New Year’s Day 2026 Bowl Games Betting Preview: Odds & Best Bets

Oregon vs. Texas Tech Odds, Prediction, and Betting Pick

Texas Tech has had a fantastic season and is in the midst of one of the best campaigns in school history. Can the Red Raiders keep it going with a win in the quarterfinals? I expect a closely contested game between teams that match up fairly similarly. However, after four quarters, I believe Ducks’ QB Dante Moore will have the answers.

With Moore at the controls, Oregon ranks eighth in the FBS, averaging 465.8 yards per game, giving the Ducks a slight edge over Texas Tech. Moore put together a strong season that nearly pushed him into the Heisman Trophy conversation. He passed for 3,046 yards, 28 touchdowns, and eight interceptions on 72.4% passing.

Dante Moore is extremely accurate (best in class actually) layering the deep ball, but he serves up some nasty meatball subs when he has to drive the ball downfield https://t.co/A33SyooEjX pic.twitter.com/q77jvFG9oi

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) December 26, 2025

The offense is scoring 37.5 points per game in a tough Big Ten Conference. The Ducks have faced some of the best teams in the nation and handled those challenges well. I expect Oregon to come out firing with Moore under center and a potent running game led by RB Noah Whittington and RB Jordon Davis. Whittington has rushed for 798 yards on 6.9 yards per carry, while Davis leads the Ducks with 13 touchdowns.

The difference could be Oregon’s lockdown secondary. The Ducks rank third in college football, allowing just 154.8 passing yards per game. Texas Tech is solid in the secondary as well, but I’m confident Moore can find passing lanes. The Red Raiders have allowed 190.8 passing yards per game, good for 21st in the FBS.

Texas Tech’s major strength is QB Behren Morton’s arm. However, Oregon’s defense is built to limit Morton and force the Red Raiders to run the ball. Their rushing attack has been adequate, but at 178.2 rushing yards per game, Texas Tech ranks 38th on the ground. Morton has to win this game for the Red Raiders, but the Ducks will keep him from reaching his full potential.

For my best New Year’s Day bowl game picks, Oregon is my top choice to cover the short spread.

Alabama vs. Indiana Odds, Prediction, and Betting Pick

Following a perfect regular season and Big Ten Championship, the Indiana Hoosiers are heavily favored over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl. Indiana hasn’t played since defeating Ohio State, 13-10, in the Big Ten title game on December 6.

Since then, QB Fernando Mendoza captured the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player in Indiana history to win the award. The Hoosiers have been off the field for nearly a month, raising the question of whether there could be a letdown after Mendoza’s Heisman win. Alabama might be the worst possible opponent for Indiana after such a lengthy break.

The Crimson Tide went to Norman in the first round of the playoffs and emerged with an impressive 34-24 win. Alabama QB Ty Simpson played a strong game against a tough Sooners defense, throwing for 232 yards and two touchdowns in a quality performance.

TY SIMPSON OFF HIS BACK FOOT TO RYAN WILLIAMS FOR THE TD 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MlWutg9BUr

— ESPN (@espn) November 9, 2025

Simpson has put together a standout campaign in Tuscaloosa this season. He’s passed for 3,500 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, completing 64.1% of his attempts.

Over the last four games, Simpson has thrown six touchdowns and one interception. He’s a resilient quarterback who isn’t likely to go down without a fight. Mendoza may have the Heisman Trophy, but the Crimson Tide’s secondary could have an answer for him in the Rose Bowl.

Alabama has been stout on the back end with Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb leading the way. Hubbard could be a major influence on this game in the secondary. He’s been in top form, with four interceptions and three forced fumbles. Along with Hubbard, Mendoza must be aware of linebackers Yhonzae Pierre and Justin Jefferson bringing pressure.

The Crimson Tide rank 15th nationally, allowing an average of 179.8 passing yards per game. Conversely, Indiana ranks 22nd in the FBS, conceding 191.3 passing yards per game. The Hoosiers have been elite against the run, but I expect Simpson to deliver a top-flight performance.

With a legitimate chance to pull off the upset, Alabama has value as a seven-point underdog. I recommend backing Alabama in your New Year’s bowl game picks.

Ole Miss vs. Georgia Odds, Prediction, and Betting Pick

The Georgia Bulldogs have become a popular pick to win the CFP Championship recently. They have the third-best odds to win the national title after defeating Alabama in the SEC Championship. It was an impressive performance for Georgia, who came away with a 28-7 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Bulldogs’ QB Gunner Stockton delivered a clutch performance under center, throwing three touchdown passes without an interception in the victory. Stockton has excelled in his first year as Georgia’s starting quarterback. The junior has passed for 2,691 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions while completing 70.7% of his attempts.

Look for Stockton to have another strong outing, but Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss could easily steal the show. Chambliss enters the Sugar Bowl as arguably the most underrated quarterback in college football. The 23-year-old Grand Rapids, MI native and former Ferris State signal-caller has thrown for 3,298 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just three interceptions.

Trinidad Chambliss TD in his CFP debut 😤 pic.twitter.com/Yl1i2m1V8n

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 20, 2025

Chambliss has also rushed for 506 yards and eight touchdowns, and he’s likely to be a constant thorn in Georgia’s side in this matchup. The Bulldogs have been vulnerable against the pass, allowing 209.8 passing yards per game, which ranks 47th in the FBS. Chambliss should have plenty of opportunities to connect with his receivers.

With RB Kewan Lacy in the backfield, the Rebels are a tough offense to slow down. Lacy has been outstanding, rushing for 1,366 yards and 21 touchdowns to power Ole Miss on the ground. As one of the top running backs in college football, Lacy will put significant pressure on Georgia alongside Chambliss.

Ole Miss will also be highly motivated in the quarterfinals. The Rebels demolished Tulane 41-10 in the opening round in a clear statement win. Lane Kiffin left the program to take the head coaching job at LSU, but that isn’t necessarily a negative for this team. Many players on this roster are eager to prove themselves in the wake of Kiffin’s departure.

The Rebels might come up just short in the end, but they should be able to keep the final margin within six points. Expect Ole Miss to cover the spread, making the Rebels plus the points one of the best 2026 New Year’s Day bowl game predictions.