Big Ten Bowl Game Staff Picks

As the holiday season continues, so does bowl season. And the Big Ten is about to hit the ground running with its bowling activity. The Big Ten will play most of its bowl games after Christmas and into the New Year, while three of its members play in the College Football Playoff. So how will the Big Ten fare this bowl season?

Based on our staff’s predictions, it could be a pretty good bowl season for the most part. But a pair of matchups with SEC teams could be tough.

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Here’s who we’ll pick in every Big Ten bowl game this season, excluding the College Football Playoff. Be sure to check out our complete Big Ten bowl tracker for up-to-date results and more information for every Big Ten postseason matchup.

THE BOWL: Washington vs. Boise State

Christopher: I like this matchup because it’s specifically a fascinating quarterback matchup. Both Demond Williams Jr. and Maddux Madsen are two of the best in the country and have helped revolutionize their respective teams. Still, I think Washington simply has more offensive talent, and Demon Williams can create a bit better structure. Additionally, without Ashton Jeanty to turn to, Madsen won’t be able to rely on a solid running game.

GameAbove Sports Bowl: Northwest vs. Central Michigan

Rate Bowl: Minnesota vs. New Mexico

Music City Bowl: Illinois vs. Tennessee

Alamo Bowl: USC vs. TCU

ReliaQuest Bowl: Iowa vs. Vanderbilt

Sam: This will be a fun bowl game between two solid teams that couldn’t get over the hump against the Big Ten and SEC elites. I like Vanderbilt in this game if quarterback Diego Pavia plays. The Heisman finalist is a big difference maker for the Commodores and will make enough plays to make a low-scoring game.

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Citrus Bowl: Michigan vs. Texas

Christopher: Perhaps the best bowl game between the top two conferences, this is a revenge of the Wolverines’ embarrassing home loss last year. Still, while Bryce Underwood is a better quarterback than Davis Warren, Texas’ improvements over the last four games have been monumental, especially because of the growth of Arch Manning. Even with several opt-outs on both sides of the ball for the Longhorns, I fully expect Arch Manning and Co. to dominate and set a precedent for 2026.

Andrew: Some thought this game could have been a college football playoff matchup at the beginning of the season. Now things have changed dramatically and it is clear that Texas has a clear advantage. Despite this, Bryce Underwood, preventing entry into the transfer portal, apparently played better when interim coach Biff Poggi was in charge. Poggi will return to coaching, after coaching two games during the season during Sherrone Moore’s suspension. However, the Longhorns will be too much for Underwood and company, as Texas will take the game, 35-17.

Las Vegas Bowl: Nebraska vs. Utah

Andrew: Both teams could be shells of themselves come game time. Several Nebraska players have already announced they will enter the portal and with Utah coach Kyle Whittingham announcing his retirement, the Utes could also see some change in what their team was like in the regular season. These teams should still fit together well, however, and Matt Rhule will lead his team to a 31-21 victory over Utah.

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Big Ten bowl game staff predictions