Full Breakdown
2025-26 College Football Bowl Schedule Overview
12/13/2025, 6:54:34 PM
Key Dates and Matchups
The 2025-26 college football bowl season features a series of matchups scheduled from December 17, 2025, to January 2, 2026. The opening games include the Cure Bowl on December 17, where Old Dominion faces South Florida at 5 p.m. ET, followed by the 68 Ventures Bowl featuring Louisiana against Delaware at 8:30 p.m. ET.
The schedule continues with several notable games, including the Xbox Bowl on December 18, where Missouri State will compete against Arkansas State at 9 p.m. ET. December 19 highlights include the Myrtle Beach Bowl with Kennesaw State versus Western Michigan at 11 a.m. ET and the first round of the College Football Playoff (CFP) featuring Alabama at Oklahoma at 8 p.m. ET.
The following day, December 20, will see three more CFP first-round games: Miami at Texas A&M at noon ET, Tulane at Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. ET, and James Madison at Oregon at 7:30 p.m. ET.
As the bowl season progresses, December 22 features the Potato Bowl with Washington State against Utah State at 2 p.m. ET, while December 23 includes the Boca Raton Bowl with Toledo facing Louisville at 2 p.m. ET, and the Frisco Bowl with UNLV versus Ohio at 9 p.m. ET.
On December 24, the Hawaii Bowl will showcase Cal against Hawaii at 8 p.m. ET. The day after Christmas, December 26, includes the GameAbove Sports Bowl with Central Michigan facing Northwestern at 1 p.m. ET, and the First Responder Bowl featuring FIU against UTSA at 8 p.m. ET.
The action continues on December 27 with multiple games, including the Military Bowl where Pitt will play East Carolina at 11 a.m. ET and the Texas Bowl featuring LSU against Houston at 9:15 p.m. ET.
The final days of the bowl season include the Birmingham Bowl on December 29, where Georgia Southern will take on App. State at 2 p.m. ET, and the Independence Bowl on December 30, featuring Coastal Carolina against Louisiana Tech at 2 p.m. ET.
The bowl season culminates on December 31 with several games, including the Citrus Bowl where Michigan will face Texas at 3 p.m. ET, and the Las Vegas Bowl featuring Nebraska against Utah at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Finally, January 2 will host the Armed Forces Bowl with Rice facing Texas State at 1 p.m. ET, and the Liberty Bowl featuring Navy against Cincinnati at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Why It Matters
The 2025-26 college football bowl season is significant as it showcases the culmination of the college football year, providing teams an opportunity to compete in high-stakes games. The outcomes of these matchups can influence rankings, player visibility for the NFL Draft, and fan engagement across the nation.
Official Statements & Responses
While specific statements from college football officials regarding the bowl season have not been detailed in the sources, the anticipation surrounding these matchups reflects the ongoing enthusiasm for college football among fans and stakeholders.
Verbatim Quotes
This overview encapsulates the key events and implications of the upcoming 2025-26 college football bowl season, highlighting the excitement and competitive spirit inherent in college athletics.
