We are trying to keep up with everything going on between the portal, coaching changes, Draft declarations, opt-outs, and actual bowl and CFP games. Let's get caught up and show what's on tap...
Happy Holidays. The holidays are nuts, huh? That’s only intensified if you follow the current state of this great game of college football. The beauty is that the news cycle never ends with so much player movement, coaching changes, NFL draft declarations, players opting out, and actual games being played — both meaningful and exhibition. We are keeping up with everything and haven’t been as active on the written content side while we go through this gauntlet that can only be compared to the 2025 Florida schedule.
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So, here is what we are going to do — we’ll start with a look at what remains for the postseason games, leading up to the culmination — the National Championship game on January 19th in Miami. We’ll check in on the portal announcements, preparing for the official opening on January 2nd, and introduce our new “Portal Tracker” to be launched in the New Year. We’ll finish up with a truncated “Recap[ Rundown” feature for the bowl games and CFP games that have been played thus far.
Reminder: all of the most up-to-date postseason information is held at one place on our site. Click the button below to get the most recent impactful news facing teams still playing football games:
We are now fully into ‘bowl season’ with 16 games concluded — including 12 bowl games and four CFP first round matchups. We get back after it starting today in Detroit with the GameAbove Sports Bowl, one of 23 remaining bowl games. We have the CFP Quarterfinals commencing on New Years Eve/Day. Here is a screenshot of the “Run Down” from our Postseason Guide for an at-a-glance view:
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TRANSFER PORTAL CHECK-IN
This is already going nuts. We are tracking 1,469 (and growing by the minute) players already making announcements of their intention to enter the portal. Remember, there is just one window this year to enter the portal and it’s ten days, opening on January 2nd. We anticipate that we are only halfway through the full list. So, you’re going to need a dynamic tracker to make sense of this insanity that only has seen 33 players (less than 3%) announce their commitments to their new schools. We have you covered. Our LIVE and dynamic Portal Tracker tool is here for you. We’ll provide team-by-team ledgers, ratings and rankings utilizing our player ratings system to come up with a “Portal Churn” number. Don’t settle for just who is coning in — you need the full picture to really understand who is winning (and losing) in this game played off the field. Right now, you can view the players we are tracking over at the site:
We will be launching a full-on portal tracker with all of the insights to stay on top of who is winning (and losing) the portal game this off season and leading into 2026. Here are some screenshots to get you excited. Our anticipated launch is portal opening day — January 2nd!
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BOWL / CFP RECAP RUN DOWN(S)
Here is a quick run down of how each team has concluded their seasons with bowl games and four that are moving on to the quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff.
BOWL GAMES:
Washington ::: WIN, vs. Boise State, 38-10 PGWE: 11% -- The Huskies finished their season on a high note with a dominant 38-10 victory over the Boise State Broncos in the LA Bowl, securing a 9-4 overall record. They scored 38 unanswered points after falling behind 3-0, a run that started with a 78-yard touchdown pass and included three more scores before halftime. The Huskies’ performance was overwhelming, characterized by an explosive second quarter and a defense that forced an impressive five interceptions. Standout individual performances included QB Demond Williams Jr., who threw four touchdown passes, and WR Denzel Boston, who had six catches for 126 yards and a score. This is a solid conclusion to their season as the rumors of their head coach potentially getting a new job looming large.
Louisville ::: WIN, vs. Toledo, 27-22 PGWE: 99% -- The Cardinals closed out an otherwise disappointing 2025 campaign with a 27-22 win over Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl. They built a significant lead early, then held off a fierce fourth-quarter comeback attempt by the Rockets. The game was highly eventful, featuring a high-scoring final quarter (32 combined points), a blocked extra point returned for two points by Toledo’s Avery Smith, and a sideline brawl near the end of the game. The finally healthy running back tandem of Isaac Brown (102 rushing yards, two touchdowns) and Keyjuan Brown (112 rushing yards), fueled the Cardinals’ offense. QB Miller Moss was named offensive MVP, throwing for 153 yards, two touchdowns, and playing mistake-free. On defense, Clev Lubin earned defensive MVP honors with 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, though he was later ejected for targeting in the fourth quarter. The Cardinals managed to run out the clock in the final minutes despite the late-game chaos to secure the victory. The win concludes Louisville’s season with a 9-4 record.
North Carolina State ::: WIN, vs. Memphis, 31-7 PGWE: 100% -- NC State secured a dominant 31-7 victory over Memphis in the Gasparilla Bowl, snapping a seven-year bowl winning drought. The Wolfpack effectively decided the game in the first half, racing to a 31-7 halftime lead by scoring on all but two of their initial drives and then cruised through a scoreless second half. QB CJ Bailey accounted for three first-half touchdowns—one on a 14-yard scamper and two through the air—and a 40-yard scoring strike to Teddy Hoffmann just before the break. He finished with 221 passing yards and those three scores, while redshirt freshman RB Jayden “Duke” Scott powered the ground game with 108 rushing yards in just his second collegiate start as Hollywood Smothers opted out of the game after entering the portal. Defensively, LB Caden Fordham earned Bowl MVP honors after recording 13 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a crucial interception to spearhead a unit that held Memphis to its lowest scoring output in over four years. Dave Doeren will look to carry this momentum into the 2026 season.
Duke ::: Loss, vs. Arizona State, - PGWE: 84% -- The unranked Duke Blue Devils pulled off a stunning 27-20 overtime victory against No. 16 Virginia in the ACC Championship game, capping a surprising season with their first outright conference title since 1962. The Blue Devils controlled the game for long stretches, relying on a dominant defense that recorded eight sacks and an offense that maintained possession for over 34 minutes. Quarterback Darian Mensah was efficient, completing 19-of-25 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score in overtime. The defense then sealed the win with a crucial overtime interception by Luke Mergott. There were no significant in-game injuries reported for Duke. With the win, the Blue Devils improved to 8-5 and officially received an invitation to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, where they will face the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday, December 28, at 3:30 p.m. ET in Orlando, Florida.
Virginia ::: Loss, vs. Missouri, - PGWE: 96% -- Virginia’s College Football Playoff aspirations came to an end in a heartbreaking 27-20 overtime loss to unranked Duke in the ACC Championship game, a contest where pre-existing injuries slightly hampered key players like left tackle McKale Boley. Despite a dramatic comeback engineered by an Eli Wood touchdown reception that forced overtime, the Cavaliers’ offense struggled with consistency, and quarterback Chandler Morris threw a game-ending interception in OT. The Cavaliers finished their season with a 10-3 record and have accepted an invitation to the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, where they will face the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, December 27, at 7:30 p.m. ET in Jacksonville, Florida.
California ::: Loss, vs. Hawaii, 31-35 PGWE: 52% -- Cal suffered a tough 35-31 loss to Hawaii in the 2025 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, squandering a commanding 21-point lead in a collapse to end their season. They jumped out to a seemingly secure 21-0 lead early in the second quarter, only to watch the Rainbow Warriors slowly chip away at the advantage. Standout freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele delivered a stellar performance in his home state, throwing for 343 yards and a touchdown while briefly putting us ahead 31-28 with just 1:57 left on the clock. WR Jacob De Jesus provided a highlight with a backflip after an early score and set a program record for single-season catches, but it wasn’t enough as Hawaii stunned us with a 22-yard touchdown pass with just ten seconds left to steal the win.The Golden Bears finish up with a 7-6 record, as they move into the Tosh Lupoi era beginning in 2026.
Washington State ::: WIN, vs. Utah State, 34-21 PGWE: 100% -- The Cougars were clicking on all cylinders offensively in a 34-21 victory over Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, snapping a four-game bowl losing streak. They exploded for 628 yards, with QB Zevi Eckhaus delivering a season-high 334 passing yards and three touchdowns. They rode an early 20-0 lead before fending off a brief Aggie comeback attempt in the second half. The 34-point output was much lower than it could have been. WR Joshua Meredith was named the game MVP with eight catches for 84 yards, and freshman RB Maxwell Woods became the first Cougar to rush for over 100 yards in a single game this season with 117 yards. The defense, under interim head coach Jesse Bobbit, held Utah State to just 254 total yards, effectively neutralizing the Aggies’ high-powered offense. They finish up 7-6 and look to continue some positive momentum with a new head coach, Kirby Moore, coming in for 2026.
South Florida ::: Loss, vs. Old Dominion, 10-24 PGWE: 100% -- The Bulls’ high-powered offense went silent in a 24-10 loss to Old Dominion in the Cure Bowl, a game where both teams were missing their starting quarterbacks. USF was missing its entire offensive staff -- and it showed. They managed a 10-7 halftime lead after a 31-yard touchdown pass from backup QB Gaston Moore to Jeremiah Koger, but they were held scoreless in the second half while ODU scored 17 unanswered points. Ultimately, five turnovers doomed the Bulls in the effort with a depleted roster. True freshman WR Christian Neptune had a breakout performance for the Bulls, logging career highs of 10 catches for 102 yards. Defensively, Fred Gaskin recovered a fumble and returned it 22 yards to halt an early Old Dominion drive. They couldn’t get much going on the ground, finishing with just 52 rushing yards on 35 attempts. USF finishes 9-4 and now looks forward to a new regime coming in 2026.
Memphis ::: Loss, vs. North Carolina State, 7-31 PGWE: 3% -- The Tigers ended their season on a disappointing note, falling 31-7 to NC State in the Gasparilla Bowl, capping an 0-4 finish to a once-promising season. The Tigers, operating under interim coach Reggie Howard and without numerous key players, found themselves in a significant hole early, as NC State scored on five of their seven first-half drives to take a 31-7 lead into halftime. Despite the defensive effort in the second half, which held the Wolfpack scoreless, the early deficit and offensive struggles proved too much to overcome, resulting in the program’s first loss by more than 12 points since the 2022 season opener. The loss pushed the Tigers to a disappointing 8-5 record, and they will now transition into a new era under incoming head coach Charles Huff, hoping to regroup for the 2026 season.
Tulane ::: , , - PGWE: 99% -- The Green Wave’s historic season ended with a 41-10 defeat to the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The game was effectively over quickly, as a fast Ole Miss start put Tulane down 14-0 within minutes. Despite moving the ball effectively at times and accumulating 421 total yards, the Green Wave offense consistently stalled in scoring territory, going 0-for-4 on fourth downs and committing thre turnovers. QB Jake Retzlaff was much better than his first outing against the Rebels in Oxford, throwing for 306 yards and a touchdown. RB Jamauri McClure also contributed with 84 rushing yards. However, key plays for Ole Miss, including a red-zone interception and a fumble recovery during a trick play in the third quarter, constantly thwarted Tulane’s comeback efforts and sealed the loss. The Green Wave’s season concludes with an impressive 11-3 record and the changing of the guard will now occur with Will Hall taking over for the departing Jon Sumrall.
North Texas ::: Loss, vs. San Diego State, - PGWE: 96% -- The North Texas Mean Green fell to Tulane 34-21 in the American Conference Championship, despite starting strong with an opening touchdown drive. North Texas, the nation’s leading scoring offense entering the game, struggled against a tough Tulane defense that forced five turnovers. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker completed 21 of 34 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted three times. Wide receiver Miles Coleman was an offensive standout with a 59-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. A key injury occurred when star RB Caleb Hawkins appeared to injure his right shoulder.
Boise State ::: Loss, vs. Washington, 10-38 PGWE: 47% -- Boise State ended its season with a tough 38-10 loss to the Washington Huskies in the LA Bowl. After they took an early 3-0 lead, Washington scored 38 unanswered points, including four touchdowns in a span of less than 13 minutes across halftime. The Broncos’ offense struggled to finish drives early on and was then plagued by turnovers, specifically five interceptions thrown by quarterbacks Maddux Madsen and Max Cutforth. RB Dylan Riley had a team-high 36 rushing yards, and wide receiver Chris Marshall caught the longest pass of 28 yards, signaling the offensive struggles. The season concluded with a 9-5 record and a third straight Mountain West championship.
Utah State ::: Loss, vs. Washington State, 21-34 PGWE: 53% -- The Aggies fell to Washington State 34-21 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl to conclude their season. They had no answer for the Cougars’ offense, giving up 628 total yards. The game script saw Washington State jump out to a 20-0 lead before Utah State attempted a second-half comeback, ultimately falling short. Utah State’s defense provided some highlights with three interceptions (one each by Ike Larsen, Dylan Tucker, and Gio Kafentzis), but the offense struggled for consistency and pass protection, resulting in many missed opportunities and ultimately only 254 yards of offense. WR Brady Boyd finished strong with 99 yards receiving and a touchdown, while LB Brevin Hamblin led all defenders with 12 tackles.
