Among the teams that were closely monitored are the Bulldogs, fresh off that impressive SEC title game blowout and riding a season of dominance. Georgia ended the regular campaign with an 11-1 record (7-1 SEC) and entered Sunday hoping to secure one of the top seeds in the expanded 12-team CFP.

Here's a look at the bowl eligible and 5-7 college football teams that have declined bowl invitations or opted out of bowls entirely.

Alabama and Miami are in, Notre Dame is out and Indiana is No. 1 in the College Football Playoff’s 12-team bracket.

Georgia played in the 2025 Sugar Bowl as it took on Notre Dame. The Bulldogs lost 23-10, ending their season. Gunner Stockton made his first career start against the Fighting Irish that day. Stockton is the only quarterback in the current playoff field to have started a CFP game.

Georgia wanted to beat Alabama badly. It did in crushing fashion in the SEC Championship game. 'It means everything to finally win against them'

Indiana is the No. 1 team in The Associated Press college football poll for the first time after going through the regular season and Big Ten championship game 13-0.