The Future of College Football Bowls Amid CFP Expansion

The college football bowl season commenced on December 13, 2025, with Washington defeating Boise State 38-10 at the LA Bowl, attracting 4.1 million viewers. However, the event's attendance was notably low, with only 23,269 fans present, attributed to a short six-day preparation period from selection to kickoff. The bowl system faces significant challenges, including declining participation from teams and players opting out, as seen with Notre Dame, Kansas State, and Iowa State, which chose not to compete in bowl games for various reasons, including coaching changes and player injuries.

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The College Football Playoff (CFP) has undergone substantial changes, expanding from four to potentially 16 teams. This expansion raises concerns about the viability of non-CFP bowl games, as more teams will be vying for playoff spots, potentially diminishing the appeal of traditional bowl matchups. Bowl Season executive director Nick Carparelli acknowledged the need for reevaluation of the bowl system, stating, “We certainly have our issues that need to be resolved... we’re going through a major transition in the sport.”

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The bowl system operates on a market-driven basis, with the number of bowl games determined by host community interest and team participation. As the landscape evolves, there is a growing debate about whether the total number of bowl games should adjust annually based on the availability of bowl-eligible teams. In 2021, a new bowl game was created in Frisco, Texas, to accommodate all eligible teams, highlighting the ongoing struggle to match demand with supply.

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As bowl contracts are set to expire after the current cycle, discussions are ongoing regarding the future of the bowl system in relation to the CFP format. The significant changes in conference affiliations and the introduction of athlete compensation have further complicated the landscape. Carparelli emphasized the importance of aligning bowl games with conference partners to establish long-term partnerships, stating, “If the commissioners are to make a long-term decision on the CFP, then I think both the conferences and the bowl games would like to put long-term partnerships in place.”

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Despite the challenges, there remains a strong interest in bowl games, with several games last year attracting over four million viewers. Notable matchups, such as BYU-Colorado in the Alamo Bowl, drew eight million viewers, indicating that compelling games can still capture public attention. Carparelli expressed optimism about upcoming matchups, highlighting the value of the opportunity for teams to play together one last time.

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While there is a consensus on the need for adaptation within the bowl system, opinions vary on the optimal number of bowl games and the impact of CFP expansion. Some stakeholders believe that the system can adjust to accommodate more teams, while others question the sustainability of maintaining numerous bowl games in a changing landscape.

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• “We certainly have our issues that need to be resolved, but there’s probably not one issue that college athletics faces in general that doesn’t need to be reevaluated,” — Nick Carparelli, Bowl Season Executive Director

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• “Sixteen is going to require every team who wants to win a championship to win four games.” — Anonymous Source

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The future of college football bowls remains uncertain as stakeholders navigate the complexities of CFP expansion and evolving market dynamics.

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