San Diego, January 3, 2026
The college football bowl season in San Diego showcased thrilling matchups that not only entertained fans but also highlighted the economic impact of sports on local businesses. The Holiday Bowl, along with other notable games, reflected the city’s vibrant sports culture. Teams like Texas State and Navy delivered impressive performances, while local establishments benefitted from increased patrons during these events. The excitement continues with upcoming College Football Playoff semifinals, making San Diego a key player in the college football landscape.
Exciting College Football Bowl Games Highlight Local Sports Scene
San Diego Hosts Thrilling Matchups in the Bowl Season
San Diego, CA – The 2025-2026 college football bowl season brought exhilarating action on January 2, 2026, showcasing a series of competitive games that captivated sports fans across the country. Among the standout events was the Holiday Bowl, held at Snapdragon Stadium, providing a venue for thrilling sportsmanship while illustrating the vitality of local economic activity surrounding such events.
The vibrancy of San Diego’s sports culture, coupled with its impact on local businesses, can’t be overlooked. Events like the Holiday Bowl not only generate excitement but also stimulate the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and retailers. As we observe these competitive matches, it’s essential to recognize how a supportive regulatory environment can foster greater opportunities for local economic growth and community enrichment.
Recap of the Bowl Games on January 2, 2026
Armed Forces Bowl: Texas State Dominates Rice
Texas State triumphed over Rice with a commanding score of 41-10 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Broadcasting on ESPN, the game showcased Texas State’s offensive strength and strategic prowess.
Liberty Bowl: Navy Triumphs Over Cincinnati
Navy overcame Cincinnati with a score of 35-13 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. Featured on ESPN, this matchup reaffirmed Navy’s competitive spirit in college football.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Wake Forest Defeats Mississippi State
Wake Forest outshined Mississippi State with a score of 43-29 in a thrilling contest at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This exciting game also aired on ESPN and emphasized the competitive landscape of college football.
Holiday Bowl: Arizona Overcomes SMU
Arizona secured victory against SMU in a closely-fought battle with a final score of 39-34. The game, held at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, showcased the city’s ability to host major sporting events, which further encourages tourism and local business participation.
Looking Ahead: College Football Playoff Semifinals
The excitement of college football continues with the College Football Playoff semifinals scheduled for January 8 and 9, 2026. The highly anticipated matchups include:
- January 8, 2026: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 Miami at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
- January 9, 2026: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 5 Oregon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
The winners will advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, set for January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
How to Watch the Upcoming Games
Fans eager to catch the action can tune in through various channels:
- ESPN: Armed Forces Bowl, Liberty Bowl, Duke’s Mayo Bowl, and College Football Playoff Semifinals.
- FOX: Holiday Bowl.
For those looking to stream the games, options include services like Sling TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. Viewers should check availability based on their location and subscription status.
Background on College Football Bowl Season
The college football bowl season serves as a culmination of competitive play, featuring top teams from various conferences vying for the national title. The 2025-2026 season has been characterized by outstanding matchups and remarkable performances, setting the stage for an electrifying conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were the results of the college football bowl games on January 2, 2026?
The results were as follows:
- Armed Forces Bowl: Texas State defeated Rice 41–10.
- Liberty Bowl: Navy defeated Cincinnati 35–13.
- Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Wake Forest defeated Mississippi State 43–29.
- Holiday Bowl: Arizona defeated SMU.
When are the College Football Playoff Semifinals scheduled?
The College Football Playoff Semifinals are scheduled for January 8 and 9, 2026. The matchups are:
- January 8, 2026: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 Miami at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
- January 9, 2026: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 5 Oregon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
How can I watch the upcoming bowl games and College Football Playoff Semifinals?
Fans can watch the games through various channels:
- ESPN: Armed Forces Bowl, Liberty Bowl, Duke’s Mayo Bowl, and College Football Playoff Semifinals.
- FOX: Holiday Bowl.
Streaming options include services like Sling TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. Availability may vary based on location and subscription.
Key Features of the College Football Bowl Games on January 2, 2026
| Game | Teams | Location | Broadcast | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Forces Bowl | Texas State vs. Rice | Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas | ESPN | Texas State 41, Rice 10 |
| Liberty Bowl | Navy vs. Cincinnati | Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee | ESPN | Navy 35, Cincinnati 13 |
| Duke’s Mayo Bowl | Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina | ESPN | Wake Forest 43, Mississippi State 29 |
| Holiday Bowl | Arizona vs. SMU | Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California | FOX | Arizona 39, SMU 34 |
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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.
