College Football Playoff Projections: Predicting 2024-25 New Year's 6 bowl games
The College Football Playoff field will consist of 12 teams for the first time this season, expanding from the previous four-team field. While the regular season has finished, several teams will have the opportunity to make a final statement during conference championship weekend.
The College Football Playoff selection committee will announce the official field during Selection Day on Sunday. The new postseason format has also altered the New Year's six bowl games.
The six bowl games – the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl – will serve as the College Football Playoff quarterfinals and semifinals.
Here's a closer look at early projections based off our projected rankings, at which teams will earn a trip to the New Year's six bowl games.
College Football Playoff Projections: Predicting 2024-25 New Year's 6 bowl games
#1. Fiesta Bowl
The Fiesta Bowl will take place on Dec. 31 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Boise State Broncos were projected to land the No. 3 seed and the prediction here is that they will face the No. 6 Texas Longhorns in the quarterfinals.
#2. Peach Bowl
The Peach Bowl will take place on Jan. 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The Georgia Bulldogs were projected to land the No. 2 seed and are projected to face the No. 7 Ohio State Buckeyes in the quarterfinals.
#3. Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl will take place on Jan. 1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Oregon Ducks were projected to land the No. 1 seed and the prediction here is that they will face the No. 8 Penn State Nittany Lions in the quarterfinals. The matchup would serve as a rematch of the Big Ten Championship Game.
#4. Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl will take place on Jan. 1 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Clemson Tigers were projected to land the No. 4 seed and are projected to face the No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the quarterfinals.
#5. Orange Bowl
The Orange Bowl will take place on Jan. 9 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The projection here is that the Oregon Ducks face the Clemson Tigers with a trip to the national championship on the line.
#6. Cotton Bowl
The Cotton Bowl will take place on Jan. 10 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Look for the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes to play for the opportunity to reach the national title game.