College Football Bowl Games Schedule for New Year’s Eve and Day
As the new year creeps up, college football fans are in for a treat. There’s a stacked lineup of bowl games, and the energy is already building.
The College Football Playoff quarterfinals get rolling on New Year’s Eve. It’s Ohio State, sitting at No. 2, taking on No. 10 Miami in the Cotton Bowl. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. ET. Winner moves on to the CFP semifinals—no pressure, right?
And that’s not all. December 31 is loaded with four more bowl games, each featuring big-name programs. Then, on New Year’s Day, No. 4 Texas Tech faces No. 5 Oregon in the Orange Bowl at noon. That’s one way to kick off 2026 with a bang.
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College Football Playoff Quarterfinals: Ohio State vs. Miami
The playoff quarterfinals are always a wild ride, and this Ohio State vs. Miami clash feels like it could be something special. Ohio State’s been on a tear all year, flexing both on offense and defense.
Miami? They’ve fought their way here, too. Both teams have firepower and plenty to prove.
Ohio State’s Dominance
The Buckeyes have looked unstoppable at times, thanks to a well-rounded squad. Their quarterback gets a lot of the spotlight, and honestly, it’s deserved.
The defensive line? They’ve been shutting down just about everyone.
- Key Player: Star quarterback
- Strength: Balanced offense and defense
- Game Plan: Use that defense to put Miami on their heels
Miami’s Resurgence
Miami’s season has been anything but boring. They’ve clawed their way into the quarterfinals with gutsy wins and some clever play-calling.
Their quarterback is a real dual threat, which keeps defenses guessing. Miami’s defense isn’t flashy, but it’s tough when it has to be.
- Key Player: Dynamic quarterback
- Strength: Versatile offensive strategies
- Game Plan: Mix it up and try to catch Ohio State off guard
Additional Bowl Games on Dec. 31
Besides the playoff drama, December 31 has four more bowl games on tap. These aren’t just filler games—each one brings its own flavor and a shot at some postseason glory.
Matchup Highlights
Every one of these bowls has teams with loyal fans and, let’s be honest, some pretty interesting backstories. The matchups haven’t all been broken down here, but you can bet there’ll be plenty of fireworks.
- Game 1: High-stakes competition
- Game 2: Traditional powerhouses
- Game 3: Emerging programs
- Game 4: Underdog stories
New Year’s Day Bowl Games: Texas Tech vs. Oregon
To ring in the new year, the Orange Bowl gives us Texas Tech versus Oregon. Noon kickoff, and both teams are hungry for a statement win.
Feels like a can’t-miss way to start 2026, honestly.
Texas Tech’s High-Octane Offense
Texas Tech’s offense is all gas, no brakes. They score fast and often, and their quarterback is a big reason why.
The Red Raiders’ receivers make life miserable for defenses. If they keep that tempo up, Oregon could be in for a long day.
- Key Player: Talented quarterback
- Strength: Explosive offensive plays
- Game Plan: Keep the pace high, force Oregon to keep up
Oregon’s Balanced Attack
Oregon’s a different animal. They like to mix things up—run, pass, whatever it takes.
Their defense can come up big in crunch time, too. They’ll need every bit of that balance to slow down Texas Tech.
- Key Player: Versatile running back
- Strength: Balanced offensive and defensive strategies
- Game Plan: Control the clock, limit Texas Tech’s chances
The college football bowl games on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 are shaping up to be pretty thrilling. Top-ranked teams are set to clash, all hoping to grab a shot at the College Football Playoff.
Maybe you’re into explosive offenses. Or maybe you love a gritty, defensive battle. Either way, this bowl season has a little bit of everything—even a few underdog stories if that’s your thing.
If you want the full schedule or more details about the matchups, check out the article on Cincinnati.com.
