Key Highlights
- The 2025-26 college football bowl schedule is fully set for a span of five weeks.
- The first bowl game is scheduled for December 13, with the last on January 19.
- Total of 47 bowl games are part of this season’s schedule, covering various matchups and television schedules.
- Notable games include the College Football Playoff semifinals set for January 8 and 9, leading up to the National Championship Game on January 19.
The Bowl Season: A Five-Week Spectacle
The college football bowl season is about to kick into gear with an expansive schedule that spans from December 13 to January 19. This year, the bowl games will feature a total of 47 matchups, each designed to showcase the best teams in the nation.
Early Games and Excitement
The season officially gets underway on Saturday, December 13, with the LA Bowl. In this matchup, Washington defeated Boise State with a score of 38-10, setting an exciting tone for what is to come. The schedule continues through Tuesday, December 16, with the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl where Jacksonville State emerged victorious over Troy.
Mid-Season Action
In the week leading up to Christmas, several games will take place. On Thursday, December 18, the Xbox Bowl features a matchup between Missouri State and Arkansas State on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. Meanwhile, the Myrtle Beach Bowl starts early Friday morning with Delaware taking on Louisiana.
College Football Playoff Semifinals
The highlight of the bowl season arrives in mid-January when four games will determine who qualifies for the College Football Playoff finals. These include a game between No. 9 Alabama and No. 8 Oklahoma, No. 10 Miami against No. 7 Texas A&M, No. 11 Tulane versus No. 6 Ole Miss, and No. 12 James Madison facing No. 5 Oregon.
End of Season Celebrations
The National Championship Game concludes the bowl season on January 19, featuring a matchup that will likely determine the champion of college football for the year. This game is scheduled to air at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN, with all eyes watching.
Key Dates and Times
The bowl games are not just about excitement; they also provide a structured timeline that fans can follow. Here’s a snapshot of some key dates:
- Saturday, December 13: LA Bowl (Washington 38, Boise State 10)
- Tuesday, December 16: IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl (Jacksonville State 17, Troy 13)
- Wednesday, December 17: StaffDNA Cure Bowl (Old Dominion 24, South Florida 10) and 68 Ventures Bowl (Delaware 20, Louisiana 13)
- Thursday, December 18: Xbox Bowl (Missouri State vs. Arkansas State), Myrtle Beach Bowl (Kennesaw State vs.
Western Michigan)
- Friday, December 19: Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl (NC State vs. Memphis), College Football Playoff first-round game (No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Oklahoma)
This schedule ensures that fans have a clear roadmap of what to expect in the coming weeks, with each bowl game meticulously planned and televised.
Conclusion
A Season of Excitement and Competition
The college football bowl season is more than just a series of games; it’s an opportunity for teams to showcase their skills on a national stage. From early December until the final week in January, fans can look forward to an array of thrilling matchups that will determine the best in college football.
As the season unfolds, keep an eye out for these key dates and times, and don’t miss any of the excitement. Happy bowl watching!