The Definitive Guide to the 2025-26 Collage Football Bowl Season: Schedule, Predictions & Expert Insights
The excitement of college football doesn’t end with the regular season; it crescendos with the thrilling spectacle of bowl games. As of December 12, 2025, 23:09:40, the initial contests of the 2025 bowl season are upon us, with the main event – the 2025-26 bowl schedule – launching next week, from December 19th to 23rd. This period will feature ten compelling matchups, including the crucial opening rounds of the College Football Playoff (CFP). This article provides a extensive overview of the upcoming games, television schedules, printable pick’em sheets, and data-driven predictions, designed to be your ultimate resource for navigating this exciting period in collegiate athletics.
Understanding the 2025-26 Bowl Schedule: A Week-by-Week Breakdown
The period between December 19th and 23rd is particularly packed with action, setting the stage for the semi-final and championship games. Here’s a detailed look at the confirmed schedule (as of December 12, 2025):
* December 19th: Several smaller conference championship bowls will take place, offering opportunities for teams to finish their seasons on a high note. These games often feature exciting, underdog narratives.
* December 20th: Expect a step up in competition with matchups featuring teams from the Power Five conferences. These games are crucial for building momentum heading into the new year.
* December 21st: The intensity increases as we approach the CFP first-round games. Expect strategic play and high stakes.
* December 22nd: The College Football Playoff first-round matchups will dominate the headlines. These games will determine which teams advance to the semi-finals.
* December 23rd: The final game of this initial block will likely feature a highly-ranked team looking to solidify its position in the national conversation.
| date | Game | Location | TV Channel | Time (EST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 19 | Myrtle Beach Bowl | Myrtle Beach, SC | ESPN+ | 2:30 PM |
| Dec 20 | New Orleans Bowl | new Orleans, LA | ESPN | 3:30 PM |
| Dec 21 | Famous idaho Potato Bowl | boise, ID | ESPN2 | 5:30 PM |
| Dec 22 | CFP First Round – Game 1 | Arlington, TX | ESPN | 12:00 PM |
| dec 22 | CFP First Round – Game 2 | Miami gardens, FL | ESPN | 3:30 PM |
| Dec 23 | Holiday Bowl | San Diego, CA | FOX | 8:00 PM |
Navigating the College Football Playoff: Key Contenders and Predictions
The 2025-26 CFP field is shaping up to be highly competitive.Based on current rankings and performance data (as of December
