2024-2025 bowl projections

3 min read 22-01-2025

The roar of the crowds, the clash of helmets, the nail-biting finishes – college football season is a spectacle. But the excitement doesn't end with the regular season. The bowl games offer a thrilling postseason conclusion, a chance for teams to showcase their skills one last time before the off-season. So, let's peer into our crystal ball and make some early 2024-2025 bowl projections. Remember, these are educated guesses based on current team strength, projected recruiting classes, and some healthy speculation – things can, and likely will, change dramatically as the season unfolds.

Power Five Conference Predictions

This section will focus on the major conferences, offering a glimpse into their potential bowl destinations. Keep in mind, conference championship games significantly influence final bowl matchups.

SEC Bowl Projections

Georgia Bulldogs: College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Their consistent dominance makes them a strong contender for the top spot.
Alabama Crimson Tide: College Football Playoff Semifinal. Alabama always contends, and a potential rematch with Georgia would be electrifying.
LSU Tigers: Sugar Bowl. A strong LSU team could easily find themselves in a New Year's Six bowl.
Texas A&M Aggies: Citrus Bowl. With a strong recruiting class, the Aggies aim for a significant bowl game.
Florida Gators: Gator Bowl. A homecoming bowl game for the Gators.

Big Ten Bowl Projections

Michigan Wolverines: College Football Playoff Semifinal. Michigan's consistent success places them in contention for a playoff spot.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Rose Bowl. A classic rivalry renewed in a prestigious bowl game.
Penn State Nittany Lions: Outback Bowl. A solid bowl destination for a strong Penn State team.
Wisconsin Badgers: Pinstripe Bowl. A solid option for a Wisconsin team looking to end the season on a high note.
Iowa Hawkeyes: Music City Bowl. A location that suits the Hawkeyes style of play.

Pac-12 Bowl Projections

USC Trojans: Rose Bowl (if not in the playoff). USC's talent could see them in a major bowl.
Oregon Ducks: Las Vegas Bowl. A strong Pac-12 team deserving of a high-profile bowl.
Utah Utes: Holiday Bowl. A consistently competitive team, Utah will likely find themselves in a decent bowl game.
Washington Huskies: Sun Bowl. A solid choice for a Washington team looking for a positive end to the season.
UCLA Bruins: Alamo Bowl. A team with a strong offense will put on a show for this bowl.

Big 12 Bowl Projections

Texas Longhorns: Sugar Bowl (if not in the playoff). Texas's potential makes them a strong contender for a major bowl.
Oklahoma Sooners: Alamo Bowl. Oklahoma always brings the excitement to any bowl game they're in.
Kansas State Wildcats: Texas Bowl. A good fit for a Kansas State team seeking a strong end to their season.
TCU Horned Frogs: Fiesta Bowl. Following their impressive 2022-2023 season, TCU aims for a solid bowl.
Baylor Bears: Liberty Bowl. A fitting game for a Baylor team looking to make a statement.

ACC Bowl Projections

Clemson Tigers: Orange Bowl. Clemson's tradition ensures a spot in a highly-ranked bowl.
Florida State Seminoles: Peach Bowl. Florida State's potential could land them in a high-profile bowl.
North Carolina Tar Heels: Duke's Mayo Bowl. A fun and quirky bowl game to end the season.
Pittsburgh Panthers: Military Bowl. A fitting match for a Pittsburgh team with a strong defense.
NC State Wolfpack: Gator Bowl. A good fit for NC State, offering a chance to compete in a solid bowl.

Group of Five Conference Outlook

Predicting Group of Five bowl games is tricky as their schedules vary more widely. However, we can expect strong performances from teams like:

Tulsa: Armed Forces Bowl
Cincinnati: First Responder Bowl
Boise State: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

The College Football Playoff Picture

The playoff remains the ultimate goal for many teams. While these projections are early, the race to the CFP will likely be fiercely contested. The SEC and Big Ten will undoubtedly be major players, but upsets and unexpected performances can change everything.

Conclusion: A Season of Uncertainty and Excitement

These 2024-2025 bowl projections are merely a snapshot in time. The season unfolds with surprises, upsets, and unexpected triumphs. The real excitement lies in watching the teams battle it out on the field, determining their final destinations in the thrilling postseason bowl season. Check back regularly for updates as the season progresses and the picture becomes clearer. It's going to be an exciting ride!