Hawaii ::: WIN, vs. California, 35-31 PGWE: 99% -- Hawaii defeated California 35-31 in the 2025 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, overcoming a 21-point deficit in the largest comeback in the bowl’s history. After falling behind 21-0 early in the second quarter, the Rainbow Warriors charged back behind quarterback Micah Alejado, who threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns. Standout performances included Hawaii WR Pofele Ashlock, who hauled in 14 receptions for 123 yards and two scores. The game featured a frantic finish where Cal freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele scored a go-ahead touchdown with 1:57 remaining, only for Hawaii to respond with a game-winning 22-yard strike from backup quarterback Luke Weaver with just 10 seconds left. The victory secured Hawaii’s first nine-win season since 2019 and moves them into a new-look Mountain West era with strong momentum for Timmy Chang’s fifth season.
UNLV ::: Loss, vs. Ohio, 10-17 PGWE: 100% -- UNLV suffered a deflating 17-10 loss to Ohio in the Frisco Bowl, marking their second consecutive defeat to end an otherwise historic 10-win season. The Rebels’ high-powered offense, which had the nation’s longest streak of scoring at least 20 points (35 games), was stifled by Ohio’s methodical pace and aggressive defense. A disastrous first half saw the Rebels commit two crucial red-zone turnovers—a lost fumble at the 9-yard line and a late interception in the end zone—leaving them scoreless until midway through the third quarter. QB Anthony Colandrea, the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, struggled with consistency, finishing with 184 passing yards and one interception while providing the team’s only touchdown on a 2-yard run late in the fourth quarter. On defense, senior LB Marsel McDuffie led the team with nine tackles and a fumble recovery in his final collegiate game, and Latarrence Welch recorded his team-leading fifth interception of the season. UNLV finishes the first year of the Dan Mullen era at 10-4 and will look to build on this foundation during the 2026 offseason.
Western Kentucky ::: WIN, vs. Southern Miss, 27-16 PGWE: 36% -- The WKU Hilltoppers secured a thrilling 27-16 victory over Southern Miss in the New Orleans Bowl, after overcoming a 13-6 halftime deficit with a dominant second-half performance. The game was a tale of two halves: WKU was outgained 265-84 in the first half but flipped the script entirely after the break, outgaining the Golden Eagles 338-112. The key to the comeback was exceptional third-down efficiency, converting all eight opportunities in the second half after going just 1-for-9 in the first. The comeback was sparked by the stellar relief performance of former starting QB Maverick McIvor, who came in just before halftime and was named the game’s MVP. McIvor led three scoring drives, tallying 199 passing yards and 48 rushing yards with a touchdown run. Other standouts included WR Matthew Henry (7 catches for 126 yards) and freshman RB Marvis Parrish, whose game-clinching 54-yard touchdown run sealed the victory late in the fourth quarter. The defense also delivered in critical moments, forcing three turnovers, including a game-ending interception by Jaylen Lewis. Head coach Tyson Helton has now led WKU to five bowl wins in seven seasons, and the team finishes the season with a strong 9-4 record.
Jacksonville State ::: WIN, vs. Troy, 17-13 PGWE: 64% -- The Gamecocks finished the season on a high note, defeating Troy 17-13 in the Salute to Veterans Bowl. The defensive battle snapped Troy’s seven-game win streak in the series for the in-state non-conference rivals. The game was a comeback victory for the Gamecocks, who were trailing 13-7 at halftime, with the decisive score coming in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run from Andrew Paul. The game featured interesting off-field moments, including a pre-game parachutist missing the stadium and the lights briefly going out during a halftime interview. Caden Creel was named the Bowl MVP, throwing for 173 yards and a touchdown. They played without their star running back and CUSA Player of the Year, Cam Cook. That caps a 9-5 season for the Gamecocks and a successful first season for head coach Charles Kelly.
Kennesaw State ::: Loss, vs. Western Michigan, 6-41 PGWE: 51% -- The Owls’ great first season under Tre Lamb has been mired a bit by this blowout loss in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. From the first play, which featured a 65-yard touchdown run from Western Michigan, this one was never in doubt and finished as a 41-6 loss. The Owls turned the ball over (four times), with one returned for a touchdown on the second drive of the game, spotting the Broncos a 14-0 lead just over a minute into the contest. They finally found the end zone late in the third quarter on an Amari Odom 82-yard touchdown pass to Javon Rogers. True to form in this one, they missed the PAT). So, does this ruin a ten-win season for Lamb and company? No, but it certainly leaves a bad taste in their mouths as they head into the off-season.
Missouri State ::: Loss, vs. Arkansas State, 28-34 PGWE: 24% -- The Bears’ spirited fourth-quarter comeback fell short as they lost to the Arkansas State Red Wolves 34-28 in the inaugural Xbox Bowl. They showed their fight after facing a significant 31-7 third-quarter deficit, but a failed onside kick attempt in the final two minutes sealed their fate. This historic season saw Missouri State achieve bowl eligibility in year one, wrapping up their campaign with a 7-6 record. QB Jacob Clark, in his final game, led the Bears back, outscoring the Red Wolves 21-3 in the final frame, and finished with 349 yards and four touchdowns despite being sacked eight times. They played without their head coach, Ryan Beard, who is on his way to take over at Coastal Carolina, but earlier in the day announced they have found their next leader. Casey Woods from SMU will lead the program in 2026 and beyond.
Delaware ::: WIN, vs. Louisiana, 20-13 PGWE: 100% -- The Blue Hens defeated Louisiana 20–13 in the 68 Ventures Bowl to conclude their inaugural FBS season with a historic victory. RB Jo Silver led the offense with 116 rushing yards, including an explosive 61-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter that provided an early 7–0 lead. QB Nick Minicucci overcame a slow start to finish with 176 passing yards and a 35-yard touchdown pass to Sean Wilson, while Nate Reed added two critical field goals to extend the lead to 20–3 by the third quarter. Louisiana mounted a late comeback fueled by a blocked field goal and an 8-yard touchdown pass, but Delaware’s defense held firm, breaking up a potential game-tying pass in the end zone as time expired. They finished the 2025 season at 7–6, becoming only the second team in history to win a bowl game during their first year of FBS transition.
Toledo ::: Loss, vs. Louisville, 22-27 PGWE: 99% -- The Rockets lost a hard-fought 27-22 battle to Louisville in the Boca Raton Bowl, falling just short after a spirited fourth-quarter comeback. The Rockets trailed throughout the entire game, facing a 21-3 deficit early in the fourth quarter before staging an impressive rally. The game was full of drama, featuring a blocked extra point returned for two points, a sideline brawl late in the fourth quarter, and Toledo desperately fighting for possession to continue their comeback bid. RS FR QB Kalieb Osborne made his first collegiate start, accounting for 244 total yards (167 passing, 77 rushing) and one touchdown. RB Chip Trayanum added 65 rushing yards and a touchdown, including the score that made it a five-point game with 2:24 remaining. On defense, senior S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren provided an inspiring performance despite a leg injury, while junior LB K’Von Sherman led the team with nine tackles. Unfortunately, Toledo was hampered by a season-high 14 penalties for 100 yards, with operational miscues and pre-snap penalties hurting several drives. The loss gives Toledo a final season record of 8-5.
Ohio ::: WIN, vs. UNLV, 17-10 PGWE: 57% -- The Bobcats defeated the UNLV Rebels 17-10 in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl, extending their bowl-winning streak to seven games. Ohio built a 14-0 lead by the third quarter and held off a late comeback attempt by UNLV’s offense, which had the nation’s longest streak of scoring at least 20 points end at 35 games. The defensive game plan was stellar, including a red zone interception by DJ Walker at the end of the first half to preserve the shutout and a key punt block by Miles Cremascoli that set up an early opportunity. The MVP of the game was RB Sieh Bangura, who rushed for 149 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries, consistently moving the ball and allowing Ohio to run out the clock in the final minutes. QB Parker Navarro added a 5-yard touchdown run and a two-point conversion pass to Chase Hendricks, who also led the team with 87 receiving yards. The Bobcats’ defense was the key, holding a high-powered UNLV offense to only 10 points and forcing two turnovers. The victory capped the season for Ohio with a 9-4 record and a great audition for internal candidate John Hauser as the next potential head coach of this program.
Miami (OH) ::: Loss, vs. Fresno State, - PGWE: 100% -- The RedHawks fell to Western Michigan in the MAC Championship game by a final score of 23-13. The RedHawks struggled to establish an offensive rhythm, losing the time-of-possession battle (35:17 to 24:43) and failing to convert on several crucial fourth downs. WMU’s ground game effectively controlled the game script, and Miami was unable to mount a late-game rally similar to their regular-season victory, as they were held scoreless for most of the second half until a fourth-quarter touchdown. Standout defensive performers for Miami included DB Eli Blankey, who led all players with 15 tackles, and linebackers Jackson Kuwatch (14 tackles) and Brock Uihlein (11 tackles). Offensively, Kam Perry had seven catches for 101 yards. Miami utilized a two-quarterback system, with Thomas Gotkowski starting before being replaced by Henry Hesson in the third quarter; neither quarterback could consistently move the ball, and the offense managed only one touchdown and two field goals. The team’s special teams unit also had a rare off day, missing an extra point and a field goal attempt.
Western Michigan ::: WIN, vs. Kennesaw State, 41-6 PGWE: 87% -- The Broncos capped off a historic season by dominating Kennesaw State with a 41-6 victory in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, becoming the first team in program history to win both a conference championship and a bowl game in the same season. The game was effectively over in the first quarter, as the Broncos exploded for a 27-0 lead, highlighted by Jalen Buckley’s 65-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage and Kershawn Fisher’s 47-yard fumble return for a touchdown less than a minute later. The defense continued to be opportunistic, forcing four total turnovers and scoring again early in the third quarter on a 75-yard interception return by Joey Pope. Bowl MVP RB Jalen Buckley put up 174 yards on just eight carries, all in the first half. QB Broc Lowry was efficient, throwing two first-quarter touchdowns to tight ends Mareyohn Hrabowski and Blake Bosma. On the defensive line, Rodney McGraw was a force, recording a strip-sack and multiple tackles for loss. They finish up with a double-digit win season, and Lance Taylor has his program going in the right direction.
Troy ::: Loss, vs. Jacksonville State, 13-17 PGWE: 85% -- Troy was defeated by Jacksonville State 17-13 in the recent Salute to Veterans Bowl, a defensive struggle that ended the Trojans’ seven-game winning streak in the series. The defense delivered a dominant performance, holding Jacksonville State to a season-low 273 total yards and just 100 rushing yards. They struggled equally on the offensive side of the ball and committed four turnovers. LB Jordan Stringer posted a career-high 16 tackles. They played without their lead RB Tae Meadows, who entered the portal following the SBC Championship game, and QB Goose Crowder’s ankle injury flared and forced him out early. Backup Tucker Kilcrease played the remainder of the game in relief, completing 12 of 23 passes for 116 yards and two interceptions. The Trojans finish up with an 8-6 overall record and a solid second season under Gerad Parker.
Arkansas State ::: WIN, vs. Missouri State, 34-28 PGWE: 44% -- The Red Wolves fended off a late rally from Missouri State to win the inaugural Xbox Bowl 34-28, securing the program’s sixth FBS bowl victory. They took control early, scoring on four straight drives to build a significant 24-7 halftime lead, which was extended to 31-7 in the third quarter before withstanding Missouri State’s 21-3 scoring run in the final frame. This victory caps a season where A-State overcame a 1-4 start to finish with a winning record of 7-6, marking back-to-back winning campaigns under Butch Jones. Senior WR Corey Rucker earned Offensive MVP honors with 166 receiving yards and a touchdown, setting the Red Wolves’ career touchdown receptions record with 27. QB Jaylen Raynor threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns. At the same time, senior LB Kyle Taylor was named Defensive MVP, leading the team with 10 tackles and contributing to a defense that recorded eight sacks.
Louisiana ::: Loss, vs. Delaware, 13-20 PGWE: 5% -- The Ragin’ Cajuns saw their season end on a bitter note, falling to Delaware 20–13 in the 68 Ventures Bowl. Despite a late rally that included a blocked field goal and a fourth-quarter touchdown pass, the Ragin’ Cajuns’ comeback bid fell short as an end-zone pass was broken up on the final play of the game. Costly first-half turnovers, including an interception in the end zone and a missed field goal on promising drives, proved to be the difference, allowing Delaware to build a 20–3 lead by the third quarter. QB Lunch Winfield led the final drive, hobbling but determined, as Louisiana moved 86 yards in under two minutes to the Delaware 7-yard line before time expired. They finish the 2025 season with a 6–7 record and a fourth consecutive bowl loss.
Old Dominion ::: WIN, vs. South Florida, 24-10 PGWE: 93% -- The Monarchs capped off a historic season with a 24-10 victory over South Florida in the Cure Bowl, securing their first 10-win season since 2016. After falling behind 10-7 at halftime, the defense and ground game dominated the second half, scoring 17 unanswered points and completely shutting out a Bulls offense that entered the game ranked second nationally in yards per game, but was missing key players and their entire offensive coaching staff. They capitalized on five total USF turnovers, including four interceptions, to turn a tight contest into a commanding victory. The tandem of QB Quinn Henicle and RB Devin Roche was exceptional, with both players rushing for over 100 yards to power the Monarchs’ offense. Henicle, who was named MVP, sealed the win with a decisive 51-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The defense was the true star, forcing turnovers and constantly pressuring the USF backfield. Old Dominion finishes the season with an impressive 10–3 record as Ricky Rahne has this program humming.
Southern Miss ::: Loss, vs. Western Kentucky, 16-27 PGWE: 15% -- Southern Miss lost to Western Kentucky 27-16 in the New Orleans Bowl, after being shut out in the second half. The Golden Eagles started strong, building a 13-6 halftime lead and outgaining WKU 265-84 in the first half. However, the game script flipped dramatically in the second half, with WKU outgaining Southern Miss 338-112 and the Golden Eagles’ offense stalling completely, failing to score any points in the fourth quarter as the Hilltoppers rallied for the win. QB Braylon Braxton passed for 258 yards and a touchdown, and kicker Creighton Wilbanks nailed three field goals. Defensively, Corey Myrick had a key play, forcing a fumble at the goal line in the third quarter that resulted in a touchback, one of three turnovers forced by Southern Miss on the night. The Golden Eagles hurt themselves with a season-high 12 penalties for 101 yards and struggled significantly on third downs in the second half. The loss concluded Southern Miss’s season with a 7-6 record.
CFP FIRST ROUND GAMES:
Alabama ::: WIN, Oklahoma, 34-24 PGWE: 40% -- Talk about a swing in emotions. The Tide staged a historic comeback to defeat Oklahoma 34-24 in the first round of the College Football Playoff, becoming the first road team in CFP history to win a first-round game. They fell into a 17-0 hole early in the second quarter and did not even record a first down until trailing by that margin. However, a sudden shift in momentum, sparked by a blocked punt from Tim Keenan III and a crucial 50-yard pick-six by Zabien Brown just before halftime, tied the game at 17-17. The Tide then scored 27 unanswered points to take control in the second half, securing the dramatic victory. Freshman WR Lotzeir Brooks had five catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns in a breakout game, and QB Ty Simpson passed for 232 yards and two scores. They added an incredible, contested catch by Germie Bernard in the fourth quarter, which set up a decisive touchdown run by Daniel Hill to seal the win. The defense, which recorded five sacks in the second half, locked down the Sooners when it mattered most. This resilient victory elevates Alabama’s record to 11-3, and the team will now face No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Ole Miss ::: WIN, Tulane, 41-10 PGWE: 98% -- In Pete Golding’s debut as head coach, the Rebels dismantled Tulane (again) in the first round of the CFP. In the convincing 41-10, Ole Miss jumped to a quick 14-0 lead within the first five minutes and maintained control throughout, never allowing Tulane within 11 points after the initial run. The defense was a key factor, forcing three turnovers and stopping Tulane on all four of their fourth-down attempts. QB Trinidad Chambliss accounted for 318 total yards and three touchdowns, and LB Suntarine Perkins recorded 2.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. The game script featured early offensive explosions by the Rebels, followed by a defensive shutdown that suffocated any potential Tulane rallies. The Rebels have achieved their first-ever 12-win season and will next face No. 3 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
Texas A&M ::: Loss, Miami (FL), 3-10 PGWE: 22% -- The Aggies fell to Miami 10-3 in a defensive battle during the first round of the College Football Playoff at Kyle Field. Neither scored a touchdown until less than two minutes remained in the game. The offense repeatedly stalled in scoring territory, failing to convert on a blocked punt opportunity in the first half and managing only a 35-yard field goal in the fourth quarter after a 16-play drive. The defense did all they could, containing Miami’s offense blow-for-blow, until the fourth quarter when Carson Beck and company broke through for the decisive touchdown. QB Marcel Reed finished with 237 yards passing and two costly fourth-quarter interceptions, including a game-sealing pick in the end zone with seconds remaining. The Aggies’ season ends with an 11-2 record, a disappointing end to what remains a growth season for the program under Mike Elko.
