Here’s your guide to the exciting college football bowl schedule for the 2025-26 season. It kicks off on Saturday, December 13, and wraps up with the College Football Playoff title game on January 19.
Key Dates and Matchups
December 20
Texas A&M vs. Miami (Fla.)
12 p.m. | ESPN, ABC
Kyle Field, College Station, TexasOle Miss vs. Tulane
3:30 p.m. | TNT, HBO Max, truTV
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Miss.Oregon vs. James Madison
7:30 p.m. | TNT, HBO Max, truTV
Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Ore.
December 22
- Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Washington State vs. Utah State
2 p.m. | ESPN
Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho
December 23
New Orleans Bowl
Western Kentucky vs. Southern Miss
5:30 p.m. | ESPN
Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, La.Frisco Bowl
UNLV vs. Ohio
9 p.m. | ESPN
Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas
December 24
- Hawai’i Bowl
Cal vs. Hawai’i
8 p.m. | ESPN
Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, Hawai’i
December 27
Military Bowl
Pitt vs. East Carolina
11 a.m. | ESPN
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Md.Gator Bowl
Missouri vs. Virginia
7:30 p.m. | ABC
EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla.
The Playoff Picture
As bowl season heats up, all eyes will turn towards the College Football Playoff. Key games take place on January 1, including major matchups like Indiana versus Alabama in the Rose Bowl and Georgia facing Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl.
Insights on College Football Trends
College football is not just about the games; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Recent survey data from the NCAA shows that 75% of college students are engaged in sports viewing, reflecting the sport’s deep roots in campus life. Additional statistics show a growing emphasis on mental health and well-being among athletes. Experts indicate that support systems are being prioritized, shifting the conversation around athlete well-being in and out of the game.
Historical Context
Looking back, the college football bowl system has transformed significantly since its early days. When the first bowl games kicked off in the 1900s, they were modest affairs. Today, bowls represent multi-million dollar events with national significance, showcasing the dramatic growth and commercialization of college sports. In addition, the introduction of the College Football Playoff in 2014 was a game changer, officially replacing the BCS system to crown the national champion more fairly.
The 2025-26 season promises to add another thrilling chapter to this ongoing story, as teams compete for glory and fans rally for their favorites. Keep your eyes peeled for updates and enjoy the games!
