in mid-December, starting with some early games that help set the tone.
The spotlight shifts to the New Year’s Six bowls—Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl—scheduled for late December and early January. Everything leads up to the CFP semifinals and, of course, the National Championship.
- December 20: Bowl season kickoff
- December 31: New Year’s Six bowls begin
- January 1: Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl
- January 10: CFP National Championship
Predictions and Previews
Looking ahead, a few teams stand out as possible title contenders. Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State are always in the mix, but there’s always a chance for a surprise run from an underdog.
Every game is its own test—of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. Predicting how it’ll all shake out? Not so simple, but that’s half the fun.
Top Contenders
Alabama’s still a powerhouse with Coach Nick Saban at the helm. Their roster is loaded, and they’re chasing another big year.
Clemson, led by Dabo Swinney, will be tough to beat, especially with their explosive offense and tough defense. Ohio State’s experience and depth keep them right up there too.
Dark Horse Teams
But hey, it’s not all about the usual suspects. Teams like Cincinnati, Iowa State, and Oregon could throw a wrench in the works.
They’ve all had moments of brilliance before. Maybe this is the year one of them crashes the party.
Scoreboard and Game Analysis
The scoreboard’s where it all comes together for fans and analysts. Every matchup gives us a peek at what these teams are really made of.
Digging into the details—key plays, smart calls, and those little moments—can reveal a lot about why a game goes one way or another.
Offensive and Defensive Standouts
Some players are just must-watch. On offense, quarterbacks like Bryce Young (Alabama) and DJ Uiagalelei (Clemson) could put up some big numbers.
Defensively, Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon) and Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU) are names to remember. If they’re on, they can totally change a game’s direction.
Game-Changing Plays
Let’s be real—every bowl game seems to have that one play everyone talks about. Maybe it’s a clutch field goal, a gutsy fourth-down stop, or a wild touchdown grab.
Those moments stick with you. They’re what make the bowl season so much fun to watch, and you never quite know when they’ll happen.
Conclusion
The 2025-2026 College Football Playoff and bowl season looks like it could be a wild ride. There’s a good mix of the usual heavyweights and a few teams that might just surprise everyone.
Fans are already counting down the days. The buzz is real, and it’s hard not to get swept up in it.
If you want more predictions, previews, or just want to keep up with the scoreboard, there’s a pretty thorough guide over at College Football News.
