The Shocking New Date For The Citrus Bowl: When And Where To Watch The 80th Edition

The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl is moving off of its traditional New Year's Day slot, with the 80th edition of the game officially scheduled for New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2025. This change marks a significant departure from decades of tradition, making the 2025-2026 Bowl Season a must-watch event right before the calendar flips. The game will take place at its long-standing home, Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, and will feature a premier matchup between the top-ranked teams from the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference (SEC) that are not selected for the College Football Playoff (CFP). For fans planning their holiday viewing, the official kickoff time is set for 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), with the game broadcast nationally on ABC. This prime afternoon slot ensures that the storied rivalry between the SEC and Big Ten will be front and center for college football enthusiasts worldwide. The shift to December 31st is one of the biggest schedule changes for the upcoming Bowl Season, and it promises to be a spectacular way to ring in the New Year.

The Official 2025-2026 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Schedule and Details

The search for "when's the Citrus Bowl" now has a definitive, and surprising, answer. For the 2025-2026 season, the game is set to be one of the most prominent matchups of the Bowl Season, taking place a day earlier than its usual slot. This move is part of the broader scheduling adjustments across the College Football Playoff and associated New Year’s Six games.

Official Game Information

• Game Name: Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
• Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 (New Year's Eve)
• Kickoff Time: 3:00 PM ET
• Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
• TV Channel: ABC
• Affiliations: Top non-CFP team from the SEC vs. Top non-CFP team from the Big Ten
• Organizer: Florida Citrus Sports

This is a key piece of information for college football fans, as the game has historically been one of the anchor events of New Year's Day, often kicking off the day's slate of games alongside the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl. The move to New Year's Eve highlights the game's continued importance in the post-season lineup.

Understanding the Citrus Bowl's Elite Selection Process

The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl is not just any bowl game; it holds a prestigious position in the college football landscape, often considered the "best of the rest" outside of the major playoff structure. Its selection process guarantees a high-quality, competitive matchup every year, drawing top-ranked teams from two of the most dominant conferences in the nation: the Big Ten Conference and the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

The SEC vs. Big Ten Rivalry

The core identity of the Citrus Bowl is the annual clash between the SEC and the Big Ten. The game is specifically contracted to host the highest-ranked team from each conference that is *not* selected for the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) or one of the New Year's Six bowls (Rose, Sugar, Orange, Fiesta, Peach, and Cotton). This selection process ensures that the game features teams typically ranked within the AP Top 25 and often on the cusp of a major bowl appearance. The stakes are high, as a victory in Orlando is a significant achievement to cap off the season. The game has a rich history of hosting powerhouse programs, including the Alabama Crimson Tide, Michigan Wolverines, Kentucky Wildcats, Penn State Nittany Lions, and LSU Tigers.

Key Selection Factors

The bowl's selection committee, working with the conferences, looks at several factors to determine the final two participants:

• Final Conference Standings: Teams are primarily chosen based on their final ranking within their respective conferences.
• AP and Coaches Poll Rankings: National rankings play a crucial role, ensuring the most appealing matchup.
• Head-to-Head Results: Tie-breakers and overall season performance are heavily scrutinized.
• Geographic Diversity and Fan Travel: While secondary, the committee often considers which teams' fan bases are most likely to travel to Orlando, Florida, to create a vibrant atmosphere at Camping World Stadium.

The result is a classic north vs. south battle, providing a fitting end to the college football year.

A Rich History: From Tangerine Bowl to Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

The Citrus Bowl is the seventh-oldest collegiate bowl game in the country, boasting a history that spans over eight decades. Understanding its evolution provides a deeper appreciation for its current status as a premier post-season event.

Evolution of the Name and Sponsorship

The game has undergone several name changes since its inception, reflecting various sponsorships and shifts in focus:

• 1947–1982: The game began as the Tangerine Bowl, a nod to the region's citrus industry.
• 1983–2002: It became the Florida Citrus Bowl, solidifying its connection to the city of Orlando and the state.
• 2003–2014: The game was known as the Capital One Bowl, a period that elevated its national profile and cemented the SEC vs. Big Ten tie-in.
• 2015–Present: After a brief return to the simple Citrus Bowl name, it took on its current title, the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, maintaining its elite status.

This long history, managed by Florida Citrus Sports, has seen the game host dozens of legendary coaches and future NFL stars, making it a critical stop on the road to professional football.

Notable Moments in Citrus Bowl History

The game has been the site of several historic upsets and thrilling finishes. For instance, the 1991 Florida Citrus Bowl featured a national championship contender for the first time with Georgia Tech's appearance. More recently, the game has continued to deliver high-profile matchups, such as when the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions, and a classic showdown between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines. The 80th edition on December 31, 2025, promises to add another chapter to this storied tradition, giving fans a high-stakes, competitive game to conclude the year.

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