Ranking the Top 10 Non-CFP Bowl Games of the Season
Bowl season doesn’t need a playoff bracket to keep things interesting. Beyond the final four, plenty of games feature unexpected matchups and quarterbacks trying to end their seasons on the right note—or launch next year’s buzz. Between conference champs, top NFL prospects, and weirdly fun rematches, these 10 games manage to stay relevant without needing a title shot.
Holiday Bowl: Arizona vs. SMU
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Arizona enters this game on a five-game win streak and a 9-3 finish, led by QB Noah Fifita, who threw for nearly 3,000 yards. SMU, at 8-4, leaned heavily on Kevin Jennings but stumbled late. It’s an even matchup of aggressive offenses, and the Holiday Bowl has a habit of producing late-game chaos.
Liberty Bowl: Navy vs. Cincinnati
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Navy is 9-2 with a physical ground game that’s second in the country in rushing yards. Quarterback Blake Horvath passed for over 1,300 yards, rare air for a service academy. Cincinnati, despite a four-game skid to close the season, has Big 12 toughness and a shot to reset before 2026.
Myrtle Beach Bowl: Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan
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Kennesaw State claimed the C-USA title behind Gabriel Benyard, who led the league in receiving. Western Michigan secured its first MAC title since 2016, and its defense allowed just 18.2 points per game. It’s a rare bowl featuring two league champions.
Music City Bowl: Tennessee vs. Illinois
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Tennessee’s offense moved the ball better than most in the SEC, topping 40 points per game. Quarterback Joey Aguilar threw for a league-best 3,444 yards. Illinois answers with Luke Altmyer, who put together a solid 21-touchdown season. Neither defense cracked the top 75 in passing yards allowed.
Sun Bowl: Arizona State vs. Duke
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Arizona State’s defense doesn’t allow much time in the pocket—second in the Big 12 in sacks—and that’s bad news for Duke’s Darian Mensah, even if he ranks third nationally in passing yards. Duke wrapped up its first outright ACC title since 1962 and wants to finish strong.
Pinstripe Bowl: Penn State vs. Clemson
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Back in August, plenty of people expected Penn State and Clemson to be hovering around the top of the polls by season’s end, which makes their meeting in a mid-tier bowl feel surprising. The location might still catch fans off guard, but the matchup itself always had the potential to happen.
Gator Bowl: Virginia vs. Missouri
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Virginia came one possession short of making the playoffs. Missouri had every chance to win the SEC East but couldn’t beat ranked opponents. Both teams can run the ball; Virginia’s J’Mari Taylor scored 14 rushing touchdowns, while Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy had 1,560 yards.
Citrus Bowl: Texas vs. Michigan
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Both Texas and Michigan sat one win away from playoff spots. Arch Manning ended the season strong, while Michigan’s Bryce Underwood, the nation’s top freshman, showed some serious upside. These programs have met only twice before, including the Vince Young-led Rose Bowl win. Their history sets the stage for an awaited bowl.
Pop-Tarts Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. BYU
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Haynes King wraps up a six-year college career with over 11,000 yards and 100 touchdowns. BYU’s Bear Bachmeier, a freshman, closes his first season with nearly 3,000 total yards. This game checks every box with a potential shootout, a veteran star, a rising talent, and the return of the edible mascot.
ReliaQuest Bowl: Vanderbilt vs. Iowa
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Diego Pavia turned Vanderbilt into a 10-win SEC team and landed in the Heisman conversation. Iowa has Mark Gronowski, the most successful quarterback in college football, with 57 career wins. This is also a test of styles—Vanderbilt scores nearly 40 points per game; Iowa’s defense, led by coordinator Phil Parker, gives up just under 17.