Today’s College Football Bowl Schedule: Key Matchups and Kickoff Times

College football fans, get ready—Friday, December 19, 2025, is packed with bowl season action. The College Football Playoff kicks off in primetime, and honestly, it’s hard not to get a little hyped about it.

The day starts early with an intriguing matchup and wraps up with a high-stakes playoff game. Here’s a look at what’s coming up and why you might want to clear your schedule.

Morning Kickoff: Myrtle Beach Bowl

Things get rolling with the Myrtle Beach Bowl at 11:00 a.m. ET. The Western Michigan Broncos square off against Kennesaw State at Brooks Stadium in Conway, S.C.

Western Michigan’s offense has been fun to watch this year, but Kennesaw State’s defense isn’t exactly a pushover. There’s real potential for fireworks right out of the gate.

Key Players to Watch

Western Michigan’s quarterback has pretty much carried their offense all season. If you’re tuning in, keep an eye on him.

On the flip side, Kennesaw State’s defensive line is going to have its hands full. It’s not just about talent; it’s about who can dig deeper and outlast the other when it matters.

Afternoon Delight: Gasparilla Bowl

By mid-afternoon, the Gasparilla Bowl takes the spotlight at 2:30 p.m. ET. The NC State Wolfpack meet the Memphis Tigers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Both teams are hungry to end their seasons on a positive note. This one feels like it could go either way, honestly.

Matchup Breakdown

NC State brings a balanced attack, steady on both sides of the ball. Memphis, though, loves to push the tempo with explosive plays and quick transitions.

The coaching chess match here could get interesting. There’s a good chance for a few wild, game-changing moments.

Primetime Showdown: College Football Playoff First Round

Now, for the main event: the College Football Playoff First Round. The No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners host the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide at 8:00 p.m. ET.

This one’s on ESPN and ABC, live from Memorial Stadium. It’s the kind of matchup that makes you cancel plans.

What to Expect

Oklahoma’s offense is electric, led by a quarterback who’s been in the Heisman conversation. Alabama’s defense? As tough as ever.

It’s a real clash of styles, and honestly, it’s tough to predict which side blinks first.

Coaching Strategies

Coaching could tip the scales here. Oklahoma likes to go bold, while Alabama’s approach is all about discipline and adjustments.

Keep an eye on how each team adapts as things heat up. Sometimes, it’s the little tweaks that make all the difference.

Additional Highlights

Don’t sleep on the chance to watch future NFL stars. These games can be a launching pad for players with big dreams.

Plus, the energy in the stadiums—fans going all out—always adds something special. There’s just nothing quite like it.

For a detailed schedule and more insights on the day’s matchups, check out The Big Lead’s comprehensive guide.

Conclusion

Friday, December 19, 2025, is shaping up to be a big one in college football. The schedule’s packed—there’s the Myrtle Beach Bowl, the Gasparilla Bowl, and the first round of the College Football Playoff.

If you’re a fan, you’ll probably want to catch at least some of the action. These games promise plenty of drama and those wild, unpredictable moments that make college football so much fun.

Maybe you’re cheering for Western Michigan or NC State. Or maybe Oklahoma’s your team. Either way, it’s a day that’s hard to ignore if you love the sport.