What is on the line in each college football conference championship game

Conference championship weekend is upon us, with nine conferences set to crown their champions over Friday and Saturday. Four titles will be decided on Friday, while the remaining five will be determined on Saturday. Here's what each game means.

Sun Belt Championship: James Madison vs. Troy

Location: Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field, VA | Spread: James Madison -23.5 | O/U: 46.5

For Troy: The Trojans are aiming for their ninth conference crown and third in five years. After back-to-back Sun Belt titles in 2022 and 2023, Troy hopes to play spoiler against heavily favored James Madison. Their journey included recent setbacks against Arkansas State and Old Dominion but was bolstered by victories over Georgia State and Southern Miss.

For James Madison: JMUs defense is one of the strongest outside the Power Five, allowing just 16 points per game. A dominant win here could reinforce their College Football Playoff positioning, especially if Duke captures the ACC crown.

Conference USA Championship: Kennesaw State vs. Jacksonville State

Location: AmFirst Stadium, AL | Spread: Kennesaw State -2.5 | O/U: 60.5

For Kennesaw State: The Owls are seeking their first FBS-level conference title after a rapid ascent from a 2-10 season in 2024 to 9-3 this year. Their only losses came to Wake Forest and Jacksonville State.

For Jacksonville State: The Gamecocks aim for consecutive C-USA titles, having achieved a 7-1 conference record under coach Charles Kelly in his first season.

American Athletic Championship: North Texas vs. Tulane

Location: Yulman Stadium, LA | Spread: North Texas -2.5 | O/U: 66.5

For North Texas: The winner secures a College Football Playoff berth. The Mean Green have scored nearly 47 points per game and are riding a six-game winning streak. This game also marks coach Eric Morriss final match before moving to Oklahoma State.

For Tulane: The Green Wave hope to impress the playoff committee with victories over strong opponents, including Duke, and are aiming to send off their players and staff on a high note.

Mountain West Championship: UNLV vs. Boise State

Location: Albertsons Stadium, ID | Spread: UNLV +4.5 | O/U: 58.5

For UNLV: The Rebels are chasing an unprecedented third 11-win season in school history and a second conference title, even after coaching changes.

For Boise State: The Broncos pursue consecutive Mountain West titles before leaving the conference for the Pac-12 in 2026.

Big 12 Championship: BYU vs. Texas Tech

Location: AT&T Stadium, TX | Spread: BYU +12.5 | O/U: 49.5

For BYU: A victory would secure the programs first College Football Playoff berth and its first conference title since 2007.

For Texas Tech: Already ranked No. 4 in the CFP, the Red Raiders are almost guaranteed a playoff spot but aim for a conference title and favorable postseason positioning.

MAC Championship: Miami (Ohio) vs. Western Michigan

Location: Ford Field, MI | Spread: Western Michigan -1.5 | O/U: 43.5

For Miami (Ohio): The RedHawks seek a second MAC championship in three years, having previously upset Toledo in 2023.

For Western Michigan: A win would mark their best season since 2016, potentially securing only their second 10-win season in school history.

SEC Championship: Georgia vs. Alabama

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA | Spread: Georgia -2.5 | O/U: 47.5

For Georgia: A victory ensures a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff and adds to the Bulldogs remarkable consistency under Kirby Smart, including multiple double-digit win seasons.

For Alabama: Winning secures a playoff spot, but a loss could jeopardize their seeding, especially if BYU wins the Big 12 title.

Big Ten Championship: Ohio State vs. Indiana

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, IN | Spread: Indiana +4 | O/U: 47.5

For Ohio State: The winner earns the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff and heads to the Rose Bowl. A victory also keeps alive the chance for a historic 16-0 season.

For Indiana: Securing the Big Ten title would be a historic achievement for a program with limited football success, highlighting the impact of coach Curt Cignetti.

ACC Championship: Duke vs. Virginia

Location: Bank of America Stadium, NC | Spread: Duke +4.5 | O/U: 57.5

For Duke: A win could shake up the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff and showcase that any team can make the postseason.

For Virginia: A victory would cap a breakout season and secure a College Football Playoff berth, marking their first conference title since 1995.

Author: Jackson Miller