Here we list our most updated projections for the 2024-2025 NCAA College Football bowl games. Schools must have a record of 6-6 or better to be eligible for a bowl game. If there are not enough teams that are eligible to qualify, then those with a record of 5-7 will be eligible based on which teams have the highest APR.
This season is especially unique with the introduction of the 12-team playoff format to determine the national champion. This new structure adds an extra layer of complexity and excitement to the postseason. The expanded playoff not only intensifies the race for the top 12 spots but also affects the bowl game landscape significantly. With more teams now vying for a shot at the national championship, the selection process for the remaining bowl games has become even more dynamic and competitive.
Our bowl projections are forward looking , meaning that the current record is just one of many factors we consider when determining where teams might be placed. We analyze a variety of elements, including team performance trends, strength of schedule, and potential outcomes of remaining games. This approach allows us to provide a comprehensive view of where teams are likely to end up as the season progresses.
For a full list of bowl affiliations, College Football Bowl Schedule and College Football Bowl Ties, Affiliations For Each Conference 2024-2025 are a great reference points. For all of our rankings on each of these teams, go to NCAA FBS Ratings and go to NCAA Football Game Projections for our predictions for each game.
Teams in BOLD have accepted their bowl bid.
Teams with an * are fill-in bids as some conferences do not have enough bowl eligible teams to fill their allotted slots.
Updated on 12/8/2024.
College Football Bowl Projections
Early in the season, we will just be projecting the CFB Playoffs, and will add more bowls as the season progresses
Major Bowls
| Date | Bowl | Location | Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/17/2024 | Frisco | Frisco, TX | Memphis | West Virginia |
| 12/19/2024 | New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | Ga Southern | Sam Houston St |
| 12/20/2024 | Cure | Orlando, FL | Ohio | Jacksonville St |
| 12/28/2024 | Pop-Tarts | Orlando, FL | Miami FL | Texas Tech |
| 12/30/2024 | Music City | Nashville, TN | Minnesota | LSU |
| 12/31/2024 | ReliaQuest | Tampa, FL | Illinois | Texas A&M |
| 12/31/2024 | Citrus | Orlando, FL | Iowa | South Carolina |
| 1/2/2025 | Gator | Jacksonville, FL | Louisville | Missouri |
The College Football Playoff groups…
Playoff First Round
| Date | Bowl | Location | Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/20/2024 | 1st Round – 5 vs. 12 | TBD | Texas | Clemson |
| 12/21/2024 | 1st Round – 6 vs. 11 | TBD | Penn St | SMU |
| 12/21/2024 | 1st Round – 7 vs. 10 | TBD | Notre Dame | Indiana |
| 12/21/2024 | 1st Round – 8 vs. 9 | TBD | Ohio St | Tennessee |
The top-rated non Power-5 team is guaranteed a spot in the playoff. That recipient is projected to be Boise State.
Playoff Quarterfinals
| Date | Bowl | Location | Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/31/2024 | Fiesta | Glendale, AZ | Boise St | Texas |
| 1/1/2025 | Sugar | New Orleans, LA | Arizona St | Penn St |
| 1/1/2025 | Rose | Pasadena, CA | Oregon | Ohio St |
| 1/1/2025 | Peach | Atlanta, GA | Georgia | Notre Dame |
The top four teams get byes into the Quarterfinals.
National Championship Playoff Semifinals
| Date | Bowl | Location | Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9/2025 | Orange | Miami, FL | Oregon | Texas |
| 1/10/2025 | Cotton | Arlington, TX | Georgia | Penn St |
National Championship Bowl Projections
| Date | Bowl | Location | Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/20/2025 | Championship | Atlanta, GA | Oregon | Georgia |