College football fans across the globe are in for a treat as the calendar turns to January 2, 2026. This day marks the final slate of non-playoff bowl action before the spotlight shifts completely to the highly anticipated College Football Playoff semifinals. The day is packed with four compelling matchups that promise a blend of intense in-state rivalries, clashes between ranked teams, and potential offensive fireworks.
Armed Forces Bowl: Lone Star State Rematch Kicks Off the Day
The action begins at 1 PM ET on ESPN from Amon G Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. The Armed Forces Bowl features an all-Texas showdown between the Texas State Bobcats and the Rice Owls. This game is a rematch of the 2023 First Responder Bowl, where Texas State secured a dominant 45-21 victory.
Texas State, finishing the regular season at 6-6, enters as the favourite, largely due to a roster that has remained largely intact. Their explosive offense, orchestrated by quarterback Brad Jackson and featuring playmakers like receiver Beau Sparks, has consistently put up 30 or more points this season.
Rice, with a 5-7 record, faces significant hurdles. Their quarterback room has been depleted with both starter Chase Jenkins and backup Drew Devillier entering the transfer portal. This leaves the offense in the hands of little-used freshmen Lucas Scheerhorn or Patrick Crayton Jr, presenting a major challenge against their in-state rivals.
Afternoon & Prime-Time Showdowns: Navy Aims for Historic Win
The afternoon slot at 4:30 PM ET on ESPN from Memphis's Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium features a ranked team in action. The No. 25 Navy Midshipmen (10-2) take on the Cincinnati Bearcats. Navy aims to cap a stellar double-digit win season and secure the Commander in Chief’s Trophy permanently in their showcase event.
Navy's success is driven by their trademark triple-option attack, led by the sensational quarterback Blake Horvath. He is ably supported by running back Alex Tecza and slotback Eli Heidenreich. Cincinnati, which started strong but faded with four consecutive losses to finish around 7-5, is shorthanded. With quarterback Brendan Sorsby in the portal, Brady Lichtenberg—who has only six pass attempts this year—steps in. Navy's disciplined rushing offense is expected to overwhelm a depleted Cincinnati defense.
Prime time brings two simultaneous kickoffs. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl at 8 PM ET on ESPN from Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium pits Wake Forest against Mississippi State. Wake Forest looks to gift new head coach Jake Dickert a signature win after exceeding expectations. Mississippi State (5-7) barely scraped into bowl eligibility after a tough SEC schedule.
Wake Forest will rely on the dual-threat abilities of quarterback Robby Ashford, though he will be without key weapons like running back Demond Claiborne (NFL draft) and receiver Chris Barnes (transfer portal). Mississippi State turns to freshman quarterback Kamario Taylor, who showed promise in the Egg Bowl. With both offenses missing pieces, this contest could evolve into a gritty, low-scoring defensive battle.
Holiday Bowl Nightcap: Offensive Fireworks in San Diego
Closing the non-playoff bowl calendar is the Holiday Bowl at 8 p.m. ET on Fox from San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium. This nightcap promises to be a high-scoring affair between the No. 20 Arizona Wildcats and the SMU Mustangs. Both teams boast potent, balanced offenses with most starters available.
Arizona's attack is powered by quarterback Noah Fifita, who threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns this season. His primary targets include receiver Kris Hutson, while the ground game is fueled by Ismail Mahdi. SMU counters with quarterback Kevin Jennings, who also recorded 26 touchdown passes (though with more interceptions). Jennings effectively spreads the ball, with tight end Matthew Hibner being a key red-zone threat. This clash of offensive titans is poised to be the day's most exciting and potentially highest-scoring game.
January 2, 2026, serves as a final celebration of the diverse and thrilling landscape of college football before the national title chase narrows. From Texas rematches to a ranked Navy seeking glory and a potential shootout in San Diego, there is something for every fan in today's bowl game lineup.
