As the college football season heads into its final week, the pressure is mounting for teams across the country to secure bowl game invitations. With the regular season winding down, 16 teams find themselves in must-win situations to ensure they remain in contention for a spot in one of the many bowl games that will take place throughout the postseason. For these teams, a victory in their final game could be the difference between extending their season and watching from the sidelines.

Bowl eligibility is a major goal for most programs, with a winning record (typically at least six wins) being the primary criterion. Teams that finish below .500 can still be invited to bowl games, but only if there is a shortage of eligible teams or if certain other criteria are met. As the college football landscape becomes more competitive each year, teams vying for bowl berths often face challenging matchups in the final week of the regular season.

Let’s take a closer look at the 16 teams that need to secure one last win to ensure their place in the postseason.

1. Appalachian State (5-6)

Appalachian State has had a solid season, but they’ve fallen just short in several games. With a 5-6 record, they need a victory in their final game to reach bowl eligibility. A win would likely secure them a spot in one of the lower-tier bowl games, but with the Sun Belt’s competitive nature, their bowl hopes hinge on this crucial victory.

2. Arizona State (5-6)

The Arizona State Sun Devils have faced their share of challenges throughout the season. With a record of 5-6, they must defeat their final opponent to achieve bowl eligibility. Head coach Kenny Dillingham will be looking to rally his squad in this must-win scenario to cap off a season full of ups and downs.

3. Boston College (5-6)

Boston College has had a mixed season in the ACC, but they still have an opportunity to secure a bowl game with a victory in their final matchup. With a 5-6 record, the Eagles know they have to win to continue their postseason streak.

4. Buffalo (5-6)

The Buffalo Bulls have shown glimpses of promise this season but have failed to achieve consistency. Now, with a 5-6 record, they must defeat their final opponent to ensure a spot in the postseason. The Mid-American Conference often sees a large number of bowl-eligible teams, so Buffalo’s chances hinge on this crucial win.

5. California (5-6)

The Golden Bears of California have had a somewhat turbulent season, sitting at 5-6 heading into their final regular-season game. They face a tough challenge in their last matchup, but a win would keep their postseason hopes alive and extend their season beyond the regular schedule.

6. Georgia Tech (5-6)

Georgia Tech’s season has been filled with ups and downs, and they now find themselves at 5-6, needing a win to reach a bowl game. The Yellow Jackets have the talent, but it all comes down to whether they can execute in this win-or-go-home scenario.

7. Indiana (5-6)

Indiana has struggled in the Big Ten this year, but they still have a chance to finish with a 6-6 record if they can secure a victory in their final regular-season game. Their postseason hopes rest on this crucial contest, which will likely be a hard-fought battle.

8. Kansas (5-6)

Kansas has shown improvement under head coach Lance Leipold, and with a 5-6 record, they are just one win away from being bowl-eligible. They have the opportunity to make a statement in the final game of the season and secure their place in the postseason.

9. Memphis (5-6)

Memphis has had a solid season in the American Athletic Conference but finds themselves needing a win in the final week to reach bowl eligibility. With a strong offense, the Tigers will look to finish the season strong and lock in a postseason spot.

10. Mississippi State (5-6)

Mississippi State is another team that needs a win in the final week of the season to become bowl-eligible. With a 5-6 record, they have the talent to secure a victory, but they will need to step up in what will be a high-pressure game.

11. Missouri (5-6)

Missouri’s season has had its highs and lows, but a win in the final game would send them to a bowl game and give their season a positive finish. At 5-6, they are just one win away from becoming bowl-eligible and need to play their best football to close out the year.

12. North Carolina State (5-6)

North Carolina State has been solid in the ACC, but with a 5-6 record, they find themselves on the brink of missing out on a bowl game. A win in the final game of the season will be crucial, and the Wolfpack will have to perform at their peak level to secure a postseason berth.

13. Rutgers (5-6)

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have been competitive in the Big Ten this season, but with a 5-6 record, they must win their final game to avoid missing the postseason. Rutgers has shown flashes of greatness, and they now have to prove they can handle the pressure of a must-win scenario.

14. South Carolina (5-6)

South Carolina’s season has been challenging, but a victory in their final game would give them a 6-6 record and a chance to play in the postseason. The Gamecocks are no strangers to close battles, and they’ll need to dig deep to get the win in their final regular-season game.

15. Virginia (5-6)

Virginia has faced a tough season in the ACC, but with a 5-6 record, they still have an opportunity to extend their season into the bowl season. The Cavaliers have the talent to pull off a win, but they must overcome their opponent and earn a postseason spot.

16. Wake Forest (5-6)

Wake Forest’s season has had its challenges, and now, sitting at 5-6, they find themselves in a win-or-go-home situation. A victory in their final game would send them to a bowl game and cap off what has been a difficult year for the Demon Deacons.

Conclusion: A Crucial Final Week

With just one week left in the regular season, these 16 teams are all vying for a chance to extend their seasons into the postseason. The pressure is on, and each of these teams must bring their best performance to secure the necessary victory. For fans, it’s going to be an exciting and tense final week of regular-season college football as these teams fight for the chance to go bowling and compete in the postseason.

For many programs, reaching a bowl game is more than just a postseason opportunity—it’s a chance for additional practice, exposure, and recruiting momentum. For others, a bowl berth could signify the culmination of a challenging season and the beginning of a new chapter for the program. Whatever the stakes, the final week of the regular season promises to be filled with thrilling games and high drama.