Today’s College Football Bowl Games: Dec. 30 Matchup Previews
As the calendar creeps toward the new year, college football fans get a real treat on December 30, 2025. There’s a trio of bowl games lined up, and honestly, each one brings something a little different to the table.
You’ve got a gritty mid-major showdown to start things off, then two games where Big Ten teams square off against opponents from the SEC and Big 12. Let’s dig into the details and see what’s worth watching, who’s stepping up, and maybe, who might let us down.
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Mid-Major Showdown: Sun Belt vs. Conference USA
The first game gets rolling at 2 p.m. ET in Shreveport, Louisiana, airing on ESPN. Coastal Carolina’s taking on Louisiana Tech, and let’s be honest, both teams have a lot to prove.
The Chanticleers, now under interim coach Jeremiah Johnson, have leaned on the run all season. Their passing game? Not the best. So, expect RB Ja’Vin Simpkins and mobile QB Samari Collier to do most of the heavy lifting. If Collier can’t go, backup Tad Hudson will have to step up—no pressure, right?
Why Watch
It’s Sun Belt vs. Conference USA, and that’s always a bit unpredictable. Louisiana Tech’s QB Trey Kukuk has shown flashes, and playing in front of a home-state crowd could give them a real boost.
Sure, some Chanticleers have hit the transfer portal, but that just means new faces might get their shot. Sometimes, that’s when you see surprises.
Potential Disappointments
There’s always the risk that Coastal’s instability and possible reliance on a backup QB could make things messy. Still, with the Bulldogs’ home support, maybe this one’s closer than people think.
Big Ten vs. SEC: Tennessee Volunteers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
The second game kicks off at 5:30 p.m. ET in Nashville, Tennessee, also on ESPN. It’s basically a home game for Tennessee, who’ll be facing Illinois.
Both teams wanted more from this season, but here they are. Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar and Illinois QB Luke Altmyer—those are the names to watch.
Why Watch
It’s Tennessee’s last game in front of a home-state crowd, and their fans always bring the noise. Illinois, who had their moments in the Top 25, won’t make it easy for them.
Keep an eye out for Tennessee WR Braylon Staley. Illinois has Hank Beatty, who can turn a punt return into something wild. Could be some fireworks.
Potential Disappointments
Tennessee’s flop against Vanderbilt in their regular-season finale? Not a great sign. Illinois has taken some rough losses, too. If either team doesn’t show up, this could get lopsided fast.
Big Ten vs. Big 12: USC Trojans vs. TCU Horned Frogs
The nightcap starts at 9 p.m. ET in San Antonio, Texas, with ESPN on the call. It’s USC vs. TCU, and both teams have had their ups and downs.
USC’s Jayden Maiava will be under the microscope, and for TCU, it’s backup QB Ken Seals getting the nod. Neither team made the playoff, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have something to play for.
Why Watch
The Trojans were out of playoff talk pretty early after losing to Illinois, but they still handled business most weeks. TCU? Their season was a rollercoaster, and their fans definitely felt it.
Some big names are missing—USC’s Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, TCU’s regular QB Josh Hoover—but sometimes that just makes things more interesting. It’ll come down to depth, coaching, and who wants it more. Could be a late-night classic, or maybe just a weird one. Either way, it’s football.
Potential Disappointments
TCU looks like they’re at a personnel disadvantage here. Their backup quarterback, Ken Seals, just doesn’t have much game experience under his belt.
If the Horned Frogs’ defense can’t get some stops early, it might turn into a rough night for TCU fans. Honestly, it’s hard to feel confident in their chances unless something clicks fast.
For more details on these games, check out the full article on USA Today.
