College football bowl picks, predictions for all 41 bowl and CFP games in 2024-25 | Sporting News

It is a different kind of bowl season in 2024-25. 

There are still 35 bowl games outside the 12-team College Football Playoff. These games are predictably unpredictable because of coaching changes, the transfer portal and opt-outs, which can alter the outlook for a game in a hurry. 

Will Coach Prime change that? After all, Deion Sanders claims Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter will play for No. 23 Colorado against No. 17 BYU in the Valero Alamo Bowl. Will that lead to a trend where players opt-in to bowl games more often? Like we always say, bowl games mean something different to everybody — but they are never meaningless. 

We picked all the regular-season matchups involving teams in the AP Top 25 during the regular season. We were better this season with a S/U record of 195-59 and an ATS mark of 127-127. We would like to do better than 50% in bowl season. 

We will update our picks to reflect all those changes with the portal and opt outs, but here are our postseason picks for now, including every 2024-25 bowl game and the College Football Playoff’s first round: 

SN’s PLAYOFF HQ: Live CFP scores | Updated CFP bracket | Full CFP schedule

College football bowl picks, predictions 2024-25

• Salute to Veterans Bowl: South Alabama (-9) vs. Western Michigan 

Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m., ESPN 

South Alabama coach Major Applewhite led the Jaguars to a bowl game after a 6-6 season, and they should have success against a Western Michigan defense that ranked 109th in the FBS in scoring defense. Freshman running back Fluff Bothwell (832 yards, 13 TDs) will make an impact for South Alabama. 

Pick: South Alabama wins 38-21 and COVERS the spread. 

Final: South Alabama 30, Western Michigan 23

• Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl: No. 25 Memphis (-4.5) vs. West Virginia 

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 9 p.m., ESPN 

West Virginia fired Neal Brown, and interim coach will lead the Mountaineers into the Frisco Bowl. Garrett Greene struggled with interceptions this season, and if he plays in this bowl game it could turn into a high-scoring affair. Seth Henigan (3,208 yards, 23 TDs) and Mario Anderson (1,292 yards, 17 TDs) are a dynamic tandem for the Tigers. 

Pick: Memphis wins 29-27 but FAILS TO COVER the spread. 

Final: Memphis 42, West Virginia 37

• Boca Raton Bowl: James Madison (-7.5) vs. Western Kentucky (5:30 p.m, ESPN) 

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 5:30 p.m., ESPN 

James Madison is looking for its first bowl win in school history. The Dukes lost their last two games. Western Kentucky lost to Jacksonville State 52-12 in the Conference-USA championship game. James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett had a five-TD game against North Carolina on Sept. 21. Western Kentucky is 4-1 S/U in bowl games under Tyson Helton, so we expect a close game. 

Pick: James Madison wins 34-31 but FAILS TO COVER the spread. 

Final: James Madison 27, Western Kentucky 17

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 9 p.m., ESPN 

Barry Odom left UNLV to take the Purdue job, and that leaves interim coach Del Alexander in charge after the loss in the Mountain West Conference championship game. Will UNLV star receiver Ricky White opt out? Cal allowed 32 points per game in its last four games – where it split a 2-2 record. Hajj-Malik Williams could lead an upset here. 

Pick: UNLV wins 28-23 and COVERS the spread. 

Final: UNLV 24, Cal 13

• R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Georgia Southern (-4.5) vs. Sam Houston 

Thursday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m., ESPN 

Sam Houston is in its first bowl game in school history under second-year coach K.C. Keeler, who left to take the Temple job. Georgia Southern is looking for its first bowl victory in three ties with Clay Helton. The Bearkats were 3-1 ATS as an underdog this season with three outright victories. Look for the defense to make the difference for Sam Houston. 

Pick: Sam Houston wins 27-26 in an UPSET. 

Score: Sam Houston 31, Georgia Southern 26

• Staffdna Cure Bowl: Ohio (-6.5) vs. Jacksonville State 

Friday, Dec. 20, 12 p.m., ESPN 

Ohio won its first MAC championship since 1968, only to watch Tim Albin take the job with Charlotte after the victory. Jacksonville State won the Conference-USA championship with Rich Rodriguez, who is reportedly in the mix for the West Virginia job. Jacksonville State running back Tre Stewart (1,604 yards, 23 TDs) and Ohio running back Anthony Tyus II (1,111 yards, 13 TDs) should both have success in this game. The Bobcats covered in each of their last six games. 

Pick: Ohio wins 31-24 and COVERS the spread. 

Score: Ohio 30, Jacksonville State 27

Friday, Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m., ESPN 

Tulane coach Jon Sumrall announced he would return, but quarterback Darian Mensah entered the transfer portal. That is not a good sign against Florida, which is looking to put the finishing touches on an eight-win season with coach Billy Napier and quarterback DJ Lagway. If Mensah is out, then Florida should cruise here. 

Pick: Florida wins 31-17 and COVERS the spread. 

Score: Florida 33, Tulane 8

• Myrtle Beach Bowl: UTSA (-11.5) vs. Coastal Carolina (11 a.m., ESPN) 

Monday, Dec. 23, 11 a.m., ESPN 

UTSA won four of its last six games just to get bowl eligible — and Owen McCown (3,170 yards, 24 TDs, 9 INTs) had a strong season at quarterback. The Chanticleers lost four of their last six games. Those trends don’t always matter in bowl games, and the Chanticleers are at home here. 

Pick: UTSA wins 31-27 but FAILS TO COVER the spread. 

Score: UTSA 44, Coastal Carolina 15

MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL AWARDS:

Monday, Dec. 23, 2:30 p.m., ESPN 

Fresno State finished 6-6 under interim coach Tim Skipper, and Mikey Keene led the Mountain West Conference with 2,892 passing yards. Northern Illinois was inconsistent after the Week 2 victory at Notre Dame. The Bulldogs were 0-4 S/U as an underdog this year, and the Huskers were 1-2 ATS in games with a spread of three points or less. 

Pick: Fresno State wins 21-20 in an UPSET. 

Score: Northern Illinois 28, Fresno State 20

• Hawaii Bowl: San Jose State (-3) vs. South Florida 

Tuesday, Dec. 24, 8 p.m., ESPN 

San Jose State can get to eight wins under first-year coach Ken Niumatalolo, but keep an eye on whether Biletnikoff finalist Nick Nash – who had 104 catches for 1,382 yards and 16 TDs – plays in the game. South Florida won four of its last six games, and running back Kelley Joiner Jr. (766 yards, 11 TDs) averaged 7.0 yards per carry. 

Pick: San Jose State wins 31-27 and COVERS the spread. 

Score: South Florida 41, San Jose State 39

• Game Above Sports Bowl: Pitt (-7) vs. Toledo 

Thursday, Dec. 26, 2 p.m., ESPN 

The Panthers struggled on offense in the second half of the season, but the defense – led by Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles – should be able to generate turnovers against the Rockets here. Toledo did cover as a double-digit underdog against Mississippi State in a 41-17 on Sept. 14. The Rockets also averaged 10.5 points in their last two games. Pitt is 5-1 S/U against MAC schools under Pat Narduzzi. 

Pick: Pitt wins 28-17 and COVERS the spread. 

Score: Toledo 48, Pitt 46

• Guaranteed Rate Bowl: Kansas State (-7) vs. Rutgers 

Thursday, Dec. 26, 5:30 p.m., ESPN 

This will be a classic line-of-scrimmage game. Kansas State averaged 204.5 rushing yards per game, and quarterback Avery Johnson (2,517 yards, 22 TDs, 9 INTs) had an up-and-down season in his first year as a starter. Rutgers averaged 176.3 rushing yards per game, and Kyle Monangai (1,279 yards, 13 TDs) led the Big Ten with 256 rushing attempts. Rutgers is 6-2 in bowl games under Greg Schiano. 

Pick: Kansas State wins 24-21 but FAILS TO COVER the spread. 

Score: Kansas State 44, Rutgers 41

• 68 Ventures Bowl: Bowling Green (-9.5) vs. Arkansas State 

Thursday, Dec. 26, 9 p.m., ESPN 

Need a reason to watch this game? Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. had 100 catches for 1,342 yards and nine TDs this season. The Falcons won five of their last six games. Arkansas State quarterback Jaylon Raynor led the Sun Belt with 390 passing attempts. Bowling Green is 1-7 in its last eight bowl games, and a MAC team has not won this bowl game since 2014. The Falcons break the streak. 

Pick: Bowling Green wins 34-30 but FAILS TO COVER the spread. 

• Lockheed Armed Forces Bowl: Oklahoma (-2.5) vs. Navy

Friday, Dec. 27, 12 p.m., ESPN 

The Sooners’ defense – led by Danny Stutsman (109 tackles) – allowed 2.9 yards per rushing attempt this season. Navy quarterback Braxton Woodson – who replaced Blake Horvath – rushed for 125 yards and three TDs in the season finale. Navy is 1-2 ATS as an underdog of seven points or more. 

Pick: Oklahoma wins 27-14 and COVERS the spread. 

• Birmingham Bowl: Georgia Tech (-3) vs. Vanderbilt 

Friday, Dec. 27, 3:30 p.m., ESPN 

Georgia Tech’s Haynes King and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia emerged as fan favorites during the season. Will the Commodores be able to slow down that Georgia Tech rushing attack – which averaged 186.8 yards on 4.9 yards per carry this season. Both teams protected the football well during the season. Vanderbilt had seven turnovers. Georgia Tech had eight. The Commodores were 1-3 S/U as an underdog of 10 points or less. 

Pick: Georgia Tech wins 30-23 and COVERS the spread. 

• Autozone Liberty Bowl: Arkansas vs. Texas Tech (-1.5)

Friday, Dec. 27, 7 p.m., ESPN 

Will Tahj Brooks (1,505 yards, 17 TDs)  play for Texas Tech? He led the Big 12 with 286 rushing attempts. The Red Raiders were 3-1 ATS as an underdog this season, and Arkansas lost three of its last four games. The familiarity factor is there, but we expect Texas Tech to play well with Behren Morton (3,335 yards, 27 TDs, 8 INTs). Take the over. 

Pick: Texas Tech wins 38-31 and COVERS the spread. 

• DirecTV Holiday Bowl: No. 21 Syracuse (-17) at Washington State 

Friday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m., Fox 

Will Kyle McCord play? He led the FBS with 4,326 passing yards, and that would be a fun quarterback matchup with Washington State’s John Mateer, who ranked fifth in the FBS with 330.4 total yards per game. Look for the Orange to continue to build momentum around coach Fran Brown with a 10-win season. 

Pick: Syracuse wins 37-30 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.  

• SDS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl: Texas A&M (-4) vs. USC 

Friday, Dec. 27, 10:30 p.m., ESPN 

How much – if any – heat is on Lincoln Riley here? The Trojans are 14-11 the last two seasons, and Texas A&M poses a challenge with a physical rushing attack led by Marcel Reed and Amari Daniels. Jayden Maiava has a 60.8% completion percentage for the Trojans in three starts. This should be an entertaining game, but if the Trojans’ run defense holds up an upset is possible. 

Pick: Texas A&M wins 26-20 and COVERS the spread. 

• Wasabi Fenway Bowl: North Carolina (-4.5) at UConn 

Saturday, Dec. 28, 11 a.m.., ESPN 

Mack Brown will not coach the Tar Heels in the bowl game, which is a bit of a stunner. Omarion Hampton –  who led the ACC with 1,660 rushing yards and 15 TDs – has not announced his intentions yet. Those are factors to consider against the Huskies, who had one-score losses to Duke and Syracuse this season. This could be a tight game for the Tar Heels at Fenway Park. 

Pick: North Carolina wins 25-22 but FAILS TO COVER the spread. 

• Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl: Nebraska (-3.5) vs. Boston College

Saturday, Dec. 28, 12 p.m., ABC 

Nebraska lost five of its last six games but still is back in a bowl game for the first time since the 2016 Music City Bowl. Boston College closed its season with a pair of victories behind quarterback Grayson James. He had a 69.1% completion percentage in victories against Pitt and North Carolina. Both teams will be motivated here under coaches Matt Rhule and Bill O’Brien. The Eagles were 1-3 S/U and 2-2 ATS as an underdog of 10 points or less. 

Pick: Nebraska wins 27-20 and COVERS the spread. 

• Isleta New Mexico Bowl: TCU (-9.5) vs. Louisiana 

Saturday, Dec. 28, 2:15 p.m., ESPN 

The Horned Frogs won three of their last four games with improved play from quarterback Josh Hoover, who averaged 270.8 passing yards per game during that stretch. Louisiana enjoyed a 10-win season under coach Michael Desormeaux before losing in the Sun Belt championship game. The Ragin’ Cajuns were 2-1 S/U as an underdog this season, but Sonny Dykes will have the Horned Frogs ready here. 

Pick: TCU wins 33-16 and COVERS the spread. 

Saturday, Dec. 28, 3:30 p.m., ABC 

Will Miami quarterback Cam Ward play? That would be a huge difference maker for the Hurricanes, who led the FBS with 44.2 points per game. Iowa State allowed 40-plus points in losses to Kansas and Arizona State. The Hurricanes were 2-0 ATS when favored by four points or less, and we look forward to the sequel with the Pop-Tarts mascot. 

Pick: Miami wins 29-26 and COVERS the spread. 

• Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl: Miami, Ohio (-1.5) vs. Colorado State 

Saturday, Dec. 28, 3:30 p.m., ABC 

The RedHawks are coming off a blowout loss in the MAC championship game. The Rams won six of their last seven games – and they committed just seven turnovers in that streak. Colorado State coach Jay Norvell – who is 2-1 in bowl games – leads the Rams to their first bowl victory since 2013. 

Pick: Colorado State wins 23-16 in an UPSET. 

Saturday, Dec. 28, 5:45 p.m., ESPN 

An in-state game with a little history. These schools have split the last six meetings since 2010. NC State allowed 30.5 points per game – which ranked 104th in the FBS. The Pirates were 4-1 under interim coach Blake Harrell after firing Mike Houston. Michigan State transfer Katin Houser (1,859 yards, 18 TDs, 9 INTs) had 15 TDs in East Carolina’s last five games. 

Pick: NC State wins 34-28 and COVERS the spread. 

• Valero Alamo Bowl: No. 23 Colorado (-2.5) vs. No. 17 BYU 

Saturday, Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m., ABC 

Deion Sanders reiterated that Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are going to play in the Valero Alamo Bowl, and we’re hoping that starts a trend. These games are better when the star players are on the field. BYU had a plus-nine turnover ratio this season, but Sanders does not turn the ball over. Colorado, meanwhile, had a plus-11 turnover ratio. Sanders and Hunter will showcase their value as top-five picks. 

Pick: Colorado wins 34-24 and COVERS the spread. 

• Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl: No. 22 Army (-9.5) vs. Marshall 

Saturday, Dec. 28, 9:15 p.m., ESPN 

Marshall coach Charles Huff left for the Southern Miss job after leading the Thundering Herd to a Sun Belt championship. Army won the American Athletic Conference, and quarterback Bryson Daily leads the FBS with 29 rushing TDs. Army coach Jeff Monken is 4-1 S/U in bowl games. Marshall was 5-0 ATS as an underdog this season, but the Thundering Herd have lost three of their last four bowl games. 

Pick: Army wins 28-20 but FAILS TO COVER the spread. 

• Transperfect Music City Bowl: No. 19 Missouri (-2.5) vs. Iowa 

Monday, Dec. 30, 2:30 p.m. 

Missouri can get to 10 wins, but they’ll have to get through Iowa to do it. Who will opt out for the Tigers? Iowa allowed more than 21 points in only two games this season, and Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has won four of his last six bowl games. Missouri struggled against the run late in the season. Will Kaleb Johnson play for the Hawkeyes? 

Pick: Iowa wins 24-21 in an UPSET. 

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 12 p.m., ESPN 

This is a rematch of last year’s Rose Bowl Classic, and potential opt-outs on both sides will be a major factor, including Jalen Milroe for Alabama and the Michigan interior defense that includes Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. Alabama was snubbed from the playoff, and Michigan was starved for offense all season around quarterback Davis Warren. This game will not resemble last year’s thriller. 

Pick: Alabama wins 28-19 but FAILS TO COVER the spread. 

• Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl: Louisville (-5) vs. Washington 

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 12 p.m., ESPN 

Louisville closed the season with blowout victories against Pitt and Kentucky, and Jeff Brohm can earn his first bowl victory as a coach at his alma mater. Washington ranked 110th in the FBS with 22.5 points per game. They might have trouble keeping up with the Cardinals if this turns into a shootout. Freshman running back Isaac Brown (1,074 yards, 11 TDs) averages 7.3 yards per carry for the Cardinals. 

Pick: Louisville wins 34-23 and COVERS the spread. 

• Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: No. 15 South Carolina (-11.5) vs. No. 20 Illinois 

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 3 p.m., ABC 

South Carolina was arguably the hottest team at the end of the season – and LaNorris Sellers could garner some early Heisman Trophy hype with an impressive performance here. Illinois’ three-loss resume isn’t bad either, however, and Illinois had just 12 turnovers all season. Bret Bielema can get to a 10th victory, too. This will be a close game.  

Pick: South Carolina wins 24-20 but FAILS TO COVER the spread. 

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m., ESPN 

Baylor won its last six games under coach Dave Aranda, a former LSU defensive coordinator. That is an added wrinkle to a matchup against the Tigers, who also won eight games in Brian Kelly’s third season. It’s a close-to-home game for the Bears. LSU was 1-3 S/U in games where the spread was three points or less on either side. Will they show up motivated here? 

Pick: LSU wins 31-26 and COVERS the spread. 

Thursday, Jan. 2, 7:30 p.m. ESPN

Opt outs will be a factor here if Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart does not play. Duke was 5-2 ATS as an underdog and 1-2 ATS as a double-digit underdog this season. Maalik Murphy led the ACC with 12 interceptions. He will have to avoid turnovers against the Rebels. Duke will be motivated, but the Rebels will pull through for Lane Kiffin’s third bowl victory after a perceived playoff snub. 

Pick: Ole Miss wins 34-19 and COVERS the spread. 

• ServPro First Responder Bowl: Texas State (-7.5) vs. North Texas 

Friday, Jan. 3, 4 p.m., ESPN

North Texas quarterback Chandler Morris ranked second in the FBS with 509 passing attempts. Texas State quarterback Jordan McCloud led the Sun Belt with 29 TD passes. This might be the highest-scoring game of bowl season. The Mean Green lost one-score shootouts with Memphis and Tulane this season. 

Pick: Texas State wins 41-34 but FAILS TO COVER the spread. 

• Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Minnesota (-4.5) vs. Virginia Tech 

Friday, Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Minnesota lost four of its five games by a touchdown or less. Virginia Tech had five one-score losses. Which team can make the plays in a close game? Bhayshul Tuten (1,159 yards, 15 TDs) led the ACC in rushing TDs. How much success does he have against the Gophers – who allowed just 112.6 rushing yards per game. Minnesota is 5-0 S/U in bowl games under P.J. Fleck. He gets the mayo bath. 

Pick: Minnesota wins 30-21 and COVERS the spread. 

MORE: Explaining the Duke’s Mayo Bowl dump tradition

• Bahamas Bowl: Liberty (-2.5) vs. Buffalo 

Saturday, Jan. 4, 11 a.m., ESPN2

Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter – who had 47 TD passes and 12 interceptions – is in the transfer portal. The Flames would be heavier favorites against Buffalo if he were still with the program. Ryan Burger – an Appalachian State transfer – would get the start in his place against the Bulls, who closed the season on a four-game win streak under first-year coach Pete Lembo. 

Pick: Buffalo wins 24-19 in an UPSET. 

College Football Playoff predictions (first round)

• First-round game: No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame (-7.5) 

Friday, Dec. 20, 8 p.m., ABC 

An in-state battle kicks off the College Football Playoff. Indiana allowed 2.5 yards per carry this season, and that run defense will be tested by the Irish trio of Riley Leonard (721 yards, 5.8 ypc.), Jeremiyah Love (949 yards, 7.1 ypc.) and Jadarian Price (651, 7.3 ypc.). Kurtis Rourke will test an opportunistic Notre Dame secondary, and the Hoosiers will need the running game to be in order, too. It’s been a dream season for Indiana coach Curt Cignetti. Will it continue against the Irish? Notre Dame covered in each of its last seven games, but this one stays tighter. 

Pick: Notre Dame wins 28-24 but FAILS TO COVER the spread. 

Score: Notre Dame 27, Indiana 17

• First-round game: No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State (-8.5) 

Saturday, Dec. 21, 12 p.m., TNT

SMU is in the playoff, and the chance to prove that worth against Penn State is there. The Mustangs will look to pick up the tempo against a Nittany Lions’ defense led by Abdul Carter, who had 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss this season. The Mustangs allowed 74.7 rushing yards per game in their last three games. Will that run defense hold up against the tag-team of Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton? That will decide whether SMU can pull the upset at Beaver Stadium. Penn State is 2-1 ATS when favored by 10 points or less this season. 

Pick: Penn State wins 31-20 and COVERS the spread. 

Score: Penn State 38, SMU 10

• First-round game: No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas (-11) 

Saturday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m., TNT

Could Cade Klubnik – an Austin, Texas native – lead the Tigers to a first-round upset in Austin? He will need the support of a running game against a Texas defense that allows just 3.1 yards per carry. Quinn Ewers had 14 TDs and three interceptions at home this season. The Longhorns are 0-2 when he has a completion percentage of less than 60%, and he will have to be careful against a Clemson defense that created 12 turnovers in its last five games. 

Pick: Texas wins 30-17 and COVERS the spread. 

Score: Texas 38, Clemson 24

• First-round game: No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State (-7.5) 

Saturday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m., ABC

The Buckeyes are heavy favorites at home despite the 13-10 loss to Michigan in the regular-season finale. It’s a curious line knowing Tennessee has a top-10 scoring offense and a top-10 scoring defense. Running back Dylan Sampson led the SEC with 1,485 rushing yards and 22 TDs. How will Nico Iamaleava handle the hostile environment at Ohio Stadium? He had a 135.5 passer rating on the road this season. On the other side, Will Howard needs to bounce back after a rough game against the Wolverines. How does a SEC team respond to the cold in December? We cannot wait to find out. 

Pick: Ohio State wins 23-17 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.

Score: Ohio State 42, Tennessee 17