Bowl season is always a fun way to put a bow on the college football year. Teams aren’t just playing for one more win, they’re chasing moments that stick with their programs and fan bases long after the final whistle. Games like the Pop-Tarts Bowl and Duke’s Mayo Bowl have become more than just matchups on the schedule, they’re full-blown spectacles that grab the attention of both diehards and casual fans alike.

Additionally, many programs approach bowl season with a slightly different mindset. For them, these games are less about the final score and more about what comes next. Whether it’s evaluating young quarterbacks, easing through a coaching transition, or building momentum heading into the transfer portal, the following teams used their 2025 bowl games as springboards toward the 2026 season.

No CFP games are included, and all of these bowls have already been played. So let’s take a look.

Missouri – Gator Bowl vs. Virginia (13–7 Loss)

Inconsistent quarterback play plagued Missouri all season, and that issue came into sharper focus in the loss to Virginia. True freshman Matt Zollers made his third career start with high expectations, but outside of a strong opening drive and a late push, he struggled to find rhythm. The performance likely accelerates Missouri’s plans to explore the transfer portal for help at quarterback.

With new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey expected to overhaul what was a mediocre passing attack, this bowl game served as a clear evaluation point. Zollers may still be part of the future, but Mizzou appears headed toward a reset at the position entering 2026.

Penn State – Pinstripe Bowl vs. Clemson (22–10 Win)

One of the more disappointing teams of the regular season, Penn State salvaged momentum with a strong bowl win over Clemson. With Drew Allar unavailable, the Nittany Lions leaned heavily on playcalling and structure rather than star power, and interim head coach Terry Smith delivered a steady performance.

The win helped stabilize the program after a turbulent season and provided a cleaner handoff into the next era. While questions remain, finishing the year with a bowl win gave Penn State a needed jolt of confidence heading into the offseason.

BYU – Pop-Tarts Bowl vs. Georgia Tech (25–21 Win)

BYU entered bowl season with a sizable chip on its shoulder after being left out of the playoff conversation. While the margin was closer than expected, the win over Georgia Tech reinforced the Cougars’ upward trajectory.

With Bear Bachmeier returning and much of the coaching staff remaining intact, BYU is positioned to enter 2026 with continuity and national relevance. This bowl win likely secures a preseason Top 15 ranking and keeps the Cougars firmly in the conversation as a program on the rise.

USC – Alamo Bowl vs. TCU (30–27 Loss)

USC is no longer the powerhouse it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, but it remains a well-coached program and a desirable destination for talent. Jayden Maiava’s decision to return for his senior season provides much-needed stability at quarterback.

Despite the narrow loss to TCU, the Trojans maintained continuity and competitiveness, which matters more than the final score in this context. The close result should not deter recruits or transfers, and USC enters 2026 with a clear offensive leader and a manageable reset.

Michigan – Citrus Bowl vs. Texas (41–27 Loss)

Michigan’s December was defined by turbulence, and the bowl game did little to provide immediate relief. Interim coach Biff Poggi handled play-calling duties, while incoming head coach Kyle Whittingham evaluated the roster from a distance.

True freshman Bryce Underwood showed flashes but also inconsistency, a theme throughout his first season. With Whittingham now in charge, Michigan faces important decisions at quarterback, including whether to add competition through the portal. The bowl loss did not define the program’s future, but it did highlight areas that will need attention quickly.

Utah – Las Vegas Bowl vs. Nebraska (44–22 Win)

With Kyle Whittingham departing for Michigan, Morgan Scalley stepped into a larger leadership role and delivered a dominant bowl performance. Facing a Nebraska team without Dylan Raiola, Utah controlled the game from start to finish.

The convincing win helped reinforce stability during a transitional moment and left a strong impression on the roster. That matters entering a transfer-heavy offseason, as Utah looks to position itself for a legitimate 2026 CFP push.

Washington State – Famous Idaho Potato Bowl vs. Utah State (34–21 Win)

Washington State entered bowl season focused on one thing: finishing strong. With Kirby Moore set to take over as head coach, the Cougars relied on Zevi Eckhaus to close the year on a positive note, and he delivered.

Eckhaus’s performance boosted his standing and gave the program momentum heading into the offseason. The solid win likely helps Moore retain continuity rather than overhaul the roster, which is often critical in coaching transitions.

Memphis – Gasparilla Bowl vs. NC State (31–7 Loss)

Memphis spent much of the season ranked and appeared poised for a strong finish, but the bowl loss to NC State undercut that momentum. Instead of a redemption moment, the Tigers exited bowl season searching for answers.

Still, the foundation built during the first half of the season remains valuable. With the right offseason moves, Memphis has a path back into contention, even if the bowl result marked a step back rather than forward.

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