What Are the Biggest Bowl Games and NCAA Playoff Matchups You Should Watch This Season
Every December, college football pulls off something no other sport does. It hands us a month full of endings and beginnings at the exact same time.
Every December, college football pulls off something no other sport does. It hands us a month full of endings and beginnings at the exact same time. Seniors play their last snaps. Programs chase redemption. Fanbases travel across the country in freezing weather just to say, “I was there.”
Bowl season and the NCAA playoffs give the sport its most emotional stretch, where everything feels heightened — the noise, the stakes, the heartbreak, the hope. And this year’s lineup brings together tradition, unpredictability, and the early outlines of a new playoff era.
Here’s what to watch, what we know, and what makes these matchups matter.
Why Bowl Season Feels Bigger This Year
Bowl games used to feel like standalone rewards. Now they feel like chapters in a much larger story.
The expanded playoff format means more teams stay relevant deeper into the season. Conference realignments have reshaped rivalries. And with early transfers and NIL movement, matchups carry layers of emotion and identity.
The bowls aren’t just postseason exhibitions anymore. They’re snapshots of a sport in transition — and they’ve become some of the most intense, unpredictable games we get all year.
Who You’ll See on the Field
No two bowl seasons feel the same, but there are always a few roles that shape the experience:
The contenders
Teams positioned for the playoff quarterfinals — the ones with something real to lose. In the 2025–26 bracket, programs like Ohio State, Georgia, and top-ranked Big Ten or SEC teams are in the mix.
The statement-makers
Programs looking to finish strong after falling short of the playoff. They tend to produce the best bowl moments because they come in with a point to prove.
The wildcards
Teams riding late-season surges — breakout quarterbacks, chaotic offenses, teams that turn a mid-tier bowl into must-watch TV.
The sentimental favorites
Players closing out impressive careers. Coaches writing redemption arcs. Fanbases that travel no matter what.
When the Biggest Games Happen
The season’s postseason rhythm is familiar:
Early December: bowl matchups and playoff pairings announced
Mid–December through early January: bowl games kick off nationwide
December 31 and January 1: the marquee bowl games and playoff quarterfinals
Early January: the National Championship
The moment matchups drop, ticket searches and resale market activity spike — especially for the playoff games.
How This Year’s Bowl Season Is Already Taking Shape
Here are real matchups already announced for the 2025 bowl calendar:
BYU vs Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl
UConn vs Army in the Fenway Bowl
Fresno State vs Miami (Ohio) in the Arizona Bowl
Arkansas State vs Missouri State in the first-ever Xbox Bowl
These are meaningful matchups — a mix of historic programs, fan bases that travel, and teams with enough personality to make their bowl games genuinely fun.
Now, on the playoff side:
The 2025–26 College Football Playoff quarterfinals include four heavyweight games:
Ohio State slotted for the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal
A top overall seed (currently projected as Indiana in several models) in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal
Georgia lining up for the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal
Another top-seeded program headlining the Orange Bowl quarterfinal
These quarterfinals are effectively the new heart of the postseason — win-or-go-home games played on some of the biggest stages in college football.
Once first-round results lock in, these matchups explode in demand. That’s when resale platforms like XP get especially active.
Check out tickets to the NCAA Bowl games at XP.
How Fans Can Plan for Tickets Without Stress
The smartest fans start before the matchups finalize.
Here’s how to do it:
Pick your city anchor
If you know you want to be in Pasadena, Dallas, Atlanta, or New Orleans — regardless of team — start watching those venues early.
Check out games:
Turn on Price Alerts on the XP App
When bowl pairings drop, prices can double in hours. Alerts help you beat the rush.
Move early for playoff games
The semifinal and quarterfinal rounds don’t stay cheap. Once teams are confirmed, even upper levels disappear.
Use resale strategically
Plans change for fans constantly — meaning the resale market often ends up with better seats than the initial sale.
Proof This Postseason Is Going to Be Wild
You can already see the momentum:
Bowl announcements are generating early travel spikes in host cities.
Neutral-site stadiums are preparing for heavy tourism.
The expanded playoff means more teams have real stakes deep into November.
The resale market historically surges within the first 24 hours after pairings drop.
Everything points to a postseason with real national attention — not just from diehard fans, but from casual watchers who want to be part of something big.
About XP
XP is built for fans who want better — better prices, clearer fees, easier buying, and the ability to change plans without stress.
With no hidden fees, Price Alerts, and instant sell-back options, XP makes bowl season a whole lot easier to navigate. Whether you follow your alma mater or just love college football, XP helps you get into the stadium without the headache.
FAQ
Which bowl matchups are confirmed this season
BYU–Georgia Tech, UConn–Army, Fresno State–Miami (OH), and Arkansas State–Missouri State are among the confirmed games.
Who is expected in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals
Teams like Ohio State, Georgia, and other top-ranked programs are positioned for quarterfinal assignments in Cotton, Sugar, Rose, and Orange Bowls.
When do bowl game tickets become available
Immediately after matchups are announced in early December, with resale activity increasing within hours. Check here
How can I get affordable seats
Use Price Alerts, buy early for playoff games, and rely on resale markets like XP for flexibility.
Why are bowl games still such a big deal
They combine tradition, unpredictability, and emotional storylines — and serve as a transition into the national championship run.
Where can I get no fee, cheap tickets to the Bowls?
Check out: