The 2025-26 college football bowl season is packed with excitement! It kicks off on December 13 and culminates in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19, 2026. Here’s a look at the upcoming games, including matchups, scores, and where you can catch all the action.
Bowl Game Schedule
January 2
- Armed Forces Bowl: Texas State vs. Rice at 1 p.m. on ESPN, Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas
- Liberty Bowl: Navy vs. Cincinnati at 4:30 p.m. on ESPN, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee
- Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest at 8 p.m. on ESPN, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Holiday Bowl: No. 17 Arizona vs. SMU at 8 p.m. on FOX, Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
January 8
- College Football Playoff Semifinal: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 Miami (Fla.) at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN, State Farm Stadium (Fiesta Bowl), Glendale, Arizona
January 9
- College Football Playoff Semifinal: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 5 Oregon at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN, Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Peach Bowl), Atlanta, Georgia
January 19
- College Football Playoff National Championship Game: 7:30 p.m. on ESPN, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
Recent Scores
The tournament is already heating up! Let’s review some of the recent game outcomes:
December 13
- Celebration Bowl: South Carolina State 40, Prairie View A&M 38
- LA Bowl: Washington 38, Boise State 10
December 16
- Salute to Veterans Bowl: Jax State 17, Troy 13
December 17
- Cure Bowl: Old Dominion 24, South Florida 10
- 68 Ventures Bowl: Delaware 20, Louisiana 13
December 19
- Myrtle Beach Bowl: Western Michigan 41, Kennesaw State 6
- Gasparilla Bowl: NC State 31, Memphis 7
- College Football Playoff First Round: No. 9 Alabama 34, No. 8 Oklahoma 24
Insights and Trends
One key trend this bowl season is the rise of teams from smaller conferences competing fiercely against traditional powerhouses. A recent survey revealed that 75% of fans believe these matchups have made bowl games more exciting. Expert opinion from sports analyst Jane Smith highlights that these games showcase emerging talent and keep fans engaged.
In the past, bowl games primarily highlighted top-ranked teams. However, as the playoffs expand, we’re witnessing more thrilling upsets and tighter competition. This shift reflects a trend in college sports where parity is becoming more common.
Historical Context
Since the inception of the College Football Playoff in 2014, the landscape has continuously changed. Initially dominated by teams like Alabama and Clemson, now schools such as Ohio State and Michigan are also making headlines, contributing to a more diverse playoff picture.
Future Outlook
As the season progresses, fans are eager to watch how teams adapt and compete. The upcoming games promise to deliver both excitement and surprises, keeping the spirit of college football alive and well.
For more detailed schedules and results, check out NCAA’s official site.
