Bowl Games 2025-26 Odds, Predictions for Bracket, Most Exciting Matchups on Schedule
There's a better chance of the four first-round games of the College Football Playoff to be competitive compared to last year's opening-round bouts.
A year ago, all four home sides won by double digits.
The Oregon Ducks are one of two double-digit favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook in the opening round, but there's a case to be made that their clash with the James Madison Dukes might be the most exciting game on the weekend of December 19 and 20.
James Madison carries one of the more explosive offenses in the FBS, and it could challenge Oregon for a half.
The fifth-seeded Ducks will likely win the game in Eugene, but they might have to put up a point total in the 30s, or even 40s, to win comfortably.
No. 12 James Madison at No. 5 Oregon
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Odds: Oregon (-21.5); Over/Under 50.5
You can make a pretty convincing case that James Madison has a better chance to pull off an upset in the opening round of the CFB Playoff than Tulane.
After all, Tulane already lost by 30 points to Ole Miss earlier this season.
James Madison might meet the same fate in Eugene on December 20, but it at least has the opportunity to throw something new at its opponent.
JMU scored over 30 points in nine of its 13 games and hung within two scores against Louisville, its lone power-conference opponent.
Oregon's defense is a strong unit, but it did give up multiple scores in each of its last four games.
The Ducks boast an impressive offense of their own, led by quarterback Dante Moore. They have a stable of four strong running backs and one of the best tight ends in the country in Kenyon Sadiq.
At least on paper, JMU-Oregon has the potential to be exciting because of how explosive both offenses are. The Dukes might not win, but they can be a frisky underdog for a bit.
Prediction: Oregon 35, James Madison 17
Hawai'i Bowl: Cal vs. Hawai'i
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Odds: Cal (-1.5); Over/Under 54.5
The Hawai'i Bowl matchup is perfect for the Christmas Eve primetime slot.
The California Golden Bears and Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors both love to score points. It's the perfect alternative to any awkward family celebrations on December 24th.
Cal's Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is one of the most electric young quarterbacks in the FBS. He'll use the Hawai'i Bowl as a springboard into next season with Cal under new head coach Tosh Lupoi. Sagapolutele would have been one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal had he left Cal.
The freshman left-hander threw for 3,117 yards and he's coming one of his best performances of the season, a four-touchdown game that kept the SMU Mustangs out of the ACC Championship Game.
Hawai'i freshman quarterback Micah Alejado had multiple touchdown passes in six of his last seven games.
The Rainbow Warriors defense did hold three opponents to single-digit point totals in Honolulu this season.
However, it is unlikely Cal meets that similar fate with its big-play offense. A high-scoring affair is expected for one of the few sporting events on Christmas Eve.
Prediction: Cal 38, Hawai'i 31
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