San Diego, January 2, 2026
The Arizona Wildcats are headed for a showdown against the SMU Mustangs at the upcoming Trust & Will Holiday Bowl in San Diego. As No. 17 team, the Wildcats have shown notable development this season, while the Mustangs look to bounce back from earlier losses. This matchup, taking place at Snapdragon Stadium, not only promises exciting football but also aims to boost local economic benefits in San Diego through increased tourism and community engagement.
Excitement Builds for the 2026 Trust & Will Holiday Bowl in San Diego
Arizona Wildcats and SMU Mustangs Face Off in a Historic Matchup
San Diego, California – The No. 17 Arizona Wildcats (9-3) are ready to clash with the SMU Mustangs (8-4) at the 46th annual Trust & Will Holiday Bowl on Friday, January 2, 2026. This thrilling contest will take place at Snapdragon Stadium, starting at 5:00 p.m. PST, and will be broadcast nationally on FOX. With the growing enthusiasm for college football in the region, this matchup is expected to bring both excitement and economic benefits to the San Diego community.
Local entrepreneurs have long recognized the value of events like the Holiday Bowl; they contribute significantly to the economic landscape, demonstrating how community engagement can stimulate growth. Hosting a nationally recognized event fosters local investments, encourages visitors to explore San Diego’s rich offerings, and bolsters opportunities for local businesses to thrive. This commitment to celebrating and supporting events reflects the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of San Diego’s small business scene.
Team Backgrounds
Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats have shown impressive growth under second-year head coach Brent Brennan, transforming from a lackluster 4-8 record in 2024 to a commendable 9-3 this season. Their momentum peaked with a five-game winning streak, capped off by a notable 23-7 victory against rival Arizona State in the Territorial Cup. This resurgence highlights the team’s potential and marks a significant achievement in their competitive journey.
Key Players
Arizona Wildcats
A key figure in Arizona’s offensive performance is quarterback Noah Fifita, who has thrown for 2,963 yards and notched 26 touchdowns against just five interceptions. His leadership on the field has been critical in positioning the Wildcats among the top-tier passing offenses in the Big 12.
SMU Mustangs
On the opposing side, SMU’s offense is driven by quarterback Kevin Jennings, who has racked up 3,363 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, albeit with 10 interceptions. Jennings’ ability to recover from a challenging loss against California will be pivotal for the Mustangs to capitalize on their opportunities during the bowl game.
Game Outlook
This matchup promises an intriguing battle between Arizona’s stout pass defense, which ranks fourth nationally, allowing just 155.9 passing yards per game, and SMU’s explosive passing offense, averaging 283.5 yards per contest. This strength-on-strength dynamic will likely be a defining feature of the game, providing fans with an enticing display of skill and strategy.
Arizona enters this game as a slight favorite with a 2.5-point spread, showcasing their recent strong performances, including covering the spread in three consecutive games. As both teams aim for a strong finish to their seasons, fans can expect a fiercely competitive matchup at the historic Holiday Bowl.
Historical Context
The 2026 Holiday Bowl also carries the unique distinction of being held in January for the first time, a strategic change designed to enhance fan engagement and increase economic impact by extending the bowl season. With ongoing efforts to revitalize local economies through sporting events, San Diego is positioned to reap the benefits of this shift.
FAQ
When is the 2026 Holiday Bowl?
The 2026 Holiday Bowl is scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PST.
Where is the game being played?
The game will be held at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.
Which teams are playing in the Holiday Bowl?
The No. 17 Arizona Wildcats (9-3) will face the SMU Mustangs (8-4).
What is the broadcast information?
The game will be broadcast nationally on FOX.
What is the historical significance of this matchup?
This is the third meeting between Arizona and SMU, with each team having one victory in the series. The previous matchups occurred in 1938 and 1985, both resulting in decisive wins for the home team.
What is the betting line for the game?
Arizona enters the game as a slight favorite, with a 2.5-point spread over SMU.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Date and Time | Friday, January 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PST |
| Location | Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California |
| Teams | No. 17 Arizona Wildcats (9-3) vs. SMU Mustangs (8-4) |
| Broadcast | Nationally on FOX |
| Historical Matchups | Third meeting; each team has one win (1938, 1985) |
| Betting Line | Arizona favored by 2.5 points |
As the date approaches, fans are encouraged to rally support for their teams and embrace the excitement of this iconic San Diego event, which serves as a testament to the spirit of competition and community pride.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
