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CFP Quarterfinals Kick Off 2026 Bowl Season!

1/1/2026

47 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On Jan 1, 2026, three College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals unfold: Oregon–Texas Tech, Alabama–Indiana, Ole Miss–Georgia.
On Jan 2, 2026, four more bowls follow, including Mississippi State versus Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.
Mississippi State earned a bowl invitation despite a 5-7 record because of a high Academic Progress Rate.
Wake Forest aims for a nine-win season under new coach Jake Dickert.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA introduced the Academic Progress Rate (APR) in 2004 to address poor graduation rates among student-athletes, which were as low as 51% for football players from 1993 to 1996. In 2011, the NCAA raised the APR threshold for postseason eligibility to 930, reflecting a shift towards prioritizing academic success alongside athletic performance, as seen in recent College Football Playoff selections.

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Story summary

On Jan 1, 2026, three College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals unfold: Oregon–Texas Tech, Alabama–Indiana, Ole Miss–Georgia.
On Jan 2, 2026, four more bowls follow, including Mississippi State versus Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.
Mississippi State earned a bowl invitation despite a 5-7 record because of a high Academic Progress Rate.
Wake Forest aims for a nine-win season under new coach Jake Dickert.

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