There’s a longstanding tradition in college football that makes New Year’s Eve and Day feel truly festive, and this year is no exception as the most anticipated bowl games unfold. Fans can enjoy a total of five exciting matchups scheduled for New Year’s Eve, including a crucial playoff game featuring some of the nation’s top teams.
The slate begins with the ReliaQuest Bowl, where the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide will face off against the Michigan Wolverines at noon ET. This game, held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, can be watched on ESPN and streamed through ESPN+.
Next up, the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl showcases the Louisville Cardinals going head-to-head with the Washington Huskies at 2 p.m. ET in El Paso, Texas. Football fans can catch this matchup on CBS and Paramount Plus.
At 3 p.m. ET, viewers can choose between two more games: the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, featuring No. 15 South Carolina Gamecocks and No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida (available on ABC and ESPN+), and the Kinder’s Texas Bowl, where the Baylor Bears take on the LSU Tigers at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas (broadcasted on ESPN and ESPN+).
Lastly, the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, a College Football Playoff Quarterfinal, will see the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions challenge the No. 3 Boise State Broncos at 3 p.m. ET in Glendale, Arizona, also available on ESPN and ESPN+.
As fans eagerly tune in to these electrifying matchups, it’s a fantastic way to usher in the new year with thrilling college football action. And for those looking forward to the future, this season also shines a spotlight on top prospects likely heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, promising an exciting road ahead for these talented players.
Overall, this festive college football lineup is not just about the games; it’s about celebration, tradition, and the sheer joy of sports that brings communities together.