PARTNERS IN CELEBRATION
Introducing Coca-Cola as the New Title Sponsor of Bowl Season
By KEVIN M c NAMARA
Sports and business, business and sports. One can’t operate without the other and they are entwined more than ever before.
This is nothing new, of course.
The one sport that highlights its business relationships more than any other is certainly college football. The sport has never looked to mask these relationships. In fact, they are celebrated and placed in the greatest limelight possible.
So if virtually all 45 bowl games value their corporate sponsors so much, it only makes sense that Bowl Season itself embraced its own title sponsor. Enter Coca-Cola, the world’s leading beverage company and a product synonymous with big-time sporting events. Thanks to a new, multi-year deal, college football fans will see the re-branded CocaCola Bowl Season when bowl games begin this December.
“ This partnership brings together two brands that have long been part of some of America’s most memorable moments. ”
Quick, think of your favorite bowl pairing? Is it a long-time pairing like the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic or the Allstate Sugar Bowl? It’s tough not to notice the Duke’s Mayo Bowl or the Pop-Tarts Bowl. And who wouldn’t want to check out the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl?
– NICK CARPARELLI Executive Director, Coca-Cola Bowl Season
“This partnership brings together two brands that have long been part of some of America’s most memorable moments,” said Nick Carparelli, Executive Director of Coca-Cola Bowl Season. “Coca-Cola has been synonymous with celebration and togetherness for generations, and Bowl Season is built on those same values. Together,
we look forward to enhancing the experience for fans, student-athletes, and communities across the country.”
Carparelli says that after conversations with his executive board and other bowl game executives, a push to further grow the Bowl Season brand clearly helps every bowl game. Fans will now see the ‘Coca-Cola Bowl Season’ name and logo on fields, Jumbotron announcements, other in-game features, selected television opportunities, the Bowl Season web site and other digital initiatives. Coca-Cola will also embrace opportunities around select bowl games for fan and client entertainment.
“Together, we’re creating exciting new ways to connect with fans and make every Coca-Cola Bowl Season moment truly memorable. ”
– ERIC KACKER
Vice President, Coca-Cola North America’s Sports & Entertainment
“We are proud to partner with Bowl Season to celebrate the traditions that bring people together,” said Eric Kacker, Vice President of Coca-Cola North America’s Sports & Entertainment. "Together, we’re creating exciting new ways to connect with fans and make every Coca-Cola Bowl Season moment truly memorable."
Now in its sixth season, the Bowl Season brand has grown to reach the consciousness of college football fans. Whether their teams are headed to Florida, Texas, California or New England, they celebrate and covet a spot in Bowl Season and college football’s postseason. The 2024-25 Bowl Season highlighted strong momentum and growing fan interest, with bowl games averaging 2.7 million viewers per contest — the highest in five years and a 14% increase over the previous season. Additionally, 21 of 30 nonPlayoff bowls reported year-over-year increases in viewership, many by double digits.
“College football fans are watching bowl games more than ever before,” Carparelli said, “and adding an iconic, global brand like Coca-Cola validates everything we’ve been promoting about our sport. Bowl games continue to prove to be great values for corporate sponsors, from our long-time partnerships to some of the unique, creative partners that are
excited to join college football’s post-season.”
The business relationship between corporate sponsor and bowl games is obviously vital. Along with TV rights and ticket sales, the corporate sponsorship money carries great weight. The title sponsors of games allow companies to highlight their work, especially community engagement and outreach and philanthropic goals.
Consider the unique relationship the Valero Energy Corporation has with the Alamo Bowl. Valero literally was named for the original name of the Alamo — the mission San Antonio de Valero. The Fortune 50 company — the world’s largest refiner — is headquartered in San Antonio and has supported the Alamo Bowl since its inception in 1993 and become the title sponsor in 2007.
“Valero’s long-term commitment has fueled larger team payouts, attracting higher profile matchups to San Antonio,” said Alamo Bowl President and CEO Derrick Fox. “That drives stronger television audiences, deeper community impact and increased economic activity.”
Fox adds that because Valero is an anchor in the San Antonio community, “their leadership is evident in their philanthropy, rapid support in times of need and ongoing investment in local organizations.”
Valero has embraced its opportunity with the
Alamo Bowl in many ways, most importantly in supporting its community and highlighting the City of San Antonio. The Valero Alamo Bowl attracts some of the largest national audiences on ESPN and has become a holiday tradition in the city. Tens of thousands of visitors head to southern Texas for game week and generate an annual economic impact of $55-60 million. Valero reports that the total economic impact since the first bowl game has reached nearly $1.2 billion.
The Valero Alamo Bowl scholarship program is now the largest local scholarship effort among all bowl games. It has awarded over $12 million to nearly 2,000 San Antonio students since 2000.
Stories like this one radiate throughout Coca-Cola Bowl Season. Local businesses helping celebrate their communities. National brands doing the same on a grander scale. Fans enjoying holiday trips to a new city to watch their favorite teams and millions more back home watching on television.
Players growing their careers — and many completing them — on the bowl game stage. Spirit squads, marching bands, athletic staff all coming together as a college community to celebrate a successful season.
College football and Bowl Season. Now make that Coca-Cola Bowl Season.
2025-26 MATCHUPS
Cricket Celebration Bowl
South Carolina State (9-3) vs. Prairie View A&M (10-3)
DEC. 13 (SAT)
12:00 PM | ABC
South Carolina State had a strong showing in the MEAC, finishing first overall with a perfect 5-0 conference record. A 28-17 win over Delaware State punched the team’s post-season ticket where an offense led by QB Billy Atkins and solid defense will be formidable. Prairie View A&M won the SWAC’s Western Division with a 7-1 record behind a high-powered offense led by QB Cameron Peters. They captured their first SWAC title since 2009 with a 23–21 victory over Jackson State, fueled by nearly 400 total yards from Peters and clutch defensive stops.
Bucked Up LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk
Boise State (9-4) vs. Washington (8-4)
DEC. 13 (SAT)
8:00 PM | ABC
Boise State storms into the LA Bowl with momentum after a third straight Mountain West title and a 38-21 win over UNLV. The offense pumps out 30.8 points and 430 yards per game. QB Maddux Madsen threw three TD’s vs. the Rebels. Washington is powered by electric dual-threat QB Demond Williams Jr., a backfield led by Jonah Coleman (14 TD’s) and a Big Ten resume that’s been sharpened against heavy hitters.
IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl
Troy (8-5) vs. Jacksonville State (8-5)
DEC. 16 (TUE)
9:00 PM | ESPN
Troy won the Sun Belt West behind a late surge on offense with a 3-TD outing from QB Goose Crowder but their luck ran out in the conference title game against James Madison. Jacksonville State pounded opponents with a runfirst identity fueled by Cam Cook, the nation’s leading rusher with 1,659 yards, as they battled their way to the Conference USA Championship game. Now the in-state foes collide in Montgomery with a whole lot of bragging rights on the line.
StaffDNA Cure Bowl
Old Dominion (9-3) vs. South Florida (9-3)
DEC. 17 (WED) 5:00 PM | ESPN
Old Dominion had a breakout 2025 season, finishing 9-3 overall (6-2 Sun Belt), their best record since 2016. The Monarchs featured a dominant rushing attack led by QB Colton Joseph and back Devin Roche, plus a strong defense that secured two shutouts. South Florida enjoyed its first nine-win season since 2017 that included upsetting Florida and knocking off Boise State. The Bulls’ only losses came vs. Miami, Navy and Memphis.
68 Ventures Bowl
Louisiana (6-6) vs. Delaware (6-6)
DEC. 17 (WED) 8:30 PM | ESPN
The Ragin’ Cajuns had a rollercoaster season that ended with a strong four-game win streak to reach bowl eligibility. The late-season push included a bizarre goal-line stand vs. Arkansas State and clutch performances from QB Lunch Winfield and back Bill Davis. The Blue Hens had an historic first season at the FBS level finishing bowl eligible. Powered by QB Nick Minicucci's strong passing, the Hens secured key wins over UConn (44-41 OT) and a thriller against Louisiana Tech (25-24).
Xbox Bowl
Missouri State (7-5) vs. Arkansas State (6-6)
DEC. 18 (THU) 9:00 PM | ESPN2
Coach Ryan Beard’s Bears rolled to a 7-3 start behind QB Jacob Clark, back Shomari Lawrence and receiver Jmariyae Robinson. Two late-season losses dimmed their chances in CUSA. Arkansas State closed out the regular season with a dramatic touchdown in the final minute to edge Appalachian State, 30-29, and earn a third straight bowl berth. Red Wolves quarterback Jaylen Raynor threw for over 3,000 yards and 16 TD’s and also ran for seven more.
COCA-COLA BOWL SEASON 2025-26
MATCHUPS
Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by Engine
Kennesaw State (10-3) vs. Western Michigan (9-4)
19 (FRI)
AM | ESPN
The Kennesaw State Owls went from a 2-10 finish in 2024 to a Conference USA championship under first-year coach Jerry Mack. The conference championship was capped off with a thrilling last-minute touchdown by QB Amari Odom to Navelle Dean for the win against Jacksonville State. The Broncos ended their season as Mid-American Conference champions. Across the entire season, RB Jalen Buckley showed up and showed out including in the championship game with 2 TDs and 175 rushing yards.
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
Memphis (8-4) vs. NC State (7-5)
As the first bowl bound team of 2025, Memphis did not mess around this season. The Tigers were led by QB Brendon Lewis and back Sutton Smith and rolled to a 12th straight bowl bid that helped coach Ryan Silverfield get the Arkansas job. Reggie Howard will lead the Tigers against a Wolfpack team that ended its season with clutch wins over Florida State and rival North Carolina.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Washington State (6-6) vs. Utah State (6-6)
Washington State’s first year Head Coach Jimmy Rogers produced a bowl eligible team through a dominating defense that held opponents to 10 points or less in five of the team’s six victories. The Cougars gave both Ole Miss and Virginia big scares. This will be a preview of future conference foes, as Utah State is joining the Pac-12 next year. Led by head coach Bronco Mendenhall, the Aggies have an elite dual-threat QB in Bryant Barnes who leads the team in both passing and rushing yards. DEC. 22 (MON) 2:00 PM |
New Orleans Bowl
Western Kentucky (8-4) vs. Southern Miss (7-5)
DEC. 23 (TUE)
5:30 PM | ESPN
Western Kentucky faced adversity this year but showed its strength with QB Maverick McIvor in matchups against Sam Houston (41-24) and Delaware (27-24). A three-game win streak in conference play put the Hilltoppers in position to challenge for a spot in the CUSA crown. Southern Miss had an incredible turnaround, going from 1-11 in 2024 to 7-5 this season. The Golden Eagles aggressive defensive play led to nation-best 21 interceptions and set the tone for the strong run in the Sun Belt. Coach Charles Huff is leaving Southern Miss for Memphis. Blake Anderson is the interim coach for the bowl game.
Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans
Toledo (8-4) vs. Louisville (8-4)
DEC. 23 (TUE)
2:00 PM | ESPN
Toledo’s season was split in two but the offense showed up late in a season-ending four-game win streak as QB Tucker Gleason and WR Trayvon Rudolph helped carry that momentum into Boca Raton. Louisville fought in the middle of crowded ACC pack under head coach Jeff Brohm and secured big wins over playoff-bound Miami, Clemson, and in-state rival Kentucky. Transfer QB Miller Moss and a stout running game led by Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown leads the offense.
Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl
UNLV (10-3) vs. Ohio (8-4)
DEC. 23 (TUE) 9:00 PM | ESPN
UNLV saw its 6-0 start vault the team to the top of the Mountain West and coach Dan Mullen produced a spread offense with QB Anthony Colandrea at the helm. Backs Jai’Den Thomas and Jaylon Glover helped push the Rebels to the conference title game where they lost to Boise State. Ohio featured a strong rushing attack from Sieh Bangura and QB Parker Navarro. The Bobcats look to take the powerful ground game to Texas and end the season on a high note.
COCA-COLA BOWL SEASON 2025-26 MATCHUPS
Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl
California (7-5) vs. Hawai’i (8-4)
(WED)
This is Cal’s third straight bowl appearance and the Bears are looking for their first win since 2019. The Golden Bears passing attack is led by QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who threw for over 3,000 yards and WR Jacob De Jesus, who looks to eclipse the 100-reception mark. The Rainbow Warriors fought hard this season and that paid off in wins against Stanford (23-20) and Utah State (44-26). A tough defense will excite the home fans on Christmas Eve.
Rate Bowl
New Mexico (9-3) vs. Minnesota (7-5)
DEC. 26 (FRI) 4:30 PM | ESPN
New Mexico carries a sixgame winning streak into Bowl Season and is led by Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year, Jason Eck. QB Jack Layne looks to secure a 10-win season after a late-season surge with a win in the Lobos first bowl game appearance since 2016. Minnesota looks for QB Drake Lindsey and RB Darius Taylor to set the tone on offense and the Gophers physicality on defense is led by lineman Anthony Smith (10.5 sacks). A victory in Phoenix will extend P.J. Fleck’s bowl game record at Minnesota to 7-0.
GameAbove Sports Bowl
Central Michigan (7-5) vs. Northwestern (6-6)
This Big Ten vs MAC pairing gives Central Michigan a chance to show its progress against a Power Five opponent. The Chippewas will lean on their balanced offense and a defense led by Michael Heldman (12.5 sacks) in the Motor City. Just across Lake Michigan in Evanston, the Northwestern Wildcats will lean on their runheavy offense, led by back Caleb Komolafe, in search of a 6th straight bowl victory.
COCA-COLA BOWL SEASON 2025-26 MATCHUPS
SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Florida International (7-5) vs. UTSA (6-6)
The Panthers are back in a bowl game for the first time since 2019 under new coach Willie Simmons. An explosive offense led by Keyone Jenkins, Kejon Owens and Alex Perry led to a four-game win streak. UTSA is making its sixth straight bowl appearance and hopes to win for a third straight time. QB Owen McCown (27 TD’s) sparks an elite passing game for an offense that scores 33.8 ppg.
Go Bowling Military Bowl
Pittsburgh (8-4) vs. East Carolina (8-4)
Pittsburgh was a tough out in the ACC this season thanks to a nationally ranked rushing attack (117 per game) and the exciting play from true freshman QB Mason Heintschel. The Panthers only losses since September came against Notre Dame and Miami. East Carolina posted eight wins on the season for the first time since 2014 and boasts a stout defense that allowed just 20.3 points per game. QB Katin Houser threw for 3,300 yards for a team that’s won five of its last six games.
Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl
Penn State (6-6) vs. Clemson (7-5)
Penn State is looking to cap off a turbulent season with its first visit to the Pinstripe Bowl since 2014. The offense is sparked by the strong rushing of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton who’ve combined for 1,852 yards and 28 TD’s. Down in Death Valley, the Tigers stayed true to QB Cade Klubnik (73 career TD’s) and have several NFL prospects evaluating their availability for the game at Yankee Stadium.
Wasabi Fenway Bowl
UConn (9-3) vs. Army (6-5)
DEC. 27 (SAT)
The UConn Huskies are looking to secure their first 10-win season ever with a victory over Army. All their of the team’s losses came in overtime. Interim coach Gordon Sammis, the architect of an explosive offense, will work with new coach Jason Candle and the existing staff as the Huskies try to win for a second straight year at Fenway Park. Army Football under Jeff Monken has been a national player and making its seventh bowl appearance. As usual the Black Knights boast an elite rushing attack (259 yards per game) as quarterback Cale Hellums has run for a team-high 15 touchdowns.
