Complete Guide to College Football Bowl Games Schedule and Results
As the holiday season creeps in, college football fans are buzzing about Bowl Season. This year, there are 41 bowl games on the calendar—yeah, forty-one—so there’s no shortage of wild matchups and surprises.
From classic showdowns dripping with tradition to oddball newcomers like the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, it’s a buffet for fans. Some folks might roll their eyes and call these games pointless, but honestly, they matter more than people think for school pride and recruiting.
The College Football Playoff, though, is the main event. That’s where the best of the best battle for the crown. Here’s a rundown of the Bowl Games schedule and how you can tune in.
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The Excitement of Bowl Season
Bowl Season isn’t just about football—it’s a full-on celebration of college football culture. With 41 games lined up, there’s a lot to take in, and every fan finds something to get hyped about.
Each game gives teams a shot at finishing strong and maybe grabbing some national attention. It’s a last chance for seniors, a first taste for rising stars.
December 19, 2025: The Kickoff
Things get rolling on Friday, December 19. No. 9 Alabama faces No. 8 Oklahoma at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on ABC.
It’s a big one to start the weekend and sets the mood for what’s coming next.
December 20, 2025: A Full Day of Action
Saturday, December 20, is jam-packed:
- No. 10 Miami at No. 7 Texas A&M — 12:00 p.m. Eastern, ABC
- No. 11 Tulane at No. 6 Ole Miss — 3:30 p.m. Eastern, TNT
- No. 12 James Madison at No. 5 Oregon — 7:30 p.m. Eastern, TNT
These games are more than just fun—they could shake up the Playoff picture.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Showdowns
As the year winds down, the intensity ramps up. On Wednesday, December 31, the winner of Miami/Texas A&M faces Ohio State at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.
Then, on January 1, 2026, three games take center stage:
- James Madison/Oregon winner vs. Texas Tech — 12:00 p.m. Eastern, ESPN
- Alabama/Oklahoma winner vs. Indiana — 4:00 p.m. Eastern, ESPN
- Tulane/Ole Miss winner vs. Georgia — 8:00 p.m. Eastern, ESPN
January 8-19, 2026: The Grand Finale
The finish line is in sight. Three big games close out Bowl Season on January 8, 9, and 19, all at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.
Expect fireworks—these are the ones everyone circles on their calendar.
Noteworthy Bowl Games
If you’re looking beyond the Playoff, a few other bowls really stick out. Here are some highlights worth catching:
- Cricket Celebration Bowl: South Carolina State 40, Prairie View A&M 38 — Final (2OT)
- Bucked Up LA Bowl: Washington 38, Boise State 10 — Final
- Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl: Miami (Ohio) vs. Fresno State — 4:30 p.m. Eastern, The CW Network
- Valero Alamo Bowl: No. 16 USC vs. TCU — 9:00 p.m. Eastern, ESPN
These matchups are where you spot tomorrow’s stars and some pretty wild pairings.
December Bowl Games to Watch
December’s got its own gems. Here are a few to keep on your radar:
- IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl: Troy vs. Jacksonville State — 9:00 p.m. Eastern, ABC
- StaffDNA Cure Bowl: Old Dominion vs. South Florida — 5 p.m. Eastern, ESPN
- Xbox Bowl: Missouri State vs. Arkansas State — 9:00 p.m. Eastern, ESPN2
They’re a great appetizer before the headline games roll around.
January Bowl Games: The Climax of the Season
The first days of the new year? Absolutely stacked. Here’s what’s coming up:
- ReliaQuest Bowl: No. 23 Iowa vs. No. 14 Vanderbilt — 12:00 p.m. Eastern, ESPN
- Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: No. 18 Michigan vs. No. 13 Texas — 3:00 p.m. Eastern, ABC
- Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Rice vs. Texas State — 1:00 p.m. Eastern, ESPN
Unique and Quirky Bowls
Bowl Season wouldn’t be the same without its oddball entries. Here are a few that always get people talking:
- Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Washington State vs. Utah State — 2:00 p.m. Eastern, ESPN
- Pop-Tarts Bowl: No. 22 Georgia Tech vs. No. 12 BYU — 3:30 p.m. Eastern, ABC
- Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Arizona State vs. Duke — 2:00 p.m. Eastern, CBS
They add some real personality to the season. If you ask me, that’s part of what makes Bowl Season so much fun.
Wrapping Up Bowl Season
Bowl Season always brings a buzz—there’s just something about it. With 41 games lined up, it’s a wild ride for fans of college football.
Some folks only care about the College Football Playoff, while others love catching those offbeat matchups you didn’t see coming. Either way, there’s action everywhere you look this season.
If you want the full schedule or need tips on how to watch, here’s a handy guide from SB Nation. Dive in and see what grabs your attention.
