College Football Bowls Explained: How IT Works, Eligibility, Qualifying, and Differences with the Cfp

Understanding the Bowl System in NCAA College Football

The bowl system in NCAA Division I football has been a cherished tradition since the early 1900s. Starting from humble beginnings with the Rose Bowl in 1902, it has evolved into a complex selection process that now involves numerous bowls across the United States.

Historical Context and Evolution

The bowl system’s origins trace back to the inaugural Rose Bowl game in 1902 between teams from the Pacific Coast Conference (Pac-12) and the Big Ten Conference. Over time, the tradition expanded to include games like the Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, and more. These bowls are not just about showcasing football talent; they also provide financial benefits and media exposure for the participating universities and conferences.

Selection Criteria and the CFP

The implementation of the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2014 brought a new layer of complexity to bowl selections. Teams must now win one of several major bowls to be eligible for consideration in the national championship game. This system, unlike traditional bowls, is more stringent and formal, allowing only the top four teams based on their overall performance throughout the season.

Starting from December 8, 2025, anticipation builds as fans await the announcement of bowl matchups. The process involves universities choosing participating teams based on various criteria such as conference affiliation, regional relevance, and the need to provide a quality opponent for the selected team.

The Future of Bowl Selection

With the CFP system in place, the traditional bowls face challenges but also opportunities. Some bowls continue to hold significant importance despite not being part of the CFP top four, while others may struggle to maintain relevance if they don’t regularly attract high-profile matchups.

Bowl Games for 2025

The following is a list of bowl games scheduled for December and January 2026:

• Cricket Celebration Bowl @ Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Bucked Up LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk @ Inglewood, CA @ SoFi Stadium
• IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl @ Montgomery, AL @ Cramton Bowl
• StaffDNA Cure Bowl @ Orlando, FL @ Camping World Stadium
• 68 Ventures Bowl @ Mobile, AL @ Hancock Whitney Stadium
• Myrtle Beach Bowl Presented by Engine @ Conway, SC @ Brooks Stadium
• Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl @ Tampa, FL @ Raymond James Stadium
• CFP First Round Game @ TBD @ Higher-Seeded Team’s Home Field*
• Famous Idaho Potato Bowl @ Boise, ID @ Albertsons Stadium
• Boca Raton Bowl @ Boca Raton, FL @ Flagler Credit Union Stadium
• New Orleans Bowl @ New Orleans, LA @ Caesars Superdome
• Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl @ Frisco, TX @ Ford Center at the Star
• Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl @ Honolulu, HI @ Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex
• GameAbove Sports Bowl @ Detroit, MI @ Ford Field
• Rate Bowl @ Phoenix, AZ @ Chase Field
• SERVPRO First Responder Bowl @ Dallas, TX @ Gerald J. Ford Stadium
• Go Bowling Military Bowl @ Annapolis, MD @ Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
• Pinstripe Bowl @ Bronx, NY @ Yankee Stadium
• Wasabi Fenway Bowl @ Boston, MA @ Fenway Park
• Pop-Tarts Bowl @ Orlando, FL @ Camping World Stadium
• Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop @ Tucson, AZ @ Arizona Stadium
• Isleta New Mexico Bowl @ Albuquerque, NM @ Branch Field at University Stadium
• TaxSlayer Gator Bowl @ Jacksonville, FL @ EverBank Stadium
• Kinder’s Texas Bowl @ Houston, TX @ NRG Stadium
• JLab Birmingham Bowl @ Birmingham, AL @ Protective Stadium
• Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl @ Shreveport, LA @ Independence Stadium
• Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl @ Nashville, TN @ Nissan Stadium
• Valero Alamo Bowl @ San Antonio, TX @ Alamodome
• Reliaquest Bowl @ Tampa, FL @ Raymond James Stadium
• Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl @ El Paso, TX @ Sun Bowl Stadium
• Cheez-It Citrus Bowl @ Orlando, FL @ Camping World Stadium
• SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl @ Las Vegas, NV @ Allegiant Stadium
• Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic @ Arlington, TX @ AT&T Stadium*
• Capital One Orange Bowl @ Miami Gardens, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium*
• Rose Bowl Game Presented by Prudential @ Pasadena, CA @ Rose Bowl Stadium*
• Allstate Sugar Bowl @ New Orleans, LA @ Caesars Superdome*
• Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl @ Fort Worth, TX @ Amon G. Carter Stadium
• Autozone Liberty Bowl @ Memphis, TN @ Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
• Holiday Bowl @ San Diego, CA @ Snapdragon Stadium
• Duke’s Mayo Bowl @ Charlotte, NC @ Bank of America Stadium
• Vrbo Fiesta Bowl @ Glendale, AZ @ State Farm Stadium*
• Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl @ Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium*
• College Football Playoff National Championship @ Miami Gardens, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium*
• East-West Shrine Bowl @ Frisco, TX @ Ford Center
• Panini Senior Bowl @ Mobile, AL @ Hancock Whitney Stadium

The Road to the National Championship

The College Football Playoff national championship game is set for January 19, 2026. The Orange Bowl and Peach Bowl will determine which teams will compete in this marquee event. Fans across the country will be eagerly watching these bowl games to see who secures a spot in the final four.

The bowl system remains an integral part of NCAA football, offering both excitement for fans and financial benefits for participating institutions.

As the 2025 season comes to a close, teams are vying for spots in these prestigious games, knowing that success on the field could lead to a shot at the ultimate prize.

The bowl system has become more competitive with the introduction of the CFP, but it also continues to evolve and adapt. As the 2025 season progresses, keep an eye on the matchups and performances as they will shape the future of college football in America.