Today’s College Football TV Schedule: CFP Quarterfinals and Bowl Games
As 2025 draws to a close, college football fans are in for a treat. The Pop Tart Bowl and Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl are done and dusted, and now the spotlight shifts to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
One of the biggest games? Ohio State vs. Miami in the Cotton Bowl, set for primetime. But that’s not the only action on tap—there’s a packed slate of games today.
Here’s a look at all the college football matchups happening on December 31, 2025. Hope you’ve got snacks ready.
Contents
ReliaQuest Bowl: Iowa vs. Vanderbilt
The day gets rolling with the ReliaQuest Bowl, pitting Iowa against Vanderbilt. Kickoff is at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN, straight from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Both teams have had their ups and downs, which makes this one kind of unpredictable. There’s a bit of mystery here—who’s got the edge?
Key Players to Watch
Iowa’s defensive lineman has been a force, disrupting offenses all season. Vanderbilt’s quarterback, meanwhile, is a bit of a wild card—he’s had some electric moments.
His play could swing things either way. It’s anyone’s guess how it’ll shake out.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Arizona State vs. Duke
After that, it’s the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Arizona State vs. Duke at 2 p.m. ET on CBS. The game’s at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas.
Both teams can light up the scoreboard, so don’t be surprised if this turns into a shootout.
Offensive Showdown
Arizona State’s offense is electric, led by their dual-threat quarterback. Duke’s got a more balanced approach, keeping defenses honest all year.
Honestly, this one feels like it could get wild. Expect some big plays.
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: Michigan vs. Texas
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl brings Michigan and Texas together at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, hosts this clash of storied programs.
It’s a classic matchup—lots of tradition, lots of pride on the line.
Defensive Battle
Michigan’s defense is no joke, especially up front. Texas, though, has an offense that can turn the tide in a hurry.
The real drama might be in the trenches. Who wins that battle probably takes the game.
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl: Nebraska vs. Utah
Later in the afternoon, Nebraska and Utah square off in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as the backdrop.
Both squads have had solid seasons, so this isn’t one to overlook.
Special Teams Impact
Special teams could end up being the difference here. Nebraska’s kicker has been rock steady, while Utah’s return unit is always a threat to break one.
Maybe it comes down to a single big play on special teams. You never know.
Cotton Bowl: Miami vs. Ohio State
The headline event is the Cotton Bowl—Miami vs. Ohio State in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal. Primetime, 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Winner moves on to the semifinals, so yeah, the tension’s sky-high.
Star-Studded Lineups
Ohio State’s offense is stacked, led by a Heisman contender at quarterback. Miami’s defense, though, has made life miserable for opponents all year.
This one’s got all the makings of an instant classic. It’s tough to predict how it’ll play out.
Coaching Strategies
Coaching could be the X-factor. Ohio State’s offensive coordinator likes to get creative, while Miami’s defensive coordinator is all about smart adjustments.
Feels like a chess match, honestly. Which side blinks first?
For the full schedule and more details on today’s games, check out the original article on the Beacon Journal.
Conclusion
Today’s college football schedule is loaded with matchups that should keep fans glued to the screen. There’s the early kickoff in the ReliaQuest Bowl, and later on, a primetime clash in the Cotton Bowl.
Honestly, there’s a bit of everything—defensive slugfests, wild shootouts, even a few games that could go either way. Maybe you’re in it for the drama, or just here for the snacks. Either way, it’s worth settling in for the day.
