College football bowl game schedule: The entire postseason lineup through CFP

This college football postseason lineup is full of familiar faces in the College Football Playoff and some newcomers to the field. The 11 games to decide the national champion will start with first-round games at campus sites on Dec. 19 and 20. Four winners will advance to face the four teams with first-round bye in quarterfinals on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

The semifinals will be played at the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, respectively. The national championship game will be held Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.

But there's also more than just the chase for the national championship. A full lineup of bowl games will kickoff on Dec. 13 and run alongside all the playoff matchups

A look at the entire postseason schedule with dates, times and television details along with all the matchups that will take you through the holiday season and beyond:

LA Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 13, Inglewood, Calif., 8 p.m., ABC

MATCHUP: Boise State (9-4) vs. Washington (8-4)

This could be dubbed the Chris Petersen bowl with the Broncos and Huskies being the two final stops on his illustrious coaching career. Boise is off its third Mountain West title in row. Washington had a solid season in the Big Ten behind quarterback Demond Williams.

Salute to Veterans Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 16, Montgomery, Ala., 9 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Jacksonville State (8-5) vs. Troy (8-5)

It's a short turnaround for both the Gamecocks and Trojans after each lost their conference championship games in what otherwise were successful seasons.

Cure Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 17, Orlando, Fla., 5 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Old Dominion (9-3) vs. South Florida (9-3)

The Monarchs improved by four victories to earn their second bowl trip in three seasons. The Bulls were a favorite in the American until tough loss to Navy knocked them out. They'll be without head coach Alex Golesh, who left to take the coaching vacancy at Auburn.

68 Ventures Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 17, Mobile, Ala., 8:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Delaware (6-6) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (6-6)

It was a successful first year in the Bowl Subdivision for the Blue Hens, who earned a postseason spot with narrow home wins against Louisiana Tech and Connecticut. The Ragin' Cajuns are making their eighth bowl appearance in a row.

Xbox Bowl

DETAILS: Thursday, Dec. 18, Frisco, Texas, 9 p.m., ESPN2

MATCHUP: Arkansas State (6-6) vs. Missouri State (7-5)

It's the third consecutive trip to the postseason for the Red Wolves, who rely on quarterback Jaylen Raynor to power their offense. The Bears make their first bowl game in their first season in the Bowl Subdivision.

Myrtle Beach Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 19, Conway, S.C., 11 a.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Kennesaw State (10-3) vs. Western Michigan (9-4)

This could be one of the better postseason matchups with the Owls fresh off winning the Conference USA title in their second Bowl Subdivision season and the Broncos winning the MAC with nine wins in their last 10 games.

Gasparilla Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 19, Tampa, Fla., 2:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: North Carolina State (7-5) vs. Memphis (8-4)

This is familiar territory for the Wolfpack, who have qualified for a bowl game in 11 of 12 seasons. The Tigers will be dealing with the loss of head coach Ryan Silverfield to Arkansas after three losses to end the regular season.

College Football Playoff

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m., ABC/ESPN

MATCHUP: Oklahoma (10-2) vs. Alabama (10-3)

The Sooners already beat the Crimson Tide earlier this season at Tuscaloosa. Now they'll host the Tide in a game that should be electric on Friday night. The winner gets the task of facing Indiana in the Rose Bowl.

College Football Playoff

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 20, noon, ABC/ESPN

MATCHUP: Texas A&M (11-1) vs. Miami (10-2)

The Hurricanes were the last at-large team in the field and get the task of traveling to College Station. The Aggies will be looking to erase the bitter taste of losing to rival Texas in the regular-season finale that kept them out of the SEC title game.

College Football Playoff

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m., TNT/truTV

MATCHUP: Mississippi (10-2) vs. Tulane (11-2)

The is a rematch of a regular-season game also played in Oxford that the Rebels comfortably won. But Lane Kiffin won't be on the sideline this time, and the Green Wave are off winning the American.

College Football Playoff

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., TNT/truTV

MATCHUP: Oregon (11-1) vs. James Madison (12-1)

The Dukes benefitted from five-loss Duke winning the ACC to make the field as the fifth-rated conference champion. They'll face a difficult task of traveling West to face the Ducks.

Idaho Potato Bowl

DETAILS: Monday, Dec. 22, Boise, Idaho, 2 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Utah State (6-6) vs. Washington State (6-6)

Future Pac-12 foes will get an early look at each other in this bowl game. The Aggies will try to ride the momentum of a strong second half. The Cougars lost head coach Jimmy Rogers to Iowa State.

Boca Raton Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 23, Boca Raton, Fla., 2 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Louisville (8-4) vs. Toledo (8-4)

The Cardinals stumbled in their last three ACC games after being in contention for the title game. The Rockets, who saw coach Jason Candle leave for Connecticut, have won four games in a row.

New Orleans Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 23, New Orleans, 5:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Western Kentucky (8-4) vs. Southern Mississippi (7-5)

Two teams that faltered in their last game to miss their respective conference championship games. The Eagles also have lost coach Charles Huff to Memphis.

Frisco Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 23, Frisco, Texas, 9 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: UNLV (10-3) vs. Ohio (8-4)

The Rebels had two of their losses to Boise State, including the Mountain West title game. The Bobcats narrowly missed the MAC championship game.

Hawaii Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 24, Honolulu., 8 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: California (7-5) vs. Hawaii (8-4)

The Bears are being led by former Hawaii coach Nick Rolovich, who serving as interim coach after the firing of Justin Wilcox. The Rainbow Warriors return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.

GameAbove Sports Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 26, Detroit, 1 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Central Michigan (7-5) vs. Northwestern (6-6)

Matt Drinkall had a great debut sesaon for the Chippewas, who will face the Wildcats for just the second time. Northwestern needs to reverse its run of four losses in five games to avoid finishing on down note.

Rate Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 26, Phoenix, 1 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Minnesota (7-5) vs. New Mexico (9-3)

It was a great season for the Lobos in Jason Eck's first year with the program. They'll stay near home to face the Gophers, making a seventh trip to the postseason under P.J. Fleck.

First Responder Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 26, Dallas, 8 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Florida International (7-5) vs. Texas-San Antonio (6-6)

Willie Simmons had a remarkable first season as coach of the Panthers, who enter on a four-game win streak. The Road Runners had an up-and-down year that included impressive wins against Tulane and East Carolina mixed with curious losses.

Military Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Pittsburgh (8-4) vs. East Carolina (8-4)

It's a return trip to this game for the Pirates after they beat North Carolina State last year. They'll try to take down another ACC team this time. The Panthers must get better on defense to avoid that fate.

Pinstripe Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Bronx, N.Y., noon, ABC

MATCHUP: Clemson (7-5) vs. Penn State (6-6)

These are two teams that started in the top five and might have been a College Football Playoff semifinal. Both almost missed bowl games before a string of wins at the end of the year. Which will be motivated to finish out with a victory?

Fenway Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Boston, 2:15 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Army (6-5) vs. Connecticut (9-3)

The Black Knights secured their postseason spot with a win at Texas-San Antonio. The Huskies are making a return trip to Boston after beating North Carolina in this game last year.

Pop-Tarts Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Orlando, Fla., 3:30 p.m., ABC

MATCHUP: Georgia Tech (9-3) vs. Brigham Young (11-2)

Both the Yellow Jackets and Cougars had great seasons, but their playoff hopes ended with late losses. Look for both teams to be motivated to finish with a win that will help carry momentum into the offseason.

Arizona Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Tucson, Ariz., 4:30 p.m., CW

MATCHUP: Miami (Ohio) (7-6) vs. Fresno State (8-4)

It was a disappointing finish to the regular season for the Red Hawks, who lost in the MAC title game. The Bulldogs will ride the running back combination of Rayshon Luke and Bryson Donelson.

New Mexico Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Albuquerque., 5:45 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: San Diego State (9-3) vs. North Texas (11-2)

After missing a chance at the playoff, the Mean Green settle for a trip to face the Aztecs, who rebounded from a 3-9 season in 2024 to make a bowl game.

Gator Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Jacksonville, Fla., 7:30 p.m., ABC

MATCHUP: Virginia (10-3) vs. Missouri (8-4)

How do the Cavaliers respond after an overtime loss to Duke that cost them a CFP berth? The Tigers will be looking for their third bowl win in row.

Texas Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Houston, 9:15 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Houston (9-3) vs. LSU (7-5)

The Cougars had their best season in the Big 12 as Willie Fritz continues his building of the program. It's a return trip to the Texas Bowl for the Tigers, which may have Lane Kiffin around to help.

Birmingham Bowl

DETAILS: Monday, Dec. 29, Birmingham, Ala., 2 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Georgia Southern (6-6) vs. TBA

Independence Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 30, Shreveport, La., 2 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Coastal Carolina (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (7-5)

The Chanticleers finished second in the Sun Belt division, but will be without coach Tim Beck, who was fired after the season. The Bulldogs are assured of their first winning season since 2019.

Music City Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 30, Nashville, Tenn., 5:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Illinois (8-4) vs. Tennessee (8-4)

Orange will be the color of the day in this game. Both teams had playoff aspirations entering the season but didn't play consistently enough. At least one of them will finish on high note.

Alamo Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 30, San Antonio, Texas, 9 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Southern California (9-3) vs. TCU (8-4)

The Trojans will be making their 57th bowl appearance, and this will be their first in the Alamo Bowl. The home crowd should favor the Horned Frogs, who will look to quarterback Josh Hoover to lead them to their third nine-win season in four years.

ReliaQuest Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Tampa, Fla., noon, ESPN

MATCHUP: Iowa (8-4) vs. Vanderbilt (10-2)

It's the best season ever for the Commodores with Diego Pavia possibly playing in his last game. The Hawkeyes were the victim of four close losses, including two at home to Oregon and Indiana.

Sun Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, El Paso, Texas, 2 p.m., CBS

MATCHUP: Arizona State (8-4) vs. Duke (8-5)

This is an opportunity for the Sun Devils to erase a disappointing finish. The Blue Devils will be riding the momentum of their ACC title that ended a long championship drought.

Citrus Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Orlando, Fla., 3 p.m., ABC

MATCHUP: Michigan (9-3) vs. Texas (9-3)

Two of the winningest programs meet in their first postseason matchup since a memorable Rose Bowl won by the Longhorns in the 2004 season. Texas also won the other time the schools met - in last season's opener.

Las Vegas Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Las Vegas, 3:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Nebraska (7-5) vs. Utah (10-2)

After a strong start, the Cornhuskers limped to a 1-3 record down the stretch after an injury to quarterback Dylan Raiola. The Utes will ride the dynamic playoff quarterback Devon Dampier after a season where it only lost to Texas Tech and Brigham Young.

Cotton Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Arlington, Texas, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Ohio State vs. Texas A&M-Miami winner

Orange Bowl

DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 1, Miami Gardens, Fla., noon, ESPN

MATCHUP: Texas Tech vs. Oregon-James Madison winner

Rose Bowl

DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 1, Pasadena, Calif., 4 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Indiana vs. Oklahoma-Alabama winner

Sugar Bowl

DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 1, New Orleans., 8 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Georgia vs. Mississippi-Tulane winner

Armed Forces Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, Fort Worth, Texas, 1 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Rice (5-7) vs. Texas State (6-6)

A matchup of Lone Star State schools that played in the postseason two years ago. The Owls benefit from several schools skipping bowl games to get a postseason spot.

Liberty Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, Memphis, Tenn., 4:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Navy (10-2) vs. Cincinnati (7-5)

The Midshipmen first have a chance to win the Commander-in-Chiefs Trophy against Army before turning their attention to the Bearcats, who lost their last four after getting into contention in the Big 12.

Duke's Mayo Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, Charlotte, N.C., 8 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Wake Forest (8-4) vs. Mississippi State (5-7)

The arrival of coach Jake Dickert was the catalyst for the Demon Deacons having a resurgent season. The Bulldogs had a series of near-misses, including overtime defeats to Tennessee and Texas, which caused them to fall short of six wins, but they still made the postseason.

Holiday Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, San Diego, 8 p.m., Fox

MATCHUP: Arizona (9-3) vs. SMU (8-4)

Brent Brennan started his second season with the Wildcats under pressure, but quarterback Noah Fifita helped lead a resurgent season. The Mustangs had the chance to make the playoff before stumbling against California in its regular-season finale.

Fiesta Bowl

DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 8, Glendale, Ariz., 7:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: College Football Playoff semifinal

Peach Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 9, Atlanta, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: College Football Playoff semifinal

College Football Playoff championship game

DETAILS: Monday, Jan. 19, Miami Gardens, Fla., 7:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: College Football Playoff semifinal winners

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football bowl game schedule: The entire postseason lineup through CFP

Reporting by Erick Smith, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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