NCAAF · 11 minutes ago

ESPN Predicts the Entire College Football Playoff & Bowl Slate

Grant White

Host · Writer

CFP National Championship Game
January 25, 2027
Allegiant Stadium | ESPN/ABC

Kyle Bonagura Picks: #2 Notre Dame vs. #1 Ohio State
Mark Schlabach Picks: #3 Notre Dame vs. #1 Ohio State

They didn't agree on much, but Bonagura and Schlabach were aligned on the National Championship. Both predict that Notre Dame will battle it out versus Ohio State for this year's National Championship.
Cricket Celebration Bowl Presented by Toyota
December 12, 2026
Mercedes-Benz Stadium | ABC

Kyle Bonagura Picks: South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M
Mark Schlabach Picks: South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M

South Carolina State has been to the Celebration Cricket Bowl in two consecutive seasons. They appear like a virtual lock for a rematch versus Prairie View in 2026.
IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl
December 15, 2026
Cramton Bowl | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Buffalo vs. Georgia Southern
Mark Schlabach Picks: Central Michigan vs. Louisiana

As is typically the case, the Group of 6 will kick off the FBS bowl season with the mid-week Salute to Veterans Bowl.
Frisco Football Classic
December 15, 2026
The Star | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Kansas vs. UTSA
Mark Schlabach Picks: Memphis vs. New Mexico

The Frisco Football Classic pits an AAC team versus an at-large bid. We're counting on Memphis being in the mix, between Kansas and New Mexico, we give the edge to the Lobos.
Boca Raton Bowl
December 18, 2026
Flagler Credit Union Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Appalachian State vs. Miami (OH)
Mark Schlabach Picks: East Carolina vs. Western Michigan

The Sun Belt should feature a handful of teams vying for a bowl berth. Appalachian State is looking for a bounce-back campaign, but East Carolina should find a spot somewhere. Either team is well-equipped to handle whichever MAC, C-USA, Mountain West, or AAC program that lands in the game.
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
December 18, 2026
Raymond James Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Duke vs. Wisconsin
Mark Schlabach Picks: Florida State vs. South Florida

A bowl game is the win Wisconsin is desperately looking for. Still, we think at least one Florida-based school is destined for this one.
Myrtle Beach Bowl
December 21, 2026
Brooks Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Delaware vs. Arkansas State
Mark Schlabach Picks: Jacksonville State vs. Old Dominion

ODU flexed its muscles last season, and the Monarchs have their work cut out for them this season. Three bowl games in four seasons should be short work for Old Dominion.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
December 21, 2026
Albertsons Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Toledo vs. San Diego State
Mark Schlabach Picks: Toledo vs. North Dakota State

There is consensus that Toledo will be the MAC representative in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. North Dakota State might need a season to acclimate, but the Aztecs have been underachieving for years.
Puerto Rico Bowl
December 22, 2026
Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Georgia Tech vs. Wyoming
Mark Schlabach Picks: Miami (OH) vs. Air Force

Georgia Tech lost a few key starters this offseason, but a bowl berth is still well within reach. Whichever MAC team they take on should be over-matched.
StaffDNA Cure Bowl
December 22, 2026
Bouce House | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Marshall vs. North Texas
Mark Schlabach Picks: West Virginia vs. Liberty

ESPN's experts are all over the map with their selections for the StaffDNA Cure Bowl. With four conferences to choose from, any number of teams are in play.
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl
December 22, 2026
Independence Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: UCF vs. Western Kentucky
Mark Schlabach Picks: West Virginia vs. Liberty

Since the start of the 2020s, Western Kentucky has been one of the most consistent Group of 6 programs. An Independence Bowl berth is well within reach.
New Orleans Bowl
December 23, 2026
Caesars Superdome | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Liberty vs. Troy
Mark Schlabach Picks: Kennesaw State vs. James Madison

We'd love to see Kennesaw State in this one, but whichever Sun Belt team lines up against the Owls could have a decisive home-field advantage.
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
December 23, 2026
Amon G. Carter Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Cincinnati vs. Army
Mark Schlabach Picks: UCLA vs. Army

Army is a virtual lock for this one, but color us shocked if UCLA does enough to warrant inclusion. Easily, the Bearcats have the better shot at getting this nomination.
Frisco Bowl
December 23, 2026
The Star | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Ohio vs. New Mexico
Mark Schlabach Picks: California vs. Western Kentucky

All of a sudden, New Mexico is a football program on the rise. The ideal contest would pit Cal against the Lobos in the Frisco Bowl.
Isleta New Mexico Bowl
December 24, 2026
University Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: UNLV vs. California
Mark Schlabach Picks: UNLV vs. Fresno State

UNLV will be in contention for the final CFP berth. Failing that, the New Mexico Bowl could be the best they could hope for. A grudge match against a former conference rival would be worth the price of admission.
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
December 24, 2026
Clarence T.C. Ching Athletic Complex | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Navy vs. Hawaii
Mark Schlabach Picks: San Diego State vs. Hawaii

Hawaii can't afford to lose the momentum its build over the past few seasons. Another home-field bowl game against Navy makes sense.
Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl
December 26, 2026
Yankee Stadium | ABC

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Pittsburgh vs. Louisiana
Mark Schlabach Picks: Georgia Tech vs. Illinois

The post-Christmas bowl slate kicks off with the Pinstripe Bowl. We like Pitt's chances of making noise this season, and battling it out versus Illinois would be our preferred matchup.
Wasabi Fenway Bowl
December 26, 2026
Fenway Park | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Wake Forest vs. Tulane
Mark Schlabach Picks: NC State vs. Navy

Navy is more than deserving of a more prominent bowl game berth, but they'll have to dethrone Tulane for the right to compete in the Fenway Bowl. Wake or NC State is just as much of a toss-up.
Duke's Mayo Bowl
December 26, 2026
Bank of America Stadium | ABC

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Louisville vs. Southern Miss
Mark Schlabach Picks: Virginia vs. Wisconsin

If Wisconsin does enough to earn a berth in the Duke's Mayo Bowl, we'd be impressed. It's more likely that Virginia lines up Minnesota or Washington, though.
68 Ventures Bowl
December 26, 2026
Hancock Whitney Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Old Dominion vs. Air Force
Mark Schlabach Picks: Georgia Southern vs. UTSA

Another Sun Belt versus MAC showdown, Georgia Southern is our pick as a lock to play in the 68 Ventures Bowl. Depending on how the rest of the schedule plays out, they could be looking at an at-large opponent.
Cactus Bowl
December 26, 2026
Mountain America Stadium | ABC

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Washington State vs. Illinois
Mark Schlabach Picks: UCF vs. Nebraska

UCF has faltered in the Big 12, but this is the year it all comes together for the Knights. If they improve their standing against conference foes, a bowl game should be attainable.
Freedom Mortgage Military Bowl
December 28, 2026
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Florida State vs. South Florida
Mark Schlabach Picks: Virginia Tech vs. Tulane

Don't count on an intra-state showdown in the Military Bowl. Florida State could make amends for a few down years, but it's more likely they take on Tulane, UTSA, or even the Midshipmen.
JLab Birmingham Bowl
December 29, 2026
Protective Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: East Carolina vs. Vanderbilt
Mark Schlabach Picks: Duke vs. Auburn

The ideal scenario in the Birmingham Bowl is East Carolina taking on Duke. Both teams would be eager to flash their offensive prowess, which is exactly what this mid-week bowl game needs.
Pop-Tarts Bowl
December 29, 2026
Camping World Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: SMU vs. Kansas State
Mark Schlabach Picks: Louisville vs. TCU

The Pop-Tarts Bowl has become one of the most entertaining traditions in college football. Whichever ranked opponents end up in this one will put on a show.
Valero Alamo Bowl
December 29, 2026
Alamodome | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Houston vs. USC
Mark Schlabach Picks: Houston vs. USC

It seems like a foregone conclusion that Houston will take on USC in this year's Alamo Bowl. If we're so lucky, this will be appointment viewing.
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
December 30, 2026
EverBank Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Clemson vs. Florida
Mark Schlabach Picks: SMU vs. Florida

Being bowl-ineligible in two of the last three seasons has hurt the Gators' program. Florida begins its redemption arc in 2026, ending in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl
December 30, 2026
Nissan Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Iowa vs. Tennessee
Mark Schlabach Picks: Iowa vs. South Carolina

Not quite competitive enough to compete with the elite Big Ten teams, Iowa appears destined for the Music City Bowl. Nevertheless, they'll get to flex their muscles against a noteworthy SEC opponent.
ReliaQuest Bowl
December 31, 2026
Raymond James Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Michigan vs. LSU
Mark Schlabach Picks: Michigan vs. Oklahoma

Despite its constant scandals, Michigan remains a prominent football powerhouse. They'll get to prove that against an SEC opponent in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
December 31, 2026
Sun Bowl Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Virginia Tech vs. Arizona
Mark Schlabach Picks: Pittsburgh vs. Arizona

Things never come all-the-way together for Arizona. The Wildcats will be relegated to the Sun Bowl against a mid-range ACC opponent in 2026.
Las Vegas Bowl
December 31, 2026
Allegiant Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Nebraska vs. Oklahoma
Mark Schlabach Picks: Washington vs. Ole Miss

We keep waiting for Matt Rhule to lead Nebraska over the hump, but the Cornhuskers aren't equipped to handle the best the Big Ten has to offer. A win versus an SEC powerhouse could help them on the recruiting trail.
Kinder's Texas Bowl
December 31, 2026
Reliant Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: TCU vs. Auburn
Mark Schlabach Picks: Oklahoma State vs. Tennessee

Get off the bath salts, Mark Schlabach, there's no way Oklahoma State is earning a berth in the Kinder's Texas Bowl. TCU against Tennessee is the most likely outcome.
Citrus Bowl
January 2, 2026
Camping World Stadium | ABC

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Penn State vs. Texas A&M
Mark Schlabach Picks: Penn State vs. Alabama

Penn State isn't as bad as it showed last season. A return to the Citrus Bowl would punctuate their rapid ascent back up the college football ranks. And a win versus an SEC foe would prove that a coaching change is all that was needed to return to glory.
SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
January 2, 2026
Gerald J. Ford Stadium | ABC

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Arizona State vs. James Madison
Mark Schlabach Picks: Arizona State vs. Minnesota

James Madison won't replicate its success from last season, but a clash versus Arizona State in the First Responder Bowl would validate its progress.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
January 2, 2026
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium | ABC

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Baylor vs. Missouri
Mark Schlabach Picks: Kansas State vs. Missouri

We believe in Mizzou's defense, but we have serious apprehensions about its ability to compete on offense. If they do enough to stay bowl eligible, this is the perfect landing spot for the Tigers.
The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl
TBD
Casino Del Sol Stadium | The CW

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Fresno State vs. Western Michigan
Mark Schlabach Picks: Colorado State vs. Ohio

A return to the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl could be in the cards for Fresno State. With some of the top MWC competitors departing for the Pac-12, the door is open for a dominant Bulldogs campaign.
Trust & Will Holiday Bowl
TBD
Snapdragon Stadium | TBD

Kyle Bonagura Picks: Virginia vs. Washington
Mark Schlabach Picks: Clemson vs. Utah

We're rooting for a Clemson vs. Utah battle in the Holiday Bowl. Both programs have fought valiantly for a spot at the big table, and we think both would have something to prove in this one.
CFP First-Round
December 18, 2026
TBD | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: #12 Boise State vs. #5 Georgia
Mark Schlabach Picks: #12 Boise State vs. #5 Texas

Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach both believe in Boise State this season. It wouldn't shock us if the Broncos return to the CFP, but we think UNLV has the better shot at prevailing. Either program would be cannon fodder for the fifth seed.
CFP First-Round
December 19, 2026
TBD | ESPN/ABC

Kyle Bonagura Picks: #11 BYU vs. #6 Oregon
Mark Schlabach Picks: #11 Texas A&M vs. #6 BYU

There's consensus that BYU will be a playoff team, but there's no agreement on where they land. A home-field game is much more conducive to a quarterfinal berth versus a superior opponent.
CFP First-Round
December 19, 2026
TBD | TNT

Kyle Bonagura Picks: #10 Ole Miss vs. #7 Miami
Mark Schlabach Picks: #10 LSU vs. #7 Miami

Miami is a perennial contender, and the Hurricanes should have no problem punching their way back into the CFP. Even against a top-tier SEC opponent, the Canes should prevail.
CFP First-Round
December 19, 2026
TBD | TNT

Kyle Bonagura Picks: #9 Alabama vs. #8 Texas Tech
Mark Schlabach Picks: #9 Texas Tech vs. #8 Indiana

Home field would make all the difference for the Red Raiders. They better hope to finish as the eighth seed if they hope to continue their assault.
CFP Quarterfinals - Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
December 30, 2026
State Farm Stadium | TNT

Kyle Bonagura Picks: #5 Georgia vs. #4 Indiana
Mark Schlabach Picks: #5 Texas vs. #4 Oregon

Indiana had an immaculate campaign last season. They reloaded via the transfer portal, but mimicking their championship run is a bridge too far.
CFP Quarterfinals - Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
January 1, 2027
AT&T Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: #7 Miami vs. #2 Notre Dame
Mark Schlabach Picks: #7 Miami vs. #2 Georgia

It's worth noting that all of the quarterfinal matchups, dates, and times will be determined on selection day (December 6). However, there's less uncertainty about Miami's inclusion in the CFP quarterfinals.
CFP Quarterfinals - Rose Bowl
January 1, 2026
Rose Bowl | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: #8 Texas Tech vs. #1 Ohio State
Mark Schlabach Picks: #8 Indiana vs. #1 Ohio State

Alas, the Buckeyes look to make amends for their disastrous end to the 2025 campaign. Obtaining the top seed in the CFP would go a long way to achieving the ultimate goal.
Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl
January 1, 2027
Mercedes-Benz Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: #6 Oregon vs. #3 Texas
Mark Schlabach Picks: #6 BYU vs. #3 Notre Dame

The Texas Longhorns blundered Arch Manning's sophomore season, and they can only hope for one more year before he heads to the NFL. Manning and company should be ready to deliver in 2026.
CFP Semifinals - Capital One Orange Bowl
January 14, 2027
Hard Rock Stadium | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: #4 Indiana vs. #1 Ohio State
Mark Schlabach Picks: #4 Oregon vs. #1 Ohio State

Both ESPN experts predict that Ohio State will be in the CFP semifinals. We'll take it a step further, and opine that the Buckeyes will be at least -6.5 chalk versus either of these opponents.
CFP Semifinals - Allstate Sugar Bowl
January 15, 2027
Caesars Superdome | ESPN

Kyle Bonagura Picks: #3 Texas vs. #2 Notre Dame
Mark Schlabach Picks: #3 Notre Dame vs. #2 Georgia

After getting snubbed from the CFP last season, Marcus Freeman will be coaching with a chip on his shoulder in 2026. That should motivate the Fighting Irish to prove the naysayers wrong come playoff time.
CFP National Championship Game
January 25, 2027
Allegiant Stadium | ESPN/ABC

Kyle Bonagura Picks: #2 Notre Dame vs. #1 Ohio State
Mark Schlabach Picks: #3 Notre Dame vs. #1 Ohio State

They didn't agree on much, but Bonagura and Schlabach were aligned on the National Championship. Both predict that Notre Dame will battle it out versus Ohio State for this year's National Championship.
Cricket Celebration Bowl Presented by Toyota
December 12, 2026
Mercedes-Benz Stadium | ABC

Kyle Bonagura Picks: South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M
Mark Schlabach Picks: South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M

South Carolina State has been to the Celebration Cricket Bowl in two consecutive seasons. They appear like a virtual lock for a rematch versus Prairie View in 2026.

ESPN Predicts the Entire College Football Playoff & Bowl Slate

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