What college football games are on today? Five bowl matchups kick off on New Year’s Eve, December 31, headlined by No. 23 Iowa facing No. 14 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl. These games showcase some of the season’s best teams as playoff contenders battle for bowl supremacy. Expect intense competition and memorable moments as teams look to finish strong heading into January.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Five bowl games scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, 2025 across the nation
- ReliaQuest Bowl features Iowa (8-4) vs. Vanderbilt (10-2) at noon ET on ESPN in Tampa
- Additional games include Sun Bowl, Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl, and other playoff quarterfinal matchups
- One College Football Playoff Quarterfinal between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 10 Miami at 7:30 p.m. ET in Arlington, Texas
Iowa Takes on Vanderbilt in Tampa Showdown
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The ReliaQuest Bowl opens the New Year’s Eve schedule at noon ET with Iowa traveling to face Vanderbilt in Tampa, Florida at Raymond James Stadium. Iowa enters with an 8-4 regular season record, looking to secure a ranked bowl victory. Vanderbilt brings a strong 10-2 mark and hopes to extend their impressive season.
The Commodores rank No. 14 nationally, giving them a higher seed than their Big Ten opponent. This matchup features Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia leading the Commodores offense. Iowa’s defense will be tested against one of the SEC’s most improved teams this season.
Five Bowl Games on New Year’s Eve Slate
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New Year’s Eve features an impressive lineup of five total college football games on December 31. Beyond the ReliaQuest Bowl, fans can enjoy Sun Bowl action, Music City Bowl matchups, and other exciting contests throughout the day. The schedule spans from noon ET all the way to late evening.
College Football Playoff Quarterfinals dominate the later slots, with powerhouse programs competing for national championship positioning. No. 2 Ohio State faces No. 10 Miami in a 7:30 p.m. ET prime-time kickoff at the Cotton Bowl. These high-stakes games feature top-ranked teams with national title aspirations.
| Bowl Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | Network |
| ReliaQuest Bowl | No. 23 Iowa vs. No. 14 Vanderbilt | 12:00 PM | ESPN |
| Sun Bowl | Nevada / Nebraska | 2:00 PM | CBS |
| Music City Bowl | Arizona State / Iowa State | 3:30 PM | ABC |
| Fiesta Bowl (CFP Quarterfinal) | No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 SMU | 7:30 PM | ESPN |
| Cotton Bowl (CFP Quarterfinal) | No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami | 7:30 PM | ESPN |
Vanderbilt’s Path to Bowl Glory
Vanderbilt enters the ReliaQuest Bowl as a team on the rise, finishing 10-2 during the regular season. The Commodores represent one of the SEC’s surprise stories this year. Coach Clark Lea and his squad look to make a statement in Tampa against Iowa.
Diego Pavia leads the Vanderbilt offense with dynamic playmaking ability. The SEC program will be nearly at full strength, with tight end Eli Stowers being the only significant player absent. Vanderbilt’s defensive unit must contain Iowa’s ground game and limit big plays throughout the contest.
“This is a great opportunity for our team to finish the season strong against a ranked opponent in a bowl game.”
— Clark Lea, Vanderbilt Head Coach
Iowa Eyes Ranked Bowl Victory in Florida
Iowa’s Hawkeyes finished the regular season at 8-4 and earned the ReliaQuest Bowl bid. The Big Ten team seeks to upset the higher-ranked Vanderbilt squad and secure a significant nonconference victory in Tampa. Iowa’s defensive prowess has been a hallmark throughout the season.
The Hawkeyes will depend on their strong defensive line and secondary coverage to limit Vanderbilt’s passing attack. Iowa’s running back corps may feature prominently in the game plan. Bowl motivation and a chance to finish with a statement win will drive the Big Ten representatives as they compete at Raymond James Stadium.
What Makes These Bowl Matchups Worth Watching Today?
New Year’s Eve college football provides thrilling entertainment during a holiday celebration. These games feature ranked teams with college football playoff implications for some squads. Vanderbilt seeks to prove their 10-2 season is no fluke, while Iowa wants to upset a higher seed.
The surrounding games showcase additional quality bowl matchups and playoff stakes. The Ohio State vs. Miami Cotton Bowl and Penn State vs. SMU Fiesta Bowl feature some of the nation’s elite programs. These contests deliver must-watch college football on a holiday when many fans have time to enjoy the action.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.