In a remarkable display of talent, nine college football teams from Texas have earned bowl game invitations for the 2025 season. Leading the charge is the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders, who have secured a first-round bye and will face the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
This year’s bowl games feature notable matchups, including Texas taking on Michigan in the Citrus Bowl and Houston squaring off against LSU in the Texas Bowl, with the latter missing its starting quarterback. Several teams enter the postseason under challenging circumstances, including Michigan, which is coping with a recent coaching dismissal, and North Texas, which is fielding a depleted squad.
Eligible Teams and Their Bowl Games
In addition to Texas Tech, the following seven Texas teams have also qualified for bowl games:
- Texas
- TCU
- North Texas
- UTSA
- Texas State
- Rice
- Houston
Their respective bowl game matchups are as follows:
- College Football Playoff Quarterfinal (Orange Bowl): Texas Tech vs. Oregon
- First Responders Bowl: UTSA vs. FIU
- New Mexico Bowl: North Texas vs. San Diego State
- Texas Bowl: Houston vs. LSU
- Alamo Bowl: TCU vs. USC
- Citrus Bowl: Texas vs. Michigan
- Armed Forces Bowl: Texas State vs. Rice
Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Texas Tech Red Raiders, boasting a 12-1 record, are set to face the No. 5 Oregon Ducks in the Capital One Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day. Known for their formidable defense, which ranks first nationally in rushing yards allowed and turnovers gained, the Red Raiders have only permitted one opponent to score over 20 points all season.
Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has been a standout player, earning accolades as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. The Red Raiders’ offense has also been impressive, averaging 32.3 points in their three ranked games.
UTSA Roadrunners
The UTSA Roadrunners, with a 6-6 record, are set to compete against the 7-5 FIU Panthers in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on December 26. This marks the second consecutive year that UTSA enters a bowl game with a .500 record. Quarterback Owen McCown, the son of former NFL quarterback Josh McCown, is anticipated to lead the Roadrunners in their bid for victory.
North Texas Mean Green
The North Texas Mean Green, enjoying an impressive 11-2 season, will face the San Diego State Aztecs in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl on December 27. With an offense that ranks among the nation’s best, North Texas is aiming for its first bowl victory since 2012. They are led by an interim coach after the departure of former head coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State.
Houston Cougars
The Houston Cougars, with a record of 9-3, will take on the 7-5 LSU Tigers in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl on December 27. Under the guidance of second-year head coach Willie Fritz, Houston has achieved its best season since 2021. Notably, the Cougars will face an LSU team that will be without its starting quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier.
TCU Horned Frogs
The TCU Horned Frogs, with an 8-4 record, are matched against the 9-5 USC Trojans in the Valero Alamo Bowl on December 30. TCU has a historical edge over USC, having previously upset the Trojans in their last matchup in 1998.
Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns will compete against the Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31. Both teams enter the game with identical 9-3 records, though Michigan is dealing with significant player absences and coaching changes.
Texas State & Rice
The Texas State Bobcats, holding a 6-6 record, will face the 5-7 Rice Owls in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl on January 2. This matchup comes as Texas State seeks its third consecutive bowl appearance, while Rice enters the game after securing a spot due to Kansas State’s opt-out.
SMU Mustangs
Finally, the SMU Mustangs, with an 8-4 record, will meet the Arizona Wildcats in the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl on January 2. SMU is looking to build on its success from the previous season and is set for its fourth straight bowl appearance.
The 2025-26 bowl season highlights the exceptional depth of talent within Texas college football, showcasing thrilling matchups across the Lone Star State.