2:15 PM | ESPN
Pop-Tarts Bowl
Georgia Tech (9-3) vs. BYU (11-2)
DEC. 27 (SAT)
3:30 PM | ABC
With two ranked teams on the schedule, the PopTarts Bowl is the talk of the town as No. 22 Georgia Tech takes on No. 12 BYU. The Yellow Jackets finished the regular season 9–2, led by QB Haynes King and a strong defense. The Cougars went 11–2, finishing second in the Big 12 behind an impressive freshman quarterback. Led by 2025 Big 12 Coach of the Year Kalani Sitake, BYU achieved its fourth double-digit victory season in the past six years and was one of just 10 FBS teams to finish the 2025 regular season with 11 or more victories.
Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop Miami (OH) (7-6) vs. Fresno State (8-4) Miami (OH) continued its strong presence in the MAC, appearing in the conference championship for the third year in a row. Overcoming a mid-season slump and an early quarterback change, the RedHawks relied heavily on RB Jordan Brunson and the ground game. Fresno State, under first-year head coach Matt Entz, finished the regular season strong with key wins over Boise State, Wyoming, and Hawai’i Quarterback E.J. Warner and standout RB Rayshon Luke, powered the offense, with Coach of the Year watch lister, Coach Entzwatc, on the sidelines.
DEC. 27 (SAT) 4:30 PM | CW Network
COCA-COLA BOWL SEASON 2025-26 MATCHUPS
Isleta New Mexico Bowl
North Texas (11-2) vs. San Diego State (9-3)
The Mean Green enjoyed their best season in program history, setting a new record with 11 regular-season wins and reaching the American Championship game for the first time. The Aztecs dramatically improved from a 3–9 record in 2024 to 9–3 in 2025, earning bowl eligibility for the first time since 2022 thanks to a revitalized offense featuring QBs Jayden Denegal and Bert Emanuel Jr. and a consistently disruptive defense led by EDGE Trey White.
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Virginia (10-3) vs. Missouri (8-4)
Virginia earned its highestever College Football Playoff ranking (No. 14) after clinching a berth in the ACC Championship game for just the second time in program history. The Cavaliers built a new team culture under head coach Tony Elliott and bolstered by one of the nation's top transfer classes (31 additions). The Missouri Tigers started the season strong at 3–0, showing early promise behind transfer QB Beau Pribula. They fought hard throughout the year, securing notable road wins over South Carolina and Auburn. DEC. 27 (SAT)
Kinder’s Texas Bowl
LSU (7-5) vs. Houston (9-3)
The Bayou Bangel’s 2025 season was a tale of highs and lows. They started strong with notable wins, including a road victory over No. 4 Clemson, and finished 7–5 overall. Staying closer to home, the Houston Cougars delivered a massive turnaround under head coach Willie Fritz, improving from 4–8 in 2024 to 9–3 in the regular season, it marks their best since 2021. Finishing fourth in the Big 12 with a 6–3 conference record, they earned the No. 21 spot in the final CFP ranking.
JLab Birmingham Bowl
Georgia Southern (6-6) vs. Appalachian State (5-7)
Georgia Southern ended the season with a .500 record and bowl eligibility. The offense featured an experienced receiving corps with transfers like Camden Brown adding depth, and experience. Appalachian State found themselves Bowl Bound and ready to compete. Players like RB Rashad Dominick and WR Dalton Strowman showed promise for the offense.
DEC. 29 (MON)
2:00 PM | ESPN
Radiance Technologies
Independence Bowl
Coastal Carolina (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (7-5)
DEC. 30 (TUE)
2:00 PM | ESPN
The Chanticleers faced a challenging schedule, especially within the Sun Belt. They demonstrated the ability to score rallying late in the season to reach bowl eligibility, a testament to their resilience. Louisiana Tech finished with a winning record and 4th in Conference USA. Averaging 366 total yards on offense, their bowl bound future was resting confidently in the hands of the QB Blake Baker.
Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl
Tennessee (8-4) vs. Illinois (8-4)
DEC. 30 (TUE)
5:30 PM | ESPN
Tennessee’s offense was prolific led by QB Joey Aguilar. With Aguilar nearing single season passing records, supported by the likes of DeSean Bishop and Chris Brazzell II, the Vols found themselves with an 8-4 record. The Illinois Fighting Illini' took a successful step forward under Coach Bret Bielema, featuring a veteran roster, breakout performances and key wins to finish the season 8-4.
COCA-COLA BOWL SEASON 2025-26 MATCHUPS
ReliaQuest Bowl
Iowa (8-4) vs. Vanderbilt (10-2)
DEC. 31 (WED)
12:00 PM | ESPN
Mark Gronowski (Iowa) transferred in and took over as the starting quarterback, adding a new dynamic to the locker room. The team’s Big Ten wins over Wisconsin (37-0) and Penn State (2524) were major highlights that brought their offense to an elite level. The Commodores found themselves at the forefront of conversations this season, beginning 7-1 for the first time since 1941. Quarterback Diego Pavia is headed to New York City as a Heisman trophy finalist.
Valero Alamo Bowl
USC (9-3) vs. TCU (8-4)
DEC. 30 (TUE)
9:00 PM | ESPN
The USC Trojans ‘Fought On’ throughout their season and ended 4th in the Big Ten with a 9-3 record they started hot, leading the nation in scoring early with huge wins against Missouri State and Georgia Southern. The Horned Frogs have relied heavily on their powerful defense all season and play to do the same in San Antonio. The Horned Frogs hold the all-time record 3-2. The two teams have not met since the 1998 Sun Bowl game.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
Arizona State (8-4) vs. Duke (8-5)
DEC. 31 (WED)
2:00 PM | CBS
The Arizona State Sun Devils found themselves riddled with injury, and still finish with an 8-4 record. Strong players like backup QB Jeff Sims and WR Jordyn Tyson kept the Sun Devils alive and plan to continue that in El Paso. Duke, the ACC champs, bring an 8-5 record to Bowl Season. Featuring an aggressive defense with strong pass rushers like Wesley Williams and Chandler Rivers.
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
Nebraska (7-5) vs. Utah (10-2)
DEC. 31 (WED)
Nebraska's 2025 football season showed significant progress, marked by an improved offense featuring, QB Dylan Raiola and a strong offensive line. With a 10-2 record and a No. 15 slot in the final College Football Playoff rankings, the Utah football team will take on its seventh Las Vegas Bowl. It'll be the fifth Nebraska-Utah football meeting in history. The sides met in 1968, '80, '89 and '92, each inside Nebraska's Memorial Stadium.
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
Michigan (9-3) vs. Texas (9-3)
True freshman phenom Bryce Underwood rocked the Big House this season. Michigan finished out their regular season ranked No. 18 overall and No. 5 in the Big Ten. The Texas Longhorns put together an impressive resume with ranked wins over Texas A&M and Oklahoma. Texas counted on key players such as QB Arch Manning and receiver Ryan Wingo to navigate a tough SEC schedule. Both teams are headed to Florida to compete in a classic Big Ten/SEC Bowl matchup.
Lockheed Martin
Armed Forces Bowl
Rice (5-7) vs. Texas State (6-6)
The Rice Owls 2025 football season marked by a significant one with new coach Scott Abel. This led to unexpected success, strong home-field play, shifting defensive goals. The Texas State Bobcats showed significant offensive firepower with QB Brad Jackson leading the charge. The team showcased impressive numbers, averaging over 477 total yards per game and a potent rushing attack, setting them up for their second bowl game in their FBS era.
COCA-COLA BOWL SEASON 2025-26 MATCHUPS
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Navy (9-2) vs. Cincinnati (7-5)
The Midshipmen ended 3rd in the American with their dual-threat QB Blake Horvath and star receiver Eli Heidenreich. Averaging 31 ppg, Navy had a breakthrough season and intends on carrying that momentum into the post-season. The Bearcats of Cincinnati secured bowl eligibility with big wins over Kansas, Iowa State, and Baylor. The Bearcats end 2025 leading the FBS in fourthdown conversions (76.19%) and ranking highly in yards per carry (5.90) and yards per play (7.13), thanks in part to stout offensive line play.
Trust & Will Holiday Bowl
Arizona (9-3) vs. SMU (8-4)
The Arizona Wildcats played complimentary football with their balanced offense led by QB Noah Fifita and a stout defense coordinated by Danny Gonzales. The Wildcats took down the ASU Sun Devils in the Territorial Cup spiking their confidence heading into the post season. The SMU Mustangs had a strong, promising 2025 season in the ACC under Coach Rhett Lashlee, marked by excellent home performance and a potent offense led by emerging QB Kevin Jennings. The Mustangs found themselves coming out on top against teams such as Clemson, Louisville, and Miami.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Wake Forest (8-4) vs. Mississippi State (5-7)
Wake Forest, under new coach Jake Dickert, quickly found its identify through its defense. They utilized the diverse experience of the team to push through adversity. Mississippi State road on the backs of their offense, specifically QB Blake Shapen leading the passing game. In his back pocket were RBs Dominic Bothwell and Kamario Taylor. JAN. 2 (FRI)
DEC. 19 (FRI) 8:00 PM |
Tough to top the star power with these two big-time brand names. Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson threw for 26 TD’s and will lead a team out to avenge a 23-21 loss to the Sooners. This time the teams meet in Norman where John Mateer will look to make big plays and a defense led by lineman R. Mason Thomas (6.5 sacks) and linebackers Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke has already caused the Tide headaches. The first matchup came down to three field goals by Lou Groza award finalist Tate Sandell, who missed one field goal all season. DEC. 20 (SAT) 12:00 PM |
No. 11 Tulane (11-2) at No. 6 Ole Miss (11-1)
DEC. 20 (SAT) 3:30 PM |
While it may be a bit chilly in The Grove in late December, Rebel fans can’t wait for the biggest game at VaughtHemingway Stadium in forever. New coach Pete Golding has a team that’s scored 30 or more points in its last six games as QB Trinidad Chambliss and star back Kewan Lacy (20 TD’s) form a potent duo. Tulane lost in Oxford, 45-10, back in September but has since won 8 of 9 games under coach Jon Sumrall, who is headed to Florida.
The Aggies rolled to a dream season except for the regular season finale and a loss to rival Texas. Even so, coach Mike Elko’s team is rewarded a home playoff game at Kyle Field and will be tough to beat. Dual threat QB Marcel Reed has depth at running back with Rueben Owens and a possible return of Le’Veon Moss, plus star receivers Mario Craver and KC Concepcion. Miami may have snuck into the field as the last at-large pick but the Canes have won four in a row and boast lots of CFP experience with QB Carson Beck and own a potent defense led by Rueben Bain, Jr.
12
Bob Chesney led the Dukes to the Sun Belt title and is headed to take the UCLA job but he’s looking to build on his 21-5 record at JMU with an upset of the Ducks. The Dukes have eclipsed 50 points four times and will have to put up big numbers to run with Dante Moore and the Ducks. Moore has an elite tight end target in Kenyon Sadiq (8 TD’s). Oregon, which boasts a top 10 scoring defense (14.8 ppg), enjoyed a superb season with the only loss (30-20) coming against No. 1 Indiana.
DEC. 20 (SAT) 7:30 PM | TNT/TruTV/HBO Max
No. 10 Miami (10-2) at No. 7 Texas A&M (11-1)
No. 9 Alabama (10-3) at No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2)
No.
