Are there any college football bowl games today? Yes, college football bowl games are officially being played today, Saturday, December 13, 2025, as the NCAA postseason schedule opens with confirmed matchups that launch the 2025–26 bowl season. For fans across the United States, today marks the return of meaningful postseason football following the conclusion of the regular season and conference championship games.
The start of bowl season is a major moment on the college football calendar. Teams that earned postseason eligibility now take the field in nationally televised games that celebrate tradition, competition, and regional pride. Today’s slate includes two officially scheduled bowl games, both fully confirmed and widely broadcast.
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College Football Bowl Games Today: Verified Schedule
There are two NCAA-sanctioned college football bowl games scheduled for today, representing the first chapter of the postseason. These games set the tone for several weeks of bowl action that will continue through early January.
Cricket Celebration Bowl
- Kickoff Time: 12:00 PM Eastern
- Teams: South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. Prairie View A&M Panthers
- Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- Television: ABC
The Cricket Celebration Bowl is one of the most meaningful games of the early bowl calendar. It features the champions of the MEAC and SWAC conferences and serves as the HBCU national championship game. South Carolina State and Prairie View A&M earned their spots after successful seasons and now meet on a neutral field in a major indoor stadium.
This game has grown into a centerpiece event for HBCU football, drawing strong attendance and national attention every year.
Bucked Up LA Bowl (Hosted by Gronk)
- Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM Eastern
- Teams: Boise State Broncos vs. Washington Huskies
- Stadium: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Television: ABC
The LA Bowl closes out today’s action with a prime-time matchup. Boise State represents the Mountain West Conference, while Washington enters the postseason as a Power Conference program. The game is played at SoFi Stadium, one of the most advanced sports venues in the country.
This matchup highlights one of the classic bowl season themes: a strong Group of Five program facing a nationally recognized opponent on a big stage.
Why Bowl Season Begins Today
The question many fans ask every December is whether bowl games have started yet. Today’s schedule confirms that bowl season is officially underway. December 13 traditionally marks the opening weekend for postseason college football, with games spaced out over the following weeks.
Bowl games exist to reward teams for successful seasons and to provide players with additional exposure, especially seniors playing their final college games. For fans, bowl season offers:
- Daily football viewing opportunities
- Matchups between teams that rarely meet
- Neutral-site games in major cities
- Extended coverage during the holiday season
Today’s games serve as the gateway to that broader postseason experience.
Are There Any College Football Bowl Games Today Worth Watching?
For viewers wondering if today’s matchups are compelling, the answer is yes. Both games carry significance beyond the final score.
The Cricket Celebration Bowl determines the top HBCU program of the season, a title that holds cultural, historical, and competitive value. The atmosphere often includes marching bands, halftime performances, and passionate fan bases.
The LA Bowl offers a contrasting style of football, combining West Coast flair, a modern stadium, and teams with distinct identities. Boise State’s long bowl history adds intrigue, while Washington brings name recognition and Power Conference pedigree.
TV and Viewing Information for Today’s Games
All college football bowl games today are broadcast nationally, making them accessible to fans across the U.S.
Today’s Bowl Games at a Glance (ET)
| Bowl Game | Kickoff | Teams | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket Celebration Bowl | 12:00 PM | South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M | ABC |
| Bucked Up LA Bowl | 8:00 PM | Boise State vs. Washington | ABC |
Both games are available through standard television providers and authorized streaming platforms that carry ABC programming.
How Today’s Games Fit Into the Bigger Picture
While today’s bowl games are not part of the College Football Playoff, they play an important role in the postseason structure. Bowl season is layered, with early games leading into higher-profile matchups later in December.
After today:
- Bowl games continue throughout the week
- Matchups increase in frequency closer to the holidays
- Playoff games begin later in the month
- The national championship is decided in January
Today’s contests are the starting point of that progression.
The Importance of the Cricket Celebration Bowl
The Celebration Bowl stands apart from many other bowl games because of its championship status. It is not simply an exhibition; it crowns the best HBCU program of the season.
The game’s location in Atlanta provides easy access for fans from both conferences, and the indoor setting ensures consistent playing conditions. Over the years, the Celebration Bowl has grown in visibility and prestige, becoming a must-watch event for college football fans interested in the full landscape of the sport.
The LA Bowl’s Growing Profile
The LA Bowl has quickly become one of the more recognizable early postseason games. Its association with a high-profile venue and national broadcast slot makes it attractive for teams and viewers alike.
The matchup between Boise State and Washington reflects the bowl’s mission of delivering competitive games that balance conference tie-ins with fan appeal. Prime-time kickoff adds to the anticipation and gives the game a spotlight all its own.
What Fans Should Know Before Kickoff
If you plan to watch college football bowl games today, keep these points in mind:
- All kickoff times are listed in Eastern Time
- Neutral-site games can affect crowd dynamics
- Weather is not a factor for today’s indoor stadiums
- Player motivation varies, but effort is typically high in early bowls
These games often feature creative play-calling, emotional performances, and memorable moments.
Are There Any College Football Bowl Games Today for Casual Fans?
Even casual fans can enjoy today’s slate. Bowl season offers a more relaxed viewing experience compared to playoff pressure, while still delivering competitive football.
Today’s games provide:
- A midday option and a prime-time option
- Clear storylines and defined stakes
- National broadcasts with experienced commentary
Whether you follow college football closely or tune in occasionally, today’s games are accessible and engaging.
What Happens After Today
Following Saturday’s action, the bowl schedule continues to build momentum. More teams will take the field in the coming days, and storylines will shift toward conference pride, coaching futures, and player legacies.
For some athletes, today’s game is their final appearance in college football. For others, it is a stepping stone toward professional aspirations or future seasons.
Why Fans Ask This Question Every December
The recurring question — are there any college football bowl games today — reflects how closely bowl season is tied to the holiday calendar. With schedules changing slightly each year, fans often look for confirmation before tuning in.
Today provides that confirmation. Bowl season has begun, and college football is back on the national stage.
Are you tuning in for today’s bowl games, or waiting for later matchups? Join the conversation and keep checking back as bowl season continues.