Are there any college football bowl games today? Yes, college football bowl games are being played today, Saturday, December 13, 2025, officially launching the NCAA postseason schedule for the 2025–26 season. After weeks of anticipation following conference championships, bowl season begins with confirmed matchups that bring teams, fans, and traditions back into the national spotlight.
Today’s schedule marks the first opportunity for postseason competition, featuring games that celebrate conference champions, reward strong regular-season performances, and set the tone for the weeks of college football still to come.
College Football Bowl Games Today: Complete and Current Schedule
There are two officially scheduled college football bowl games today, both nationally televised and fully confirmed. These games represent different sides of the bowl season, from championship recognition to high-profile interconference competition.
Cricket Celebration Bowl
- Kickoff: 12:00 PM Eastern
- Teams: South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. Prairie View A&M Panthers
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- Network: ABC
The Cricket Celebration Bowl is one of the most meaningful games on 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 positions through consistent play and conference success during the regular season.
This game is known for its vibrant atmosphere, passionate fan bases, and cultural significance. Marching bands, spirited crowds, and championship stakes make it a centerpiece of bowl season’s opening weekend.
Bucked Up LA Bowl (Hosted by Gronk)
- Kickoff: 8:00 PM Eastern
- Teams: Boise State Broncos vs. Washington Huskies
- Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Network: ABC
The LA Bowl closes out today’s bowl action with a prime-time matchup in one of the most modern stadiums in sports. Boise State enters with a long history of postseason success, while Washington represents a Power Conference program with national recognition.
This game highlights one of bowl season’s defining characteristics: teams from different conferences meeting in a neutral setting with nothing at stake but pride, performance, and momentum.
Why Bowl Season Starts Today
For many fans, December brings a familiar question: when do bowl games actually begin? Today provides that answer. December 13 has become a traditional starting point for bowl season, allowing teams to transition from the regular season into postseason play before the holiday stretch.
Bowl games exist to extend the college football season while honoring teams that achieved eligibility. They also give players additional exposure and a final opportunity to compete together.
Reasons bowl season matters include:
- Extra games for players and coaches
- National visibility for programs
- Economic and cultural impact for host cities
- A bridge between the regular season and the playoff
Today’s games open the door to all of that.
Are There Any College Football Bowl Games Today That Fans Should Watch?
Yes, and both games offer clear appeal. While these matchups are not part of the College Football Playoff, they carry weight in different ways.
The Celebration Bowl determines the top HBCU program of the season. That title matters deeply within college football’s broader landscape and carries prestige that extends beyond the final score.
The LA Bowl provides a contrasting experience. A late kickoff, a major West Coast venue, and teams with different styles make it a strong viewing option for fans looking for competitive football under the lights.
Viewing Guide for College Football Bowl Games Today
All bowl games today are accessible to a national audience. Kickoff times are spaced to give fans multiple viewing options throughout the day.
Today’s Bowl Schedule (Eastern Time)
| Bowl Game | Time | Matchup | 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 |
With both games airing on the same network, viewers can easily plan their day without switching channels.
How Today Fits Into the Full Bowl Calendar
Today’s games represent the beginning of a packed postseason schedule. Over the next several weeks, bowl games will be played almost daily, leading into late-December matchups and early-January conclusions.
Following today:
- Bowl games continue throughout the week
- Matchups increase closer to the holidays
- Attention shifts toward playoff rounds later in December
- The national championship is decided in January
Every bowl contributes to the overall postseason narrative, even those outside the playoff.
The Role of the Celebration Bowl in College Football
The Celebration Bowl is unique because it functions as a true championship game. Unlike many bowls that exist as standalone events, this matchup crowns a season-long achievement.
Atlanta’s central location and indoor venue make it ideal for hosting fans from both conferences. The game has become an annual showcase for HBCU football, drawing attention to programs that may not always receive national exposure during the regular season.
For players, winning this game is often the highlight of their college careers.
Why the LA Bowl Continues to Grow
The LA Bowl has steadily increased its profile since its introduction. Its connection to a world-class stadium and a major media market makes it attractive for teams and viewers alike.
The matchup between Boise State and Washington fits the bowl’s goal of producing competitive games with recognizable programs. Prime-time placement adds energy, while the neutral site ensures a balanced environment.
What Fans Should Expect From Today’s Games
Bowl games often differ from regular-season contests. Teams have additional preparation time, and coaching staffs may introduce new looks or creative strategies.
Fans watching today should expect:
- Energetic starts from motivated teams
- Emotional performances from seniors
- Balanced crowds at neutral venues
- A postseason atmosphere without playoff pressure
These elements often lead to entertaining and unpredictable outcomes.
Are There Any College Football Bowl Games Today for Casual Viewers?
Absolutely. Today’s schedule works well for casual fans who want a taste of postseason football without committing to an entire day.
A midday game provides easy access for early viewing, while a prime-time matchup delivers a traditional Saturday night football experience. The stakes are clear, and the presentation is designed for a broad audience.
What Comes After Today’s Bowl Games
Once today’s games conclude, the bowl calendar accelerates. Teams will travel, prepare, and compete across the country as postseason football takes center stage.
For some players, these games represent their final moments in college football. For others, they are stepping stones toward future seasons or professional opportunities.
Each game adds another layer to the postseason story.
Why Fans Keep Asking This Question
The repeated question — are there any college football bowl games today — highlights how bowl season blends into the holiday schedule. With dates shifting slightly each year, fans want confirmation before tuning in.
Today answers that question clearly. Bowl season has officially begun, and college football is once again part of the weekend routine.
Are you watching college football bowl games today, or saving your viewing time for later matchups? Share your thoughts and stay connected as the postseason continues.