Get ready for an exciting college football season! The 2025-26 bowl game schedule is here, and it's packed with thrilling matchups and intense competition. From the Xbox Bowl to the College Football Playoff title game, every game promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
The Bowl Season Kickoff
The college football bowl season is upon us, and it's time to dive into the action! Here's a comprehensive guide to the upcoming bowl games, with all the essential details you need to know.
Thursday, Dec. 18
The Xbox Bowl will kick things off with a bang as Arkansas State takes on Missouri State. This game will be a battle of the states, with both teams looking to make a statement. Catch the action on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET, and don't miss the excitement at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.
Friday, Dec. 19
Two more exciting games follow on Friday. The Myrtle Beach Bowl will feature Kennesaw State going head-to-head with Western Michigan. This coastal clash will be a treat for football fans, with the game taking place at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina. Tune in to ESPN at 11 a.m. ET to catch all the action.
Later that day, the Gasparilla Bowl will pit Memphis against NC State. This game promises to be a defensive battle, with both teams boasting strong squads. Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, will be the stage for this showdown, and you can watch it live on ESPN at 2:30 p.m. ET.
But here's where it gets controversial... the first College Football Playoff First Round Game! No. 8 Oklahoma takes on No. 9 Alabama, and this matchup has the potential to be a classic. Who will advance to the next round? Find out on ESPN, ABC, or at Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma, at 8 p.m. ET.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Saturday brings more playoff action with three more First Round Games. First up, No. 7 Texas A&M faces off against No. 10 Miami (Fla.). This game has all the makings of a high-scoring affair, and you won't want to miss it. Catch it on ESPN or ABC at noon ET, or head to Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, for a live experience.
Next, No. 6 Ole Miss battles No. 20 Tulane. This game could be a defensive struggle, with both teams boasting strong units. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi, will host this matchup, and you can tune in to TNT, HBO Max, or truTV at 3:30 p.m. ET.
The final First Round Game of the day sees No. 5 Oregon taking on No. 24 James Madison. This game has the potential to be a shootout, with both teams boasting high-powered offenses. Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, will be rocking, and you can catch the action on TNT, HBO Max, or truTV at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Monday, Dec. 22
The bowl season continues on Monday with the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Washington State will face off against Utah State in a battle of the states. This game will be a treat for fans, with both teams looking to end their seasons on a high note. Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho, will host this matchup, and you can watch it live on ESPN at 2 p.m. ET.
Tuesday, Dec. 23
Tuesday brings two more bowl games. The Boca Raton Bowl will feature Western Kentucky taking on Southern Miss. This game has the potential to be a close one, with both teams capable of pulling off an upset. The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, will be the venue, and you can catch it on ESPN at 5:30 p.m. ET.
The Frisco Bowl will see UNLV go up against Ohio. This game could be a back-and-forth affair, with both teams looking to make their mark. The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, will host this exciting matchup, and you can tune in to ESPN at 9 p.m. ET.
Wednesday, Dec. 24
Christmas Eve brings a special treat with the Hawai'i Bowl. Cal will face off against the home team, Hawai'i, in a battle of the West Coast. This game will have a festive feel, and you won't want to miss it. The Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, Hawai'i, will be the setting, and you can watch it live on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET.
Friday, Dec. 26
The bowl season continues after Christmas with three more exciting games. The GameAbove Sports Bowl will feature Central Michigan taking on Northwestern. This game has the potential to be a defensive battle, with both teams boasting strong units. Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, will be the venue, and you can catch it on ESPN at 1 p.m. ET.
The Rate Bowl will see New Mexico face off against Minnesota. This game could be a high-scoring affair, with both teams boasting potent offenses. Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, will host this matchup, and you can tune in to ESPN at 4:30 p.m. ET.
The First Responder Bowl will pit FIU against UTSA. This game has the potential to be a close one, with both teams looking to end their seasons on a positive note. Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas, will be the stage, and you can watch it live on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET.
Saturday, Dec. 27
Saturday brings four more bowl games to enjoy. The Military Bowl will feature Pitt taking on East Carolina. This game could be a back-and-forth affair, with both teams capable of putting up points. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, will host this exciting matchup, and you can catch it on ESPN at 11 a.m. ET.
The Pinstripe Bowl will see Clemson go up against Penn State. This game has the potential to be a classic, with both teams boasting strong traditions. Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, will be the venue, and you can tune in to ABC at noon ET.
The Fenway Bowl will feature UConn taking on Army. This game will have a unique atmosphere, with the iconic Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, as the backdrop. Catch it on ESPN at 2:15 p.m. ET for a truly special experience.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl will pit No. 12 BYU against No. 22 Georgia Tech. This game could be a defensive struggle, with both teams boasting strong units. Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, will be the setting, and you can watch it on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET.
The Arizona Bowl will see Miami (Ohio) face off against Fresno State. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams looking to put on a show. Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona, will host this matchup, and you can tune in to The CW Network at 4:30 p.m. ET.
The New Mexico Bowl will feature No. 25 North Texas taking on San Diego State. This game could be a close one, with both teams capable of pulling off an upset. University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will be the venue, and you can catch it on ESPN at 5:45 p.m. ET.
The Gator Bowl will pit Missouri against No. 19 Virginia. This game has the potential to be a defensive battle, with both teams boasting strong units. EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, will be the stage, and you can watch it live on ABC at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The Texas Bowl will see LSU go up against No. 21 Houston. This game could be a shootout, with both teams boasting high-powered offenses. NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, will host this exciting matchup, and you can tune in to ESPN at 9:15 p.m. ET.
Monday, Dec. 29
The Birmingham Bowl will be played on Monday, with details to be announced.
Tuesday, Dec. 30
The Independence Bowl will feature Coastal Carolina taking on Louisiana Tech. This game has the potential to be a close one, with both teams looking to end their seasons on a high note. Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana, will be the venue, and you can catch it on ESPN at 2 p.m. ET.
The Music City Bowl will see Tennessee face off against Illinois. This game could be a back-and-forth affair, with both teams capable of putting up points. Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, will host this exciting matchup, and you can tune in to ESPN at 5:30 p.m. ET.
The Alamo Bowl will pit No. 16 USC against TCU. This game has the potential to be a classic, with both teams boasting strong traditions. The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, will be the stage, and you can watch it live on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET.
Wednesday, Dec. 31
New Year's Eve brings two more bowl games to ring in the new year. The ReliaQuest Bowl will feature No. 23 Iowa taking on No. 14 Vanderbilt. This game could be a defensive struggle, with both teams boasting strong units. Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, will host this matchup, and you can catch it on ESPN at noon ET.
The Sun Bowl will see Arizona State go up against Duke. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams looking to put on a show. The Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, will be the venue, and you can tune in to CBS at 2 p.m. ET.
The Citrus Bowl will feature No. 13 Texas taking on No. 18 Michigan. This game could be a classic, with both teams boasting strong traditions. Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, will be the stage, and you can watch it live on ABC at 3 p.m. ET.
The Las Vegas Bowl will pit Nebraska against No. 15 Utah. This game has the potential to be a defensive battle, with both teams boasting strong units. Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, will host this exciting matchup, and you can tune in to ESPN at 3:30 p.m. ET.
The College Football Playoff Quarterfinal will see No. 2 Ohio State take on the winner of the Texas A&M/Miami (Fla.) game. This game will be a true test of strength, with Ohio State looking to advance to the next round. AT&T Stadium (Cotton Bowl) in Arlington, Texas, will be the venue, and you can catch it on ESPN or WatchESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Thursday, Jan. 1
New Year's Day brings two more Quarterfinal games. The first will feature No. 4 Texas Tech taking on the winner of the Oregon/James Madison game. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams boasting potent offenses. Hard Rock Stadium (Orange Bowl) in Miami Gardens, Florida, will be the stage, and you can watch it on ESPN or WatchESPN at noon ET.
The second Quarterfinal game will see No. 1 Indiana take on the winner of the Oklahoma/Alabama game. This game could be a defensive struggle, with both teams boasting strong units. The Rose Bowl (Rose Bowl) in Pasadena, California, will host this exciting matchup, and you can tune in to ESPN or WatchESPN at 4 p.m. ET.
Friday, Jan. 2
The Armed Forces Bowl will be played on Friday, with Texas State taking on Rice. This game has the potential to be a close one, with both teams looking to end their seasons on a positive note. Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, will be the venue, and you can catch it on ESPN at 1 p.m. ET.
The Liberty Bowl will feature Navy going up against Cincinnati. This game could be a back-and-forth affair, with both teams capable of putting up points. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee, will host this exciting matchup, and you can tune in to ESPN at 4:30 p.m. ET.
The Duke's Mayo Bowl will pit Mississippi State against Wake Forest. This game has the potential to be a classic, with both teams boasting strong traditions. Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be the stage, and you can watch it live on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET.
The Holiday Bowl will feature No. 17 Arizona taking on SMU. This game could be a high-scoring affair, with both teams looking to put on a show. Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, will host this exciting matchup, and you can tune in to FOX at 8 p.m. ET.
Thursday, Jan. 8
The College Football Playoff Semifinal will be played on Thursday, with the top two teams battling it out. The State Farm Stadium (Fiesta Bowl) in Glendale, Arizona, will be the venue, and you can catch the action on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Friday, Jan. 9
The second College Football Playoff Semifinal will be played on Friday, with another thrilling matchup. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Peach Bowl) in Atlanta, Georgia, will host this game, and you can tune in to ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Monday, Jan. 19
The College Football Playoff National Championship Game will be the grand finale, with the two remaining teams battling for the title. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, will be the stage for this highly anticipated game, and you can watch it live on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Bowl Game Results
Here's a look at some of the exciting bowl games that have already taken place:
Saturday, Dec. 13
The Celebration Bowl kicked off the bowl season with South Carolina State edging out Prairie View A&M, 40-38. This game was a thriller, with both teams putting on a show.
The LA Bowl saw Washington dominate Boise State, winning 38-10. This game was a one-sided affair, with Washington asserting their dominance.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
The Salute to Veterans Bowl was a low-scoring affair, with Jax State defeating Troy, 17-3. This game showcased the importance of defense, with both teams putting up a strong fight.
Wednesday, Dec. 17
The Cure Bowl was a defensive battle, with Old Dominion edging out South Florida, 24-10. This game was a true test of wills, with both teams battling until the end.
The 68 Ventures Bowl saw Delaware come out on top against Louisiana, winning 20-13. This game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows.
College Football Playoff: Scores and Results
Here's a complete list of scores from the College Football Playoff since its inception:
2014 Season
- Rose Bowl: No. 2 Oregon 59, No. 3 Florida State 20
- Sugar Bowl: No. 4 Ohio State 42, No. 1 Alabama 35
- CFP National Championship Game: No. 4 Ohio State 42, No. 2 Oregon 20
2015 Season
- Orange Bowl: No. 1 Clemson 37, No. 4 Oklahoma 17
- Cotton Bowl: No. 2 Alabama 38, No. 3 Michigan State 0
- CFP National Championship Game: No. 2 Alabama 45, No. 1 Clemson 40
2016 Season
- Fiesta Bowl: No. 2 Clemson 31, No. 3 Ohio State 0
- Peach Bowl: No. 1 Alabama 24, No. 4 Washington 7
- CFP National Championship Game: No. 2 Clemson 35, No. 1 Alabama 31
2017 Season
- Rose Bowl: No. 3 Georgia 54, No. 2 Oklahoma 48 (2OT)
- Sugar Bowl: No. 4 Alabama 24, No. 1 Clemson 6
- CFP National Championship Game: No. 4 Alabama 26, No. 3 Georgia 23 (OT)
2018 Season
- Orange Bowl: No. 1 Alabama 45, No. 4 Oklahoma 34
- Cotton Bowl: No. 2 Clemson 30, No. 3 Notre Dame 3
- CFP National Championship Game: No. 2 Clemson 44, No. 1 Alabama 16
2019 Season
- Peach Bowl: No. 1 LSU 63, No. 4 Oklahoma 28
- Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Clemson 29, No. 2 Ohio State 23
- CFP National Championship Game: No. 1 LSU 42, No. 3 Clemson 25
2020 Season
- Rose Bowl: No. 1 Alabama 31, No. 4 Notre Dame 14
- Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Ohio State 49, No. 2 Clemson 28
- CFP National Championship Game: No. 1 Alabama 52, No. 3 Ohio State 24
2021 Season
- Cotton Bowl:
