Bowl Guide

Texas Bowl Central: Horns to Citrus, TCU to Alamo, Houston Stays Home

From Orlando to San Diego, here is the complete bowl rundown for every Texas FBS program, featuring a Texas-Michigan blue blood clash and a Big 12-Big Ten showdown in San Antonio.

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Written By Staff Writer
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With the College Football Playoff field set, "Selection Sunday" also confirmed the postseason destinations for five other tracked programs. The 2025 bowl season will feature marquee matchups against historic brands and old rivals.

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: Texas vs. Michigan

Date: Dec 31, 2025 | Time: 2:00 PM CT | TV: ABC Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL

The Texas Longhorns (9-3) narrowly missed the playoff cut but landed in one of the most prestigious non-CFP destinations. They will face the Michigan Wolverines in Orlando. This "Blue Blood" matchup features two of the sport's biggest brands ringing in the New Year. It marks a chance for Texas to secure a 10-win season and momentum heading into 2026.

Valero Alamo Bowl: TCU vs. USC

Date: Dec 30, 2025 | Time: 7:00 PM CT | TV: ESPN Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX

The TCU Horned Frogs (9-4) are headed back to San Antonio for a blockbuster pairing against Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans. The Alamo Bowl traditionally gets the first pick of Big 12 teams after the CFP, and they chose a matchup guaranteed to deliver offensive fireworks.

Kinder's Texas Bowl: Houston vs. LSU

Date: Dec 27, 2025 | Time: 8:15 PM CT | TV: ESPN Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

Willie Fritz's Houston Cougars (9-3) get a massive opportunity on their home turf. They will host the LSU Tigers at NRG Stadium. Facing an SEC powerhouse in their own city offers Houston a chance to make a definitive statement about their arrival as a Big 12 power.

DirecTV Holiday Bowl: SMU vs. Arizona

Date: Jan 2, 2026 | Time: 6:00 PM CT | TV: FOX Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA

The SMU Mustangs (11-2), fresh off an ACC Championship Game appearance, travel west to face the Arizona Wildcats. The matchup at Snapdragon Stadium puts SMU in a primetime window on January 2nd, rewarding their historic 11-win campaign with a trip to San Diego.

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl: UTSA vs. FIU

Date: Dec 26, 2025 | Time: 2:30 PM CT | TV: ESPN Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX

The UTSA Roadrunners (7-5) will stay in the Lone Star State, traveling to Dallas to face Conference USA's FIU Panthers. It's a favorable draw for Roadrunners fans, allowing for easy travel to support team as they chase an 8th win.

Season Concluded: Baylor Bears

After a challenging 5-7 campaign, Baylor has officially declined potential invitation to a lower-tier bowl game based on APR availability. The Bears will turn their focus immediately to the offseason and the 2026 recruiting class.

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#BowlGames #Texas #TCU #Houston #SMU #UTSA