Oklahoma ::: Loss, at Alabama, 24-34 PGWE: 82% -- The Sooners saw their season end abruptly at home with a 34-24 loss to Alabama in the first round of the College Football Playoff. That after riding the momentum from the home crowd to take a commanding 17-0 lead in the second quarter, dominating the opening period with 118 yards of offense to Alabama’s 12. However, costly self-inflicted errors quickly shifted the momentum: a muffed punt recovery by Alabama led to a field goal, followed shortly by a crucial pick-six thrown by QB John Mateer that tied the game at 17-17 just before halftime. In the second half, the Crimson Tide scored 27 unanswered points to take control. WR Deion Burks did all he could, racking up seven catches for 107 yards and a touchdown, and kicker Tate Sandell, the Lou Groza Award winner, tied an FBS record with his eighth 50+ yard field goal (a 51-yarder into a stiff wind). Unfortunately, Sandell also missed two critical field goals late in the game that could have narrowed the deficit. The Sooners finish the season with a 10-3 record and a loss that will stick with them throughout the off-season.
Oregon ::: WIN, James Madison, 51-34 PGWE: 89% -- The final score doesn’t tell the whole story in the Ducks’ win over James Madison in the first round of the CFP. They won 51-34, riding a dominant first half, scoring touchdowns on their first five drives, and building a commanding 34-6 lead at halftime. Despite a “lackluster” second half performance that drew criticism from head coach Dan Lanning, who felt the team failed to “choke (them) out,” the early lead was never threatened. QB Dante Moore was brilliant with five total touchdowns (four passing, one rushing) and 313 passing yards, while WR Malik Benson put up 119 receiving yards and two long touchdown grabs. The special teams also contributed with a third quarter blocked punt returned for a touchdown. The Ducks, now 12-1 on the season, will next face No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl on January 1, 2026, for a spot in the CFP semifinals.
Miami (FL) ::: WIN, at Texas A&M, 10-3 PGWE: 100% -- Make no mistake. This is how head coach Mario Cristobal wants to win football games. In the trenches, Miami handled everything Texas A&M threw at them, and the offense came through late to seal a 10-3 win on the road in the first round of the CFP. RB Mark Fletcher Jr. exploded for some chunk runs and accumulated 172 yards, which opened the door for WR Malachi Toney to redeem himself from a earlier fumble, taking a shovel pass from QB Carson Beck and finding the end zone. The defense made their final stand, picking off Marcel Reed in the end zone to close it. The Hurricanes have some significant momentum heading now to the quarterfinals in a matchup with the defending Champion Ohio State Buckeyes.
Tulane ::: Loss, at Ole Miss, 10-41 PGWE: 99% -- The Green Wave’s historic season ended with a 41-10 defeat to the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The game was effectively over quickly, as a fast Ole Miss start put Tulane down 14-0 within minutes. Despite moving the ball effectively at times and accumulating 421 total yards, the Green Wave offense consistently stalled in scoring territory, going 0-for-4 on fourth downs and committing thre turnovers. QB Jake Retzlaff was much better than his first outing against the Rebels in Oxford, throwing for 306 yards and a touchdown. RB Jamauri McClure also contributed with 84 rushing yards. However, key plays for Ole Miss, including a red-zone interception and a fumble recovery during a trick play in the third quarter, constantly thwarted Tulane’s comeback efforts and sealed the loss. The Green Wave’s season concludes with an impressive 11-3 record and the changing of the guard will now occur with Will Hall taking over for the departing Jon Sumrall.
James Madison ::: Loss, at Oregon, 34-51 PGWE: 100% -- The Dukes’ historic 11-game winning streak ended with a predictable 51-34 loss to the No. 5 Oregon Ducks in the first round of the CFP. The game started with Oregon scoring a touchdown on their opening drive, but the Dukes responded with their longest drive of the season by time of possession (over 8 minutes) to kick a field goal. The Ducks were just too mighty, riding a dominant first half that saw them race to a 34-6 halftime lead, effectively putting the game out of reach, despite JMU outscoring them in the second half. QB Alonza Barnett III threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns and added another on the ground, and RB Wayne Knight rushed for 110 yards. The Dukes demonstrated their characteristic resilience by continuing to fight, even trimming the deficit with several second-half scores, but the early hole was too deep. The 2025 season concludes with a 12-2 record and an unbeaten Sun Belt regular season. The team will now focus on the post-Bob Chesney era under new head coach Billy Napier.
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