College football bowl games: Who plays today, Thursday Dec. 18? Teams, times and matchups
In the Lone Star State today, the NCAA’s bowl season sees a clash between Missouri State and Arkansas State.
Frisco, Texas is the venue for the only game on today’s 2025-26 bowl-season slate, as the inaugural Xbox Bowl witnesses a matchup between the Missouri State Bears and the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
Xbox Bowl 2025: time, how to watch
- When? Thursday, Dec. 18, 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT
- Where? Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX
How can I watch the Xbox Bowl?
In the U.S., the Missouri State vs Arkansas State will air nationally on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. Your streaming options include the online platform fubo, which offers new users a free, introductory trial.
BOWL SEASON IS HERE 🔔 🏈 @MoStateFootball will face @AStateFB in the XBOX Bowl#BowlSeason #CFB #CollegeFootball pic.twitter.com/JJ9RJA3ehB
— Coca-Cola Bowl Season (@BowlSeason) December 4, 2025
Missouri State vs Arkansas State - what to know:
Created to replace the now-defunct Bahamas Bowl, the Xbox Bowl kicks off with the fifth all-time clash between Missouri State and Arkansas State.
The Bears and the Red Wolves last met a decade ago - and it was a rout. On Sep. 19, 2015, Arkansas State demolished Missouri State by a 70-7 scoreline, to take a 3-1 lead in the teams’ head-to-head series.
While the 6-6 Red Wolves are chasing the ninth bowl-game win in their history, the 7-5 Bears are seeking their first. Indeed, Missouri State has not managed a postseason victory since 1989.
Who’s playing tomorrow in bowl season 2025-26?
Myrtle Beach Bowl: Kennesaw State vs Western Michigan
- Where: Brooks Stadium, Conway, SC
- When: 11:00 a.m. ET/8:00 a.m. PT
- How to watch: ESPN
Gasparilla Bowl: Memphis vs North Carolina State
- Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
- When: 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT
- How to watch: ESPN
CFP first round: Oklahoma vs Alabama
- Where: Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK
- When: 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT
- How to watch: ESPN/ABC
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment