As the college football season culminates in the highly anticipated matchup between Miami and Indiana, it's time to reflect on the thrilling postseason contests that led up to this moment. Since December 13, the nation has been treated to a plethora of bowl games, each bringing its own unique brand of excitement and entertainment. From the Crickets Celebration Bowl to the Bucked Up LA Bowl, these games have been a testament to the enduring appeal of college football.
For those who revel in the joy and chaos of bowl season, this is a time to celebrate the best of the best. It's a time to acknowledge the outstanding performances, the stunning upsets, and the unforgettable moments that make college football such a beloved sport. So, if you're ready to indulge in the excitement of bowl season, then you're in the right place. But, if you're one of those naysayers who thinks bowl games are outdated, then you might want to look away – because we're about to dive headfirst into the 2025-26 edition of Best of the Bowls.
This year's bowl season has been marked by several exceptional performances, including the impressive display by Hawai'i's two-headed QB in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl. Starting quarterback Micah Alejado threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns, while backup QB Luke Weaver came off the bench to throw a game-winning 22-yard TD pass with just 10 seconds remaining. As Timmy Chang would say, "Loyal to the soil," this moment embodied the spirit of college football.
Another notable performance came from Michael Van Buren Jr., the LSU QB who threw for 267 yards and three touchdowns in the Kinder's Texas Bowl. Although his team ultimately lost to Houston, Van Buren's efforts were a testament to his skill and dedication. As the Tigers look to rebuild, they can take heart from Van Buren's impressive display.
MINNESOTA WALKS OFF THE RATE BOWL ON A GAME-WINNING TD — ESPN (@espn) December 27, 2025
The Rate Bowl will be remembered for the Golden Gophers' last-second dagger, which secured their ninth consecutive bowl game win. This thrilling finish is just one example of the many unforgettable moments that have defined this bowl season.
Of course, bowl season isn't just about the games themselves – it's also about the pageantry and spectacle that surrounds them. This year, Prince Cheddward's Dragon stole the show at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, with its impressive display of cheese-covered grandeur. As Daren Stoltzfus noted, "THE TRUE PRINCE OF CHEESE HAS RETURNED," and it's clear that Prince Cheddward is back on the throne.
In terms of sideline interviews, Snoop Dogg took the cake at the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl. The legendary rapper not only sponsored the game but also made a memorable appearance, breaking off an interview to catch a kickoff in the end zone adorned with his name. As Yahoo Sports noted, "Snoop Dogg jumped out of the interview to catch the kickoff in his OWN bowl game ," – a moment that will go down in bowl season history.
As we look back on the 2025-26 bowl season, it's clear that this has been a year to remember. From the outstanding performances to the unforgettable moments, college football has once again delivered. So, as we count down to the College Football Playoff title game, let's take a moment to appreciate the joy, excitement, and spectacle of bowl season – and all that it has to offer.
In the world of college football, there's no shortage of excitement and entertainment. And, as we've seen this bowl season, the sport is full of larger-than-life characters, death-defying feