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CBS Sports Predicts Entire 2026 College Football Bowl Slate

Grant White

Host · Writer

Rose Bowl
(3) Oregon Ducks vs. 6 vs. 11 Winner

The Oregon Ducks have cemented their position as a perennial powerhouse. Still, they have to prove that they have what it takes to go all the way.

Oregon Ducks Team Profile
Head Coach: Dan Lanning (5th Season)
2025 Record: 13-2 (8-1)
2025 Finish: Lost in the CFP Semifinals (Peach Bowl)
Hawaii Bowl
South Florida Bulls vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

Hawaii is a program on the rise, and it should be rewarded for its efforts with another home-field bowl game.

South Florida Bulls Team Profile
Head Coach: Brian Hartline (1st Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 4th in the AAC

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Team Profile
Head Coach: Timmy Chang (5th Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (5-3)
2025 Finish: 6th in the MWC
Cure Bowl
East Carolina Pirates vs. Kentucky Wildcats

The Kentucky Wildcats need to make the most of their non-conference schedule. Still, a bowl game berth is in the cards.

East Carolina Pirates Team Profile
Head Coach: Blake Harrell (3rd Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 5th in the AAC

Kentucky Wildcats Team Profile
Head Coach: Will Stein (1st Season)
2025 Record: 5-7 (2-6)
2025 Finish: 11th in the SEC
Armed Forces Bowl
North Dakota State Bison vs. James Madison Dukes

The North Dakota State Bison head into their inaugural FBS season. A bowl game is well within their reach.

North Dakota State Bison Team Profile
Head Coach: Tim Polasek (3rd Season)
2025 Record: 12-1 (8-0)
2025 Finish: 1st in the MVFC

James Madison Dukes Team Profile
Head Coach: Billy Napier (1st Season)
2025 Record: 12-2 (8-0)
2025 Finish: Lost in the CFP First Round
Salute to Veterans Bowl
Ohio Bobcats vs. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Coastal Carolina will be in the mix in the Sun Belt, assuring the Chanticleers of a bowl game this winter.

Ohio Bobcats Team Profile
Head Coach: John Hauser (1st Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 3rd in the MAC

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Team Profile
Head Coach: Ryan Beard (1st Season)
2025 Record: 6-7 (5-3)
2025 Finish: 3rd in the SBC East
68 Ventures Bowl
Toledo Rockets vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

The Rockets lost a few key defenders this offseason, but they will be ready to compete throughout 2026.

Toledo Rockets Team Profile
Head Coach: Mike Jacobs (1st Season)
2025 Record: 8-5 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 4th in the MAC

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Team Profile
Head Coach: Sonny Cumbie (5th Season)
2025 Record: 5-5 (5-3)
2025 Finish: 4th in the CUSA
Xbox Bowl
Delaware Blue Hens vs. Georgia Southern Eagles

Delaware is looking to improve on its 7-6 foray into the FBS. Anything less in 2026 would be a disappointment.

Delaware Blue Hens Team Profile
Head Coach: Ryan Carty (5th Season)
2025 Record: 7-6 (4-4)
2025 Finish: 7th in the CUSA

Georgia Southern Eagles Team Profile
Head Coach: Clay Helton (5th Season)
2025 Record: 7-6 (4-4)
2025 Finish: 4th in the SBC East
Myrtle Beach Bowl
Akron Zips vs. Western Michigan Broncos

Akron hasn't had a winning season since 2017, but the Zips could be positioned for a bowl game berth this season.

Akron Zips Team Profile
Head Coach: Joe Moorhead (5th Season)
2025 Record: 5-7 (4-4)
2025 Finish: 6th in the MAC

Western Michigan Broncos Team Profile
Head Coach: Lance Taylor (4th Season)
2025 Record: 10-4 (7-1)
2025 Finish: 1st in the MAC
Boca Raton Bowl
Tulane Green Wave vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks

Tulane forced the nation to take notice last season, but the Green Wave will be hard pressed to replicate that success in 2026.

Tulane Green Wave Team Profile
Head Coach: Will Hall (1st Season)
2025 Record: 11-3 (7-1)
2025 Finish: Lost in the CFP First Round

Jacksonville State Gamecocks Team Profile
Head Coach: Charles Kelly (2nd Season)
2025 Record: 9-5 (7-1)
2025 Finish: 2nd in the CUSA
Potato Bowl
San Diego State Aztecs vs. Miami (OH) Red Hawks

The Aztecs' path to bowl season is relatively unobstructed, but they'll have to shed their former reputation as underachievers.

San Diego State Aztecs Team Profile
Head Coach: Sean Lewis (3rd Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 3rd in the MWC

Miami (OH) RedHawks Team Profile
Head Coach: Chuck Martin (13th Season)
2025 Record: 7-7 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 2nd in the MAC
Frisco Bowl
North Texas Mean Green vs. Missouri State Bears

The Mean Green fizzled at the end of last season, but they should set their sights higher than the Frisco Bowl.

North Texas Mean Green Team Profile
Head Coach: Neal Brown (1st Season)
2025 Record: 12-2 (7-1)
2025 Finish: 1st in the AAC

Missouri State Bears Team Profile
Head Coach: Casey Woods (1st Season)
2025 Record: 7-6 (5-3)
2025 Finish: 5th in the CUSA
New Orleans Bowl
Old Dominion Monarchs vs. Kennesaw State Owls

ODU had a triumphant renaissance in 2025. The Monarchs are hoping to run in back this season.

Old Dominion Monarchs Team Profile
Head Coach: Ricky Rahne (5th Season)
2025 Record: 10-3 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 2nd in the SBC East

Kennesaw State Owls Team Profile
Head Coach: Jerry Mack (2nd Season)
2025 Record: 10-4 (7-1)
2025 Finish: 1st in the CUSA
New Mexico Bowl
Boise State Broncos vs. FIU Panthers

The Pac-12 is back in its new iteration. The Broncos will be in contention, but should be destined for a bowl game as opposed to a playoff berth.

Boise State Broncos Team Profile
Head Coach: Spencer Danielson (4th Season)
2025 Record: 9-5 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 1st in the MWC

FIU Panthers Team Profile
Head Coach: Willie Simmons (2nd Season)
2025 Record: 7-6 (5-3)
2025 Finish: 6th in the CUSA
Arizona Bowl
Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Buffalo Bulls

Offense will be on display if Fresno State clashes with Buffalo in this year's Arizona Bowl.

Fresno State Bulldogs Team Profile
Head Coach: Matt Entz (2nd Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (5-3)
2025 Finish: 5th in the MWC

Buffalo Bulls Team Profile
Head Coach: Pete Lambo (3rd Season)
2025 Record: 5-7 (4-4)
2025 Finish: 7th in the CUSA
Puerto Rico Bowl
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Central Michigan Chippewas

Minnesota is always loaded with upset potential, but it lacks the consistency to compete against premier Big Ten competition.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Team Profile
Head Coach: P.J. Fleck (10th Season)
2025 Record: 8-5 (5-4)
2025 Finish: 9th in the Big Ten

Central Michigan Chippewas Team Profile
Head Coach: Matt Drinkall (2nd Season)
2025 Record: 7-6 (5-3)
2025 Finish: 5th in the MAC
First Responders Bowl
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. North Carolina Tar Heels

Let's hope Bill Belichick figures out how to coach at the college level. The Tar Heels need to get back to their winning ways.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Team Profile
Head Coach: P.J. Fleck (10th Season)
2025 Record: 8-5 (5-4)
2025 Finish: 9th in the Big Ten

Central Michigan Chippewas Team Profile
Head Coach: Matt Drinkall (2nd Season)
2025 Record: 7-6 (5-3)
2025 Finish: 5th in the MAC
Gasparilla Bowl
Auburn Tigers vs. Virginia Cavaliers

Auburn has lost its way, failing to earn a bowl game berth since 2023. Expect a resurgent effort this year.

Auburn Tigers Team Profile
Head Coach: Alex Golesh (1st Season)
2025 Record: 5-7 (1-7)
2025 Finish: 13th in the SEC

Virginia Cavaliers Team Profile
Head Coach: Tony Elliott (5th Season)
2025 Record: 11-3 (7-1)
2025 Finish: 1st in the ACC
Rate Bowl
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin has fallen on hard times, and we keep waiting on its revival. Perhaps this is the year it all comes together for the Badgers.

Kansas State Wildcats Team Profile
Head Coach: Collin Klein (1st Season)
2025 Record: 6-6 (5-4)
2025 Finish: 8th in the Big 12

Wisconsin Badgers Team Profile
Head Coach: Luke Fickell (5th Season)
2025 Record: 4-8 (2-7)
2025 Finish: 15th in the Big Ten
Pointsettia Bowl
Memphis Tigers vs. New Mexico Lobos

Few people envisioned the Lobos enjoying the success they did last year. They'll keep the good times rolling in 2026.

Memphis Tigers Team Profile
Head Coach: Charles Huff (1st Season)
2025 Record: 8-5 (4-4)
2025 Finish: 6th in the AAC

New Mexico Lobos Team Profile
Head Coach: Jason Eck (2nd Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 3rd in the MWC
Fenway Bowl
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Memphis Tigers

Yes, CBS has Memphis playing in two bowls. This spot might be better suited for the Rice Owls.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Team Profile
Head Coach: Brent Key (5th Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 4th in the ACC

Memphis Tigers Team Profile
Head Coach: Charles Huff (1st Season)
2025 Record: 8-5 (4-4)
2025 Finish: 6th in the AAC
Military Bowl
Navy Midshipmen vs. Pittsburgh Panthers

Navy has reasserted itself as an AAC power. However, the Pittsburgh Panthers have shown flashes of brilliance in recent years. We're hoping for this matchup.

Navy Midshipmen Team Profile
Head Coach: Brian Newberry (4th Season)
2025 Record: 11-2 (7-1)
2025 Finish: 3rd in the AAC

Pittsburgh Panthers Team Profile
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi (12th Season)
2025 Record: 8-5 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 4th in the ACC
Texas Bowl
Utah Utes vs. South Carolina Gamecocks

These two programs deserve each other. Utah and South Carolina have fallen short of taking the next steps, making them fitting combatants in the Texas Bowl.

Utah Utes Team Profile
Head Coach: Morgan Scalley (1st Season)
2025 Record: 11-2 (7-2)
2025 Finish: 3rd in the Big 12

South Carolina Gamecocks Team Profile
Head Coach: Shane Beamer (6th Season)
2025 Record: 4-8 (1-7)
2025 Finish: 15th in the SEC
Independence Bowl
Arizona Wildcats vs. Army Black Knights

The Wildcats may be more capable than prognosticators are giving them credit for. Still, the Independence Bowl would be a suitable consolation prize.

Arizona Wildcats Team Profile
Head Coach: Brent Brennan (3rd Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (6-3)
2025 Finish: 5th in the Big 12

Army Black Knights Team Profile
Head Coach: Jeff Monken (13th Season)
2025 Record: 7-6 (4-5)
2025 Finish: 7th in the AAC
Birmingham Bowl
Duke Blue Devils vs. Vanderbilt Commodores

Duke and Vandy are both coming off overachieving campaigns. Expect both teams to tumble this season.

Duke Blue Devils Team Profile
Head Coach: Manny Diaz (3rd Season)
2025 Record: 9-5 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 1st in the ACC

Vanderbilt Commodores Team Profile
Head Coach: Clark Lea (6th Season)
2025 Record: 10-3 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 7th in the SEC
Sun Bowl
TCU Horned Frogs vs. Utah State Aggies

TCU is a few years removed from its National Championship run, but they've finished 9-4 in each of the past two seasons. They should aim higher than the Sun Bowl.

TCU Horned Frogs Team Profile
Head Coach: Sonny Dykes (5th Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (5-4)
2025 Finish: 9th in the Big 12

Utah State Aggies Team Profile
Head Coach: Bronco Mendenhall (2nd Season)
2025 Record: 6-7 (4-4)
2025 Finish: 7th in the MWC
Duke's Mayo Bowl
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Florida State Seminoles

Illinois won't replicate its success from last season, and FSU has just seven wins over the past two seasons. Maybe the Duke's Mayo Bowl is the middle ground for both these programs?

Illinois Fighting Illini Team Profile
Head Coach: Bret Bielema (6th Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (5-4)
2025 Finish: 7th in the Big Ten

Florida State Seminoles Team Profile
Head Coach: Mike Norvell (7th Season)
2025 Record: 5-7 (2-6)
2025 Finish: 13th in the ACC
Liberty Bowl
Florida Gators vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State isn't as bad as it showed last season, but pitting the Cowboys against the Gators might be overestimating their abilities.

Florida Gators Team Profile
Head Coach: Jon Sumrall (1st Season)
2025 Record: 4-8 (2-6)
2025 Finish: 12th in the SEC

Oklahoma State Cowboys Team Profile
Head Coach: Eric Morris (1st Season)
2025 Record: 1-11 (0-9)
2025 Finish: 16th in the Big 12
Music City Bowl
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Missouri Tigers

The Hawkeyes are a tier below the top teams in the Big Ten. A marquee bowl game around the holidays is where they belong.

Iowa Hawkeyes Team Profile
Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz (28th Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (6-3)
2025 Finish: 6th in the Big Ten

Missouri Tigers Team Profile
Head Coach: Eliah Drinkwitz (7th Season)
2025 Record: 8-5 (4-4)
2025 Finish: 8th in the ACC
Holiday Bowl
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Virginia Tech Hokies

Maybe this is the year it all comes together for the Hokies. Or maybe they'll end up in a less prominent bowl game earlier in the month.

Arizona State Sun Devils Team Profile
Head Coach: Kenny Dillingham (3rd Season)
2025 Record: 8-5 (6-3)
2025 Finish: 6th in the Big Ten

Virginia Tech Hokies Team Profile
Head Coach: James Franklin (1st Season)
2025 Record: 3-9 (2-6)
2025 Finish: 15th in the ACC
Alamo Bowl
BYU Cougars vs. Washington Huskies

BYU can contend in the Big 12, whereas Washington will continue to struggle in the Big Ten.

BYU Cougars Team Profile
Head Coach: Kalani Sitake (11th Season)
2025 Record: 12-2 (8-1)
2025 Finish: 2nd in the Big 12

Washington Huskies Team Profile
Head Coach: Jedd Fisch (3rd Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (5-4)
2025 Finish: 9th in the Big Ten
Las Vegas Bowl
USC Trojans vs. Tennessee Volunteers

USC was busy this offseason, as has been the case over many of the past few seasons. We're waiting with baited breath to see if the changes pay dividends.

USC Trojans Team Profile
Head Coach: Lincoln Riley (6th Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (7-2)
2025 Finish: 5th in the Big Ten

Tennessee Volunteers Team Profile
Head Coach: Josh Heupel (6th Season)
2025 Record: 8-5 (4-4)
2025 Finish: 9th in the SEC
Gator Bowl
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Clemson Tigers

Oklahoma always has lofty ambitions. A Gator Bowl showdown versus Clemson is not where the Sooners want to end up.

Oklahoma Sooners Team Profile
Head Coach: Brent Venables (5th Season)
2025 Record: 10-3 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 6th in the SEC

Clemson Tigers Team Profile
Head Coach: Dabo Swinney (19th Season)
2025 Record: 7-6 (4-4)
2025 Finish: 8th in the ACC
ReliaQuest Bowl
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Texas A&M Aggies

Losing is never an option for Penn State. After a disastrous 2025 campaign, the best they could hope for in 2026 is the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Penn State Nittany Lions Team Profile
Head Coach: Matt Campbell (1st Season)
2025 Record: 7-6 (3-6)
2025 Finish: 12th in the Big Ten

Texas A&M Aggies Team Profile
Head Coach: Mike Elko (3rd Season)
2025 Record: 11-2 (7-1)
2025 Finish: Lost in the First Round of the CFP
Citrus Bowl
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Michigan Wolverines

This would be a hard pill for either program to swallow. Ending up in a non-playoff bowl game the day after the CFP quarterfinals could mean one of these coaches is searching the 'Wanted Ads'.

Alabama Crimson Tide Team Profile
Head Coach: Kalen DeBoer (3rd Season)
2025 Record: 11-4 (7-1)
2025 Finish: Lost in the CFP Quarterfinals (Rose Bowl)

Michigan Wolverines Team Profile
Head Coach: Kyle Whittingham (1st Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (7-2)
2025 Finish: 4th in the Big Ten
Pop-Tarts Bowl
Houston Cougars vs. Louisville Cardinals

Houston was on the edge of playoff contention last season, but was relegated to the Texas Bowl. A similar outcome is anticipated this season.

Houston Cougars Team Profile
Head Coach: Willy Fritz (3rd Season)
2025 Record: 10-3 (6-3)
2025 Finish: 4th in the Big 12

Louisville Cardinals Team Profile
Head Coach: Jeff Brohm (4th Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (4-4)
2025 Finish: 10th in the ACC
CFP First Round
(9) LSU Tigers vs. (8) Ohio State Buckeyes

A return to the playoffs is exactly where the LSU Tigers envision themselves. Conversely, the Ohio State Buckeyes would repudiate being the eighth seed.

LSU Tigers Team Profile
Head Coach: Lane Kiffin (1st Season)
2025 Record: 7-6 (3-5)
2025 Finish: 10th in the SEC

Ohio State Buckeyes Team Profile
Head Coach: Ryan Day (9th Season)
2025 Record: 12-2 (9-0)
2025 Finish: Lost in the CFP Quarterfinals (Cotton Bowl)
CFP First Round
(10) SMU Mustangs vs. (7) Texas Tech Red Raiders

It took decades for the SMU Mustangs to recapture their former reputation, while Texas Tech isn't ready to reverse its recent direction.

SMU Mustangs Team Profile
Head Coach: Rhett Lashlee (5th Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 5th in the ACC

Texas Tech Red Raiders Team Profile
Head Coach: Joey McGuire (5th Season)
2025 Record: 12-2 (8-1)
2025 Finish: Lost in the CFP Quarterfinals (Orange Bowl)
CFP First Round
(11) Ole Miss Rebels vs. (6) Indiana Hoosiers

One magnificent season later, Indiana is viewed as a top contender. Don't be surprised if these seeds are reversed or if the Hoosiers straight up miss the playoffs.

Ole Miss Rebels Team Profile
Head Coach: Pete Golding (2nd Season)
2025 Record: 13-2 (7-1)
2025 Finish: Lost in the CFP Semifinals (Fiesta Bowl)

Indiana Hoosiers Team Profile
Head Coach: Curt Cignetti (3rd Season)
2025 Record: 16-0 (9-0)
2025 Finish: National Champions
CFP First Round
(12) UNLV Rebels vs. (5) Georgia Bulldogs

If it weren't for pesky Boise State, UNLV would have already gotten its first taste of CFP action. They could throw more at Georgia than most people expect.

UNLV Rebels Team Profile
Head Coach: Dan Mullen (2nd Season)
2025 Record: 10-4 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 2nd in the MWC

Georgia Bulldogs Team Profile
Head Coach: Kirby Smart (11th Season)
2025 Record: 12-2 (7-1)
2025 Finish: Lost in the CFP Quarterfinals (Sugar Bowl)
Peach Bowl
(1) Miami (FL) Hurricanes vs. 8 vs. 9 Winner

The Hurricanes are reloaded, hoping to build off of last season's disappointing loss in the National Championship Game. They will have the least contested path to the final, heading into the 2026 season as the presumptive one seed.

Miami Hurricanes Team Profile
Head Coach: Mario Cristobal (5th Season)
2025 Record: 13-2 (6-2)
2025 Finish: Lost in the National Championship
Fiesta Bowl
(4) Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. 5 vs. 12 Winner

Notre Dame was spurned in 2025, and we expect the Fighting Irish to come back with avengeance this season. Sorry in advance to the 5 vs. 12 winner.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Team Profile
Head Coach: Marcus Freeman (6th Season)
2025 Record: 10-2
2025 Finish: 1st Independents
Cotton Bowl
(2) Texas Longhorns vs. 7 vs. 10 Winner

The Longhorns started last season as the top-ranked team in the country. They ended as a non-playoff team. It's time for Texas to make amends for its disappointments.

Texas Longhorns Team Profile
Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian (6th Season)
2025 Record: 10-3 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 5th in the SEC
Rose Bowl
(3) Oregon Ducks vs. 6 vs. 11 Winner

The Oregon Ducks have cemented their position as a perennial powerhouse. Still, they have to prove that they have what it takes to go all the way.

Oregon Ducks Team Profile
Head Coach: Dan Lanning (5th Season)
2025 Record: 13-2 (8-1)
2025 Finish: Lost in the CFP Semifinals (Peach Bowl)
Hawaii Bowl
South Florida Bulls vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

Hawaii is a program on the rise, and it should be rewarded for its efforts with another home-field bowl game.

South Florida Bulls Team Profile
Head Coach: Brian Hartline (1st Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (6-2)
2025 Finish: 4th in the AAC

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Team Profile
Head Coach: Timmy Chang (5th Season)
2025 Record: 9-4 (5-3)
2025 Finish: 6th in the MWC

CBS Sports Predicts Entire 2026 College Football Bowl Slate

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