James Madison (12-1) at No. 5 Oregon (11-1)
BOWL SEASON 2025-26 MATCHUPS
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
Miami-Texas A&M winner vs. No. 2 Ohio State (12-1)
DEC. 31 (WED)
7:30 PM | ESPN
Who knows what happens in the first round game but the prospect of the Aggies at the Cotton Bowl is juicy. Either way, the Buckeyes will be waiting and looking to bounce back from their narrow Big Ten title game loss to Indiana. Ryan Day’s team boasts the nation’s top defense (8.2 ppg) led by end Caden Curry and safety Caleb Downs and a Heisman finalist quarterback in Julian Sayin (31 TD’s). Ohio State faced only two close games all season, edging Texas and losing to Indiana.
Capital One Orange Bowl
James Madison-Oregon winner vs. No. 4 Texas Tech (12-1)
JAN. 1 (THU) 12:00 PM | ESPN
An expected first round game featuring offensive fireworks leads into a matchup in Miami where the Red Raiders are all about defense. The linebacker tandem of Jacob Rodriguez and David Bailey (13.5 sacks) is elite and they’ve led a group that’s allowed more than two offensive touchdowns just once all year (to Kansas State in a game they still won by 23). Quarterback Behren Morton missed several games with a leg injury but has been hot since his return as the Red Raiders out-scored their foes 160-23 in the last four games.
Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential Alabama-Oklahoma winner vs. No. 1 Indiana (13-0)
The Hoosiers dream season will resume with the San Gabriel mountains in view and a marquee opponent on the opposite sideline. Coach Curt Cignetti’s all-business approach led to the perfect season and Big Ten title win over Ohio State sparked by an elite defense. Oh, the offense has the Heisman favorite in quarterback Fernando Mendoza and two stud receivers, Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper.
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Tulane-Ole Miss winner vs. No. 3 Georgia (12-1)
This will be a Southerner’s delight with either hometown Tulane or Ole Miss matching up with the SEC champion Bulldogs. Kirby Smart has another loaded team that is looking to forget last year’s Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame. Quarterback Gunnar Stockton is both efficient and a winner and has help in back Nate Frazier and receiver Zachariah Branch. The defense is peaking. Over the last four games the Dawgs allowed just 7.3 points per game and a mere 3.8 yards per play against Alabama in the SEC title game.
WHERE FANS PLAY THE POSTSEASON
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Coca-Cola Bowl Season Radio delivers exclusive live play-by-play coverage of 21 featured Bowl Games on terrestrial radio nationwide and SiriusXM satellite radio. Stream these games live on In-Tune, Audacy, and The Varsity Network apps.
BOWL GAME WHEN WHERE
IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl
StaffDNA Cure Bowl
68 Ventures Bowl
Xbox Bowl
Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by Engine
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl
GameAbove Sports Bowl
SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Go Bowling Military Bowl
Wasabi Fenway Bowl
Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl
Isleta New Mexico Bowl
Kinder’s Texas Bowl
JLab Birmingham Bowl
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
DEC. 16 (TUE) | 9:00 PM Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, AL
DEC. 17 (WED) | 5:00 PM Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
DEC. 17 (WED) | 8:30 PM Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, AL
DEC. 18 (THU) | 9:00 PM Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX
DEC. 19 (FRI) | 11:00 AM Brooks Stadium, Conway, SC
DEC. 19 (FRI) | 2:30 PM Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
DEC. 22 (MON) | 2:00 PM Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID
DEC. 23 (TUE) | 9:00 PM Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX
DEC. 26 (FRI) | 1:00 PM Ford Field, Detroit, MI
DEC. 26 (FRI) | 8:00 PM Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX
DEC. 27 (SAT) | 11:00 AM Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD
DEC. 27 (SAT) | 2:15 PM Fenway Park, Boston, MA
DEC. 27 (SAT) | 4:30 PM Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ
DEC. 27 (SAT) | 5:45 PM University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
DEC. 27 (SAT) | 9:15 PM NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
DEC. 29 (MON) | 2:00 PM Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
DEC. 30 (TUE) | 2:00 PM Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA
DEC. 31 (WED) | 2:00 PM Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX
DEC. 31 (WED) | 3:30 PM Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl JAN. 2 (FRI) | 1:00 PM Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX
East-West Shrine Bowl
JAN. 27 (TUE) | 7:00 PM Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX
