who will be in the rose bowl 2025

Mac Grediser

2 min read

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27-11-2024

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Predicting the 2025 Rose Bowl: A Crystal Ball Gaze at College Football

The 2025 Rose Bowl is still a ways off, but the anticipation is already building. While predicting the future in college football is a fool's errand – upsets, injuries, and unexpected coaching changes are all par for the course – we can use current trends and projected powerhouses to make some educated guesses about who might be battling it out in Pasadena on January 1st, 2025.

Several factors will determine the participants: conference affiliations (as the College Football Playoff landscape continues to evolve), team performance throughout the 2024 season, and of course, a little bit of luck. The Rose Bowl's traditional tie-in with the Pac-12 and Big Ten conferences might shift, depending on future playoff expansion and realignment. Let's explore some potential contenders:

From the Big Ten (Assuming Current Alignment):

• Ohio State Buckeyes: A perennial powerhouse, Ohio State consistently ranks among the nation's elite. Their recruiting prowess and coaching stability make them a strong contender for a Rose Bowl berth almost every year. If they continue their strong performance, they'll be a favorite.
• Michigan Wolverines: Michigan's recent dominance in the Big Ten, including back-to-back wins over Ohio State, solidifies their position as a top contender. Their consistent success makes them a likely candidate for a Rose Bowl appearance in 2025.
• Penn State Nittany Lions: Penn State has shown flashes of brilliance, and with a strong season in 2024, they could easily find themselves in the Rose Bowl conversation. Their consistent recruiting and improved coaching could propel them to a top spot in the conference.

From the Pac-12 (Assuming Current Alignment):

• USC Trojans: With Lincoln Riley at the helm, USC has the potential to be a dominant force in the Pac-12 and a serious contender for the College Football Playoff. Their success will heavily influence their Rose Bowl chances.
• Oregon Ducks: Oregon has shown flashes of brilliance under Dan Lanning, and their recruiting continues to be strong. A successful 2024 season could easily put them in contention for a Rose Bowl berth.
• UCLA Bruins: While still building under Chip Kelly, UCLA's talent level is rising, and a strong performance could see them challenging for a Pac-12 title and a trip to Pasadena.

Wildcards and Potential Upsets:

College football is full of surprises. Teams like Washington, Utah, and others in both conferences could make a significant jump and unexpectedly find themselves vying for a Rose Bowl berth. Furthermore, the ongoing conference realignment could drastically change the landscape, altering the traditional Rose Bowl matchups entirely.

Conclusion:

Predicting the 2025 Rose Bowl participants is a challenging yet exciting endeavor. While the teams mentioned above are strong contenders based on current projections, the ever-changing nature of college football means that unexpected teams could emerge as serious challengers. Only time will tell who will ultimately grace the Rose Bowl field in 2025, making the anticipation all the more exciting. Keep an eye on the 2024 season – it will be crucial in shaping the landscape of the 2025 Rose Bowl game.