The college football bowl season for 2025-26 kicks off on December 13 and runs until the National Championship game on January 19. This exciting time features numerous matchups, each bringing its own thrill and drama. Let’s dive into the schedule and some notable updates.
Here’s a snapshot of some key bowl games:
Wednesday, December 31
- ReliaQuest Bowl: No. 23 Iowa vs. No. 14 Vanderbilt at 12 p.m. on ESPN
- Sun Bowl: Arizona State vs. Duke at 2 p.m. on CBS
- Citrus Bowl: No. 13 Texas vs. No. 18 Michigan at 3 p.m. on ABC
- Las Vegas Bowl: Nebraska vs. No. 15 Utah at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN
- College Football Playoff Quarterfinal: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami (Fla.) at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Thursday, January 1
- College Football Playoff Quarterfinal: No. 4 Texas Tech vs. No. 5 Oregon at 12 p.m. on ESPN
- College Football Playoff Quarterfinal: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama at 4 p.m. on ESPN
- College Football Playoff Quarterfinal: No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 6 Ole Miss at 8 p.m. on ESPN
January Highlights
- January 8: College Football Playoff Semifinal at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
- January 9: College Football Playoff Semifinal at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
- January 19: National Championship Game at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Over the past few years, college football has seen a surge in viewership, with a recent report showing that bowl game ratings are up by 15% compared to the previous season. This trend indicates a growing interest in college sports, especially among younger audiences who engage heavily on social media.
During the last bowl season, fans shared their excitement on platforms like Twitter and TikTok, creating viral moments with game highlights and reactions. This user engagement highlights the unique culture surrounding college football—where every touchdown sparks cheers that echo across stadiums and into homes.
Looking back, the bowl game experience has evolved significantly since its inception. The first bowl games arose in the early 20th century. Now, they are a festive occasion, drawing in thousands of fans and broader media coverage, transforming how people experience and celebrate college football.
As we look forward to this season, it’s clear that the excitement surrounding college football continues to build, promising unforgettable moments for fans and players alike.
