The 2025 college football regular season wrapped up with exactly the kind of drama we’ve come to expect-and love-from this sport. From last-minute bowl eligibility clinchers to rivalry-week shakeups that sent ripple effects through the College Football Playoff picture, the final weekend delivered a reminder of why college football Saturdays are sacred.
Several teams punched their postseason tickets in the dying moments of their final games, clawing their way to that all-important 6-6 mark. Others didn’t just win-they made statements, crashing the playoff bubble with upsets and emotional rivalry wins that could shape the postseason landscape.
And now, the real sorting begins. With 82 bowl-eligible teams on the board, the CFP selection committee has its work cut out heading into Tuesday’s rankings reveal and the upcoming conference championship weekend.
But before we even get to the title games, there’s already one major shakeup that could have real implications: Lane Kiffin is officially leaving Ole Miss for LSU. The timing couldn’t be more seismic. Losing a head coach-and potentially multiple assistants-this close to Selection Sunday isn’t just a headline; it’s a variable the committee is allowed to weigh when finalizing seeding.
Now, let’s be clear: Ole Miss has earned its place. This team battled through 12 games and put together a playoff-worthy résumé.
But per the committee’s own protocol, losing key personnel ahead of the postseason can factor into seeding decisions. What that could mean in practice is a slight bump down the bracket-not out of the playoff, but into a less favorable matchup.
One scenario being floated? A potential No. 11 seed for the Rebels, which would send them on the road to face Texas A&M at Kyle Field.
That would avoid a rematch with Oklahoma, which already hosted Ole Miss earlier this season. It also helps preserve the integrity of the bracket, ensuring that the version of the Rebels we’ll see in December is accurately reflected in their seeding.
Meanwhile, this adjustment could open the door for Notre Dame to host a first-round playoff game-and if that happens, we could be looking at a blockbuster showdown with Alabama in South Bend. That’s the kind of matchup that doesn’t just move the needle; it spikes it.
Two historic programs, a December clash in the Midwest, and a playoff berth on the line? That’s must-see football.
Elsewhere on the hosting line, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Oregon remain in strong position. But again, the committee will be looking to avoid repeat matchups and ensure competitive balance across the bracket. The ripple effect of Ole Miss’s coaching departure could end up impacting more than just their own seed-it could help clarify the bubble, too.
Take Notre Dame and Miami, for example. The Hurricanes have a head-to-head win over the Irish from back in August and have built a compelling case for inclusion. But if Notre Dame gets a home game and Miami is left just outside, that separation could be the committee’s way of drawing a line in the sand.
Whatever happens between now and Selection Sunday, one thing is clear: this season has already delivered more twists than anyone could’ve predicted-and we’re not done yet.
Beyond the playoff, the rest of the bowl slate is coming into focus. We could be in for some truly entertaining matchups.
Imagine Diego Pavia and 10-win Vanderbilt squaring off against Miami in the Gator Bowl? That’s not just a quality bowl game-that’s a battle for the unofficial title of the best non-playoff team in the country.
The Citrus Bowl seems all but locked in with a Texas vs. Michigan showdown, which has been trending that way for weeks. And yes, we’re once again on Mayo Bowl watch-because who doesn’t want to see Dabo Swinney or Eli Drinkwitz get a bucket of mayonnaise dumped on their head?
Here’s a look at how the full bowl picture is shaping up after Week 14:
Salute to Veterans Bowl
- Old Dominion vs. Western Michigan
Other Projected Bowl Matchups
- Tulane vs.
James Madison
- Troy vs.
Jacksonville State
- Southern Miss vs.
Miami (Ohio)
- Wake Forest vs.
East Carolina
- Fresno State vs.
Washington State
- FIU vs.
Central Michigan
- Louisiana vs.
Louisiana Tech
- Kennesaw State vs.
San Diego State
- New Mexico vs.
UTSA
- NC State vs.
Memphis
- Penn State vs.
Louisville
- BYU vs.
Georgia Tech
- Boise State vs.
Toledo
- Utah State vs.
Texas State
- Iowa State vs.
California
- Arkansas State vs.
Missouri State
- Cincinnati vs.
Western Kentucky
- Arizona State vs.
SMU
- Army vs.
Georgia Southern
- Kansas State vs.
UConn
- Delaware vs.
Coastal Carolina
With bowl season on the horizon and the playoff bracket still taking shape, college football is once again proving why it’s the most unpredictable-and entertaining-sport in America. Buckle up. The postseason ride is just getting started.