Story perspectives

2025-26 College Football Bowl Season Kicks Off with Excitement

12/15/2025

Summary

College Football Kickoff

The 2025-26 college football bowl season began December 13, 2025 with Celebration Bowl and LA Bowl.
The College Football Playoff (CFP) uses a 12-team format, with first-round games on December 19, 2025.
The bowl slate features 46 games, with Alabama Crimson Tide favored by 1.5 against Oklahoma Sooners and Oregon Ducks favored by 21.5 over James Madison Dukes.
Despite some teams opting out of non-playoff bowls, the schedule aims to sustain engagement.

Summary

Bulldogs Triumph Overtime

South Carolina State Bulldogs defeated Prairie View A&M 40-38 in quadruple overtime at the Celebration Bowl.
The Bulldogs overcame a 21-0 halftime deficit to force overtime.
Wide receiver Jordan Smith earned MVP honors after nine receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns.
Smith's 10-yard touchdown reception late in regulation tied the game and forced overtime.

History

Historical Context

Established in 2014, the College Football Playoff (CFP) replaced the controversial BCS system, introducing a four-team playoff format to enhance competitiveness. The inaugural CFP culminated in Ohio State's victory over Oregon for the 2014 national title. By 2024, the CFP will expand to 12 teams, reflecting a broader trend in sports towards more inclusive championship formats that boost fan engagement and participation.

1 of 3

College Football Kickoff

The 2025-26 college football bowl season began December 13, 2025 with Celebration Bowl and LA Bowl.
The College Football Playoff (CFP) uses a 12-team format, with first-round games on December 19, 2025.
The bowl slate features 46 games, with Alabama Crimson Tide favored by 1.5 against Oklahoma Sooners and Oregon Ducks favored by 21.5 over James Madison Dukes.
Despite some teams opting out of non-playoff bowls, the schedule aims to sustain engagement.

1 / 3