Today’s College Football Bowl Games: Dec. 31 Showdown Highlights
The final day of 2025 is gearing up to be a wild ride for college football fans. There’s a stacked lineup of bowl games, and the first of the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals will cap things off.
From the classic SEC vs. Big Ten rivalry to an intense Ohio State-Miami showdown, December 31 is loaded with can’t-miss action. Whether you’re glued to every snap or just tuning in for the big moments, this slate has a little something for everyone.
Here’s a rundown of the day’s games, what’s at stake, and a few reasons you might want to clear your schedule.
Contents
Kickoff in Tampa: Vanderbilt vs. Iowa
Time/TV: Noon ET, ESPN in Tampa, Fla.
Why Watch
New Year’s Eve starts off with Vanderbilt facing Iowa. Both squads flirted with playoff hopes at various points this season.
Vanderbilt’s QB, Diego Pavia, is suiting up, but he’ll be without TE Eli Stowers, who’s skipping the game to get ready for the NFL draft. Iowa’s defense, led by Karson Sharar, is rock solid and determined to slow down Pavia.
Key Players
- Vanderbilt: QB Diego Pavia, DE Miles Capers
- Iowa: QB Mark Gronowski, LB Karson Sharar
Potential Disappointment
This one might not be a shootout. Both teams play it pretty safe, and it wouldn’t be shocking if special teams end up making the difference.
El Paso Showdown: Duke vs. Arizona State
Time/TV: 2 p.m. ET, CBS in El Paso, Texas
Why Watch
Over in El Paso, Duke—the surprise ACC champ—takes on Arizona State. The Sun Devils are a bit shorthanded, thanks to injuries and transfers.
QB Jeff Sims will be stepping in for Sam Leavitt and leaning hard on RB Kanye Udoh. Duke, meanwhile, is mostly intact with QB Darian Mensah and RB Nate Sheppard ready to roll.
Key Players
- Duke: QB Darian Mensah, RB Nate Sheppard, WR Cooper Barkate
- Arizona State: QB Jeff Sims, RB Kanye Udoh
Potential Disappointment
This matchup could get lopsided. Duke just has more experience and might pull away early.
Orlando Clash: Michigan vs. Texas
Time/TV: 3 p.m. ET, ABC in Orlando, Fla.
Why Watch
Michigan and Texas—two big names, but both are dealing with some chaos. Michigan’s working through a coaching change, and Texas is trying to set the tone for next year.
Several key defenders are out, but you’ll get to see Arch Manning (Texas) and Bryce Underwood (Michigan) under center. That alone is worth a look, isn’t it?
Key Players
- Michigan: QB Bryce Underwood, DL Jayshaun Barham (out)
- Texas: QB Arch Manning, DB Michael Taaffe (out)
Potential Disappointment
With so many missing pieces, don’t expect a ton of offensive fireworks. It’s honestly tough to call how this one will play out.
Pre-Quarterfinal Battle: Utah vs. Nebraska
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Why Watch
The last non-playoff game of the day is Utah versus Nebraska. Utah’s only losses came against the Big 12’s best, and now Morgan Scalley gets his first shot as head coach.
Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker should give Utah a strong running game. Nebraska is missing some of their top guys, including QB Dylan Raiola and RB Emmett Johnson, which doesn’t help their chances.
Key Players
- Utah: QB Devon Dampier, RB Wayshawn Parker
- Nebraska: QB T.J. Lateef
Potential Disappointment
This one might get away from Nebraska fast. Even if they were at full strength, it would be a tough ask.
Quarterfinal Showdown: Ohio State vs. Miami
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN in Arlington, Texas
Why Watch
The first quarterfinal bowl of the night is a big one: Ohio State, last year’s CFP champ, against Miami. Ohio State got a first-round bye thanks to the new seeding rules.
Miami squeaked in from the at-large pool and proved they belong by beating Texas A&M. If Miami QB Carson Beck wants to keep it close, he’ll need another big game from RB Mark Fletcher to try and crack Ohio State’s run defense.
Key Players
- Ohio State: QB Julian Sayin, WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, S Caleb Downs, LB Sonny Styles
- Miami: QB Carson Beck, RB Mark Fletcher, WR Malachi Toney, DEs Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor
Potential Disappointment
Both teams could deliver a dramatic game—at least, that’s the hope. But if mistakes pile up, it might just spiral into a lopsided mess.
Ohio State’s been steady all season. Miami, on the other hand, has had its share of ups and downs.
For a detailed schedule and more information on these matchups, check out USA Today’s comprehensive guide.
