Top 2025-26 College Football Bowl Predictions and Confidence Picks

The 2025-26 college football bowl season is officially underway, and you can feel the excitement building. Fans are buzzing about the 45 bowl matchups ahead, including every College Football Playoff game.

This season’s slate is packed with intriguing battles and high stakes. From the Pop-Tarts Bowl featuring No. 12 BYU against No. 22 Georgia Tech to the showdown between Penn State and Clemson, there’s no shortage of drama.

As you gear up for your college football bowl confidence pools, it might be worth listening to a few experts. Thomas Casale, a seasoned sports betting analyst, has some insights that could give you a real edge.

Let’s take a look at some key matchups, standout players, and the picks that might just make or break your bowl pool.

Key Matchups to Watch

The 2025-26 bowl season is loaded with games that could go either way. Here are a few that stand out:

Pop-Tarts Bowl: No. 12 BYU vs. No. 22 Georgia Tech

Set for December 27, this one features two teams that have surprised a lot of folks. BYU came close to a playoff spot, while Georgia Tech showed serious grit.

It’s a clash of very different styles, so expect some fireworks.

Penn State vs. Clemson (-4.5)

Also on December 27, Penn State and Clemson face off in a classic power program matchup. Clemson’s favored by 4.5, but Penn State’s defense could throw a wrench in those odds.

Can Penn State slow down Clemson’s explosive quarterback? That’s the big question.

UConn vs. Army (-7)

Army is a seven-point favorite over UConn in another December 27 battle. Army’s disciplined, slow-burn approach is a real contrast to UConn’s more unpredictable style.

It’s hard to say which will win out, but it should be fun to watch.

LSU vs. Houston (-2.5)

Wrapping up that day’s action, Houston is a slight 2.5-point favorite over LSU. Both teams have had their ups and downs, and honestly, this one’s a toss-up.

For confidence pools, picking this game right could be a difference-maker.

Expert Insights from Thomas Casale

If you’re serious about your bowl confidence pools, it’s probably smart to check out what Thomas Casale has to say. With over 30 years in sports betting, he’s seen it all—and his analysis can be a real asset.

Top Confidence Pick: Texas A&M vs. Miami (Fla.)

One of Casale’s top picks is No. 7 Texas A&M, a 3.5-point favorite, to beat Miami (Fla.) in the opening round of the College Football Playoffs on December 20. Texas A&M wrapped up the season at 11-1, tying for first in the SEC.

Even though they missed out on the conference title, the Aggies have looked tough. Quarterback Marcel Reed has been a real standout, completing 61.8% of his throws for nearly 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, with just 10 picks.

Reed can run, too—he racked up 466 yards and six TDs on the ground. In a recent game against Missouri, he went 20-for-29 for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Not bad at all.

Miami’s Strong Season

Miami (Fla.) isn’t exactly a pushover either. They finished 10-2 and tied for second in the ACC. Senior QB Carson Beck has been the engine, completing almost 75% of his passes for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Beck’s accuracy and poise have been huge for Miami. In a recent win over Pittsburgh, he completed 23-of-29 for 267 yards and three scores. With two talented quarterbacks, this game is shaping up to be one of the bowl season’s best.

Additional Expert Picks

Casale doesn’t stop at just one pick. He’s gone through every bowl game and ranked them by confidence level, which could be gold for your pool.

• High Confidence: He likes favorites like Alabama, Ohio State, and Oklahoma. These teams have been steady all year and are expected to keep rolling.
• Potential Upsets: Casale’s got his eye on a few underdogs that might shock people. If you nail one of these, your confidence pool score could jump.

Alabama, Ohio State, and Oklahoma

Alabama, Ohio State, and Oklahoma—what more can you say? They’re always in the mix, and their depth and experience make them pretty safe picks for high confidence.

They’ve been here before, and that matters when the pressure’s on.

Underdog to Watch

Casale’s most confident underdog pick could be the one that swings your pool. He’s not naming names here, but paying attention to his advice might just give you the edge you need.

Final Thoughts

The 2025-26 college football bowl season is shaping up to be a wild ride. There are sure to be some jaw-dropping matchups and moments nobody saw coming.

If you’re gearing up for bowl confidence pools, having a few expert insights from Thomas Casale can’t hurt. He digs into everything—high-confidence picks, sneaky upsets, you name it.

Want a deep dive on every single bowl game? Check out SportsLine for all the expert picks and breakdowns. Maybe with a little help from Casale and your own gut, you’ll have a real shot at topping your bowl confidence pool this year.