Bowl Predictions: First-Thought Picks for All 41 Bowl Games

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

What's going to happen in all 41 college football bowls during the most glorious time of year?

These might not all be games you'll quit your holiday plans to watch, but they'll be on at every party, they'll take on a life of their own in December, and yeah, they're fun. That's the point.

Below are first-thought, no-research picks and analysis on every bowl game. The deep dive previews and final calls will come out over the next several days, and the predictions could wildly change.

Who will opt out, what's the next coaching move, and what unforeseen things will shape each bowl? That's for later.

For now, this is grip-it-and-rip-it riffing off the top of my head.

Bowl Game First Thought Predictions, Analysis

– First Predictions of Every CFP Game | @PeteFiutak

Cricket Celebration Bowl

South Carolina State vs Prairie View A&M

No Research Instant Analysis: Don’t expect any scoring. These two defenses will dominate throughout in a tough battle, and it’ll come down to mistakes. It’s a dead-even game, but the Panthers will get a wee bit more out of their defense.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Prairie View A&M 23, South Carolina State 20
Line: COMING

Bucked Up LA Bowl

Boise State vs Washington

No Research Instant Analysis: The Broncos are way different and way better with QB Maddux Madsen back, but Washington will bring the defense. As long as the Huskies bring their B- game, and the right mindset, there shouldn’t be too much of a problem as long as they get up early.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Washington 30, Boise State 16
Line: Washington -9.5, o/u: 51.5

IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl

Troy vs Jacksonville State

No Research Instant Analysis: Can Troy hit the curveball? Either the Jacksonville State offense works, or it really, really doesn’t. Get ready to see the Gamecocks running a whole lot against this lousy Trojan run D.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Jacksonville State 27, Troy 23
Line: Troy -4, o/u: 46.5

StaffDNA Cure Bowl

USF vs Old Dominion

No Research Instant Analysis: If you haven’t seen Old Dominion yet, have fun. I haven’t seen the point total yet, but I’ll guess it’ll be around a bajillion.5 – neither team will stop the other, USF is better, and ODU star QB Colton Joseph is in the portal.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
USF 34, Old Dominion 30
Line: USF -6.5, o/u: 56.5

68 Ventures Bowl

Delaware vs Louisiana

No Research Instant Analysis: Both teams will be fired up to be here, and both are wildly inconsistent. It’ll be like a home game for the Ragin’ Cajuns, but – again, before diving in too deep – the initial gut reaction is that Delaware comes out razor-sharp.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Delaware 30, Louisiana 26
Line: Louisiana -3, o/u: 57.5

XBOX Bowl

Arkansas State vs Missouri State

No Research Instant Analysis: This should be fun. Missouri State has the firepower to hit a whole slew of big plays, but Arkansas State will keep hanging around. I’ll be mad if this isn’t one of the highest-scoring games of the bowl season.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Arkansas State 38, Missouri State 34
Line: Arkansas State -2.5, o/u: 56.5

Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by Engine

Kennesaw State vs Western Michigan

No Research Instant Analysis: The battle of conference champions should be a good one. Western Michigan can’t let this get into an offensive firefight. This is a well-coached Kennesaw State team that will be happy to play along, but the O will stall late.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Western Michigan 24, Kennesaw State 16
Line: Western Michigan -4.5, o/u: 49.5

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl

Memphis vs NC State

No Research Instant Analysis: This might be as big a trap game as any in the bowls. NC State should win this in a walk. CJ Bailey and the sharp passing game should take over from the start, Memphis is waiting to get new coach Charles Huff in, and …I’ll fall into the trap, for now.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
NC State 37, Memphis 20
Line: NC State -5.5, o/u: 58.5

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Utah State vs Washington State

No Research Instant Analysis: Future Pac-12 brothers get a jump on the new conference life. Utah State has the parts to keep up, but it doesn’t seem to know how to win tough games. Washington State lost Jimmy Rogers to Iowa State, but it’ll play tough in the final ten minutes.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Washington State 34, Utah State 17
Line: Utah State -3.5, o/u: 52.5

Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl

Louisville vs Toledo

No Research Instant Analysis: There’s no chance Toledo can relive the thriller of a bowl win last year when it beat Pitt from the ACC. The Rockets lost head coach Jason Candle to UConn, Louisville’s Jeff Brohm will have his team ready, and this should be over after a few drives.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Louisville 30, Toledo 17
Line: Louisville -8.5, o/u: 45.5

New Orleans Bowl

Western Kentucky vs Southern Miss

No Research Instant Analysis: With head coach Charles Huff gone to Memphis, can Southern Miss step up? Yeah, but it won’t matter – WKU will get the O going right away. It’ll be a fight early, and then the Hilltoppers will start to pull away.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
WKU 38, Southern Miss 20
Line: WKU -4, o/u: 55.5

Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl

Ohio vs UNLV

No Research Instant Analysis: This would’ve been one of my favorite early matchups, but Ohio head coach Brian Smith isn’t with the team for some unexplained reason. UNLV is weirdly meh against good teams, and Ohio can run, but at the moment …

First Thought Bowl Prediction
UNLV 34, Ohio 20
Line: UNLV -4.5, o/u: 62.5

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

Cal vs Hawaii

No Research Instant Analysis: This should be a blast. Cal will throw it all over the yard with Jaron-Keawe Sagapulutele and former Hawaii star QB Nick Rolovich at the helm, for the moment. Hawaii’s offense will fly, but Cal will care and be too good.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Cal 38, Hawaii 26
Line: Cal -3, o/u: 55.5

GameAbove Sports Bowl

Northwestern vs Central Michigan

No Research Instant Analysis: Northwestern won’t be shy about bringing the effort. Central Michigan is okay, and it can play a little D, but the Wildcats will methodically roll through this.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Northwestern 34, Central Michigan 10
Line: Northwestern -12.5, o/u: 43.5

Rate Bowl

Minnesota vs New Mexico

No Research Instant Analysis: This might be my favorite bowl matchup. Minnesota ALWAYS brings it in the bowl season under PJ Fleck, and New Mexico super-nasty with its defense and running game. The Big Ten team wins, but it’s a fight.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Minnesota 34, New Mexico 16
Line: Minnesota -3, o/u: 47.5

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

FIU vs UTSA

No Research Instant Analysis: I demand a combined 931 points out of this game. FIU’s offense is fantastic, UTSA is amazing when it gets into a groove, and this should be a wild firefight. The Roadrunners are a momentum team, and they’ll get it early.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
UTSA 45, FIU 31
Line: UTSA -9.5, o/u: 60.5

Go Bowling Military Bowl

East Carolina vs Pitt

No Research Instant Analysis: I’m a Power Four snob, but every time I buy into Pitt in a game like this – like last year’s bowl loss to Toledo – it biffs (at least it feels that way). The Pirates will put up points, but the Panthers have the players in place to roll late.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Pitt 38, East Carolina 23
Line: Pitt -6, o/u: 59.5

Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl

Clemson vs Penn State

No Research Instant Analysis: Before the season, this was supposed to be a national title-level matchup – I never bought into Clemson, but was ALL in on Penn State. The Tigers will give all-out effort, especially against the run, in a fun game.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Clemson 23, Penn State 20
Line: Clemson -3.5, o/u: 48.5

Wasabi Fenway Bowl

Army vs UConn

No Research Instant Analysis: UConn lost Jim Mora to Colorado State, Toledo’s Jason Candle is coming in, but not yet. I’ll roll with the steadiness of an Army team with everything in place against an AWFUL UConn run D.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Army 26, UConn 20
Line: Army -3, o/u: 50.5

Pop-Tarts Bowl

Georgia Tech vs BYU

No Research Instant Analysis: Notre Dame will come out roaring with a huge attitude and … wait, what? It doesn’t want the Pop-Tarts? Oh, never mind … BYU will come out roaring with a huge attitude, and it’s about to make a massive statement that it really did deserve more respect.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
BYU 34, Georgia Tech 20
Line: BYU -3, o/u: 56.5

Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl

Miami University vs Fresno State

No Research Instant Analysis: You have to REALLY go out of your way to watch this. Other bowls are happening at the same time, it’s on The CW, and the final score might be 4-3. Fresno State will show a wee bit more offensive pop.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Fresno State 23, Miami University 17
Line: Fresno State -3.5, o/u: 42.5

Isleta New Mexico Bowl

North Texas vs San Diego State

No Research Instant Analysis: Doing this before knowing whether or not North Texas star QB Drew Mestemaker is leaving for Oklahoma State – following head coach Eric Morris – or not, SDSU’s defense is amazing … against backup quarterbacks. But the Aztecs will have the ball for, seemingly, 59 minutes with their running game.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
San Diego State 34, North Texas 30
Line: North Texas -3.5, o/u: 56.5

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

Missouri vs Virginia

No Research Instant Analysis: Missouri is the master of beating the meh, and while Virginia should’ve been in the College Football Playoff, it’s better than just average. You see how Duke pounded on the Cavaliers? Virginia, welcome to Ahmad Hardy.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Missouri 27, Virginia 23
Line: Missouri -7, o/u: 48.5

Kinder’s Texas Bowl

LSU vs Houston

No Research Instant Analysis: Really? NOW we’re supposed to get some semblance of an LSU offense? Here’s the funky part of this equation – the Tigers who are still around are, for the most part, still good. The Tiger defense takes over in the second half.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
LSU 20, Houston 17
Line: Houston -3.5, o/u: 41.5

JLab Birmingham Bowl

App State vs Georgia Southern

No Research Instant Analysis: Besides a James Madison run to the national title, the funniest thing possible would be if this turns out to be the best of the bowl games. We did this earlier, it was an entertaining 25-23 Eagle win, and it should be decent again.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Georgia Southern 30, App State 26
Line: Georgia Southern -2.5, o/u: 59.5

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl

Coastal Carolina vs Louisiana Tech

No Research Instant Analysis: Louisiana Tech is playing what should be a home game, Coastal Carolina doesn’t have a coach, and even though this won’t get a whole lot of national play, expect a big offensive show from both teams.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Louisiana Tech 41, Coastal Carolina 30
Line: Louisiana Tech -7.5, o/u: 59.5

Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl

Illinois vs Tennessee

No Research Instant Analysis: Illinois was hilarious in last year’s bowl against an SEC team, melting down South Carolina with its substitution gamesmanship. This Tennessee team has enough to bomb away, but ol’ Bret Bielema will have something in the bag …

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Illinois 34, Tennessee 30
Line: Tennessee -5.5, o/u: 61.5

Valero Alamo Bowl

TCU vs USC

No Research Instant Analysis: This is wildly disappointing. BYU being in the Pop-Tarts is nice, and yeah, the Alamo wanted a Texas team, but … TCU can win this, and this is a no-win situation for USC. The Trojans should win this in a walk, but the Horned Frogs will be jacked to make this a battle for a full four quarters.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
USC 41, TCU 34
Line: USC -6.5, o/u: 59.5

ReliaQuest Bowl

Iowa vs Vanderbilt

No Research Instant Analysis: I love Diego Pavia, but I haven’t bought in on Vanderbilt at all this season. I buy even less into the idea of Iowa coming out of its shell enough to take over this game, it’ll leave the door open, and 2 will kick it in.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Vanderbilt 23, Iowa 20
Line: Vanderbilt -4, o/u: 49.5

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

Duke vs Arizona State

No Research Instant Analysis: My Duke Should Be In The College Football Playoff ranting will come to a screeching halt, as Arizona State’s defense pitches a great game. ASU’s offense isn’t anything great, but it’ll get physical enough to pull this off.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Arizona State 27, Duke 20
Line: Duke -1.5, o/u: 49.5

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

Michigan vs Texas

No Research Instant Analysis: Michigan has the big name, and the big lines, and the big upside for 2026, but (shhhhhh, it’s not very good). Texas was delusional if it ever thought it had a shot to be in the CFP, but going against Michigan will crank up the fire. The defense will have a day.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Texas 26, Michigan 13
Line: Texas -5.5, o/u: 46.5

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl

Nebraska vs Utah

No Research Instant Analysis: I really, really hope I’m wrong, but this could low-key be the ugliest of the bowl games. Nebraska won’t have star RB Emmett Johnson, the Utah lines will dominate, and the Husker effort won’t be nearly enough.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Utah 38, Nebraska 6
Line: Utah -14, o/u: 49.5

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

Texas State vs Rice

No Research Instant Analysis: There will be a fun energy with two Texas teams playing in Texas, and don’t assume Rice will be an easy pushover just because no one else was available. Can the Owl running game match the Bobcat passing attack? No, but it’ll be a good show.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Texas State 40, Rice 27
Line: Texas State -10.5, o/u: 59.5

AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Navy vs Cincinnati

No Research Instant Analysis: I can’t wait for this one. Cincinnati can’t stop the run AT ALL, and it doesn’t care a lick about the time of possession battle. No joke, Navy should have the ball for well over 40 minutes in this.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Navy 26, Cincinnati 23
Line: Navy -1.5, o/u: 55.5

Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Wake Forest vs Mississippi State

No Research Instant Analysis: Mississippi State is more than just your normal fill-in team. The passing game will be on, Wake Forest will keep up, and this should be a high-energy battle with plenty of mood swings. The Demon Deacons won’t be able to keep up late.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Mississippi State 27, Wake Forest 23
Line: Mississippi State -3, o/u: 56.5

Trust & Will Holiday Bowl

SMU vs Arizona

No Research Instant Analysis: Arizona comes into this on a roll, and it’ll combat the high-powered SMU style with a measured offensive day and a strong defensive performance to hold up late. Everyone will have bowl fatigue by this point, but it’ll be worth the watch.

First Thought Bowl Prediction
Arizona 30, SMU 27
Line: Arizona -2.5, o/u: 51.5

Related: Predicting Every College Football Playoff Game: Who Wins It All?

This story was originally published by College Football News on Dec 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add College Football News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos