Bowl games tomorrow reveal shocking Iowa vs. Vanderbilt upset potential and Ohio State’s championship defense battle against Miami

Bowl games tomorrow feature two major matchups as college football enters its New Year’s Eve celebration. The Iowa Hawkeyes take on the Vanderbilt Commodores in the ReliaQuest Bowl at 11 a.m. CT/12 p.m. ET in Tampa, while the Ohio State Buckeyes face the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl playoff quarterfinal at 7:30 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Both contests carry significant playoff implications and feature compelling storylines sure to captivate fans.

Iowa and Vanderbilt Square Off in Tampa

The 23rd-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) travel to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa to face 14th-ranked Vanderbilt (10-2) in the ReliaQuest Bowl. This matchup represents a tremendous opportunity for the Hawkeyes to secure their first top-25 victory of the season, as Iowa faces a Vanderbilt team riding high after an historic regular season. The Commodores have exceeded all expectations under head coach Clark Lea, cementing themselves as one of the year’s biggest surprise stories.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has been the catalyst for the Commodores’ success. The dynamic signal-caller completed 71.2 percent of his passes with 27 touchdowns against just 8 interceptions, earning All-SEC first team honors and the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Iowa’s defense, which has been a strength all season, will need to contain Pavia’s dual-threat ability and prevent his playmakers from getting into rhythm.

Matchup Factor	Iowa	Vanderbilt
Record	8-4	10-2
Key Player	Defensive Unit	Diego Pavia (QB)
Recent Form	Seeking consistency	Historic season
Playoff Implications	None	None

Ohio State and Miami Meet in High-Stakes Cotton Bowl

The number two seed Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1) represent college football royalty as the defending national champions. The Buckeyes won the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship in dramatic fashion, defeating Notre Dame 34-23 in January. Now, Ohio State seeks to begin another championship run by dispatching the number ten seed Miami Hurricanes (11-2) in the playoff quarterfinal at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Miami’s path to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. The Hurricanes earned their playoff berth as a double-digit seed and immediately demonstrated their credentials by defeating seventh-seeded Texas A&M 10-3 in the first round. This defensive battle showcased Miami’s unexpected strength on the defensive side of the ball, with the team keeping an elite offense in check. Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for a career-high 172 yards in that upset victory, giving Miami’s ground game momentum heading into this semifinal matchup.

“Miami won the first game against Texas A&M, but he will have to take his game to another level in the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State.”

— State of The U analysis, College Football Preview

December 31 Bowl Games Draw National Interest

December 31, 2025 marks one of the most action-packed days in bowl season, with five contests scheduled across the day. The Iowa-Vanderbilt game kicks off at 11 a.m. CT/12 p.m. ET on ESPN, while additional New Year’s Eve matchups fill the schedule with college football throughout the afternoon and evening. The Cotton Bowl quarterfinal between Ohio State and Miami headlines the evening at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

These games represent the penultimate round of the College Football Playoff, with the winners advancing to the semifinal games on January 8 and 9. The stakes could not be higher, as teams battle for a trip to the National Championship Game in Miami on January 19, 2026. For Iowa and Vanderbilt, the ReliaQuest Bowl offers an opportunity to conclude their seasons on a positive note against quality competition.

What Will Determine Tomorrow’s Outcomes?

The Iowa-Vanderbilt game hinges on whether the Hawkeyes can establish their running game and keep Diego Pavia off schedule. Iowa’s defense must limit big plays through the air while forcing the Commodores into predictable situations. Conversely, Vanderbilt needs Pavia to execute the offense efficiently and take advantage of Iowa’s 23rd-ranked status to upset a ranked opponent in the national spotlight.

In the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State’s experience as defending national champions provides intangible value, but Miami’s upset mentality cannot be overlooked. The Hurricanes showed in their victory over Texas A&M that defensive intensity and opportunistic play can overcome talent disparities. However, facing the No. 2 seed and reigning champion represents a significantly steeper challenge than defeating the No. 7 seed on the road in their first playoff game.

Which team will advance from the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal tomorrow night?

Ohio State enters as a 9.5-point favorite over Miami, reflecting the defending champion’s experience and talent level. The Buckeyes’ first-rate recruiting classes and proven ability to execute in high-pressure situations give them a clear advantage. However, upset special Miami has already shocked more people than anyone expected by reaching this stage, and bowl season has a history of producing unexpected results when teams collide under the bright lights.

Sources

• ESPN – Live game coverage and statistics for both bowl matchups
• CBS Sports – Preview articles and expert predictions for Iowa vs. Vanderbilt and Ohio State vs. Miami
• College Football Playoff Official Site – Bracket information and official game details for quarterfinal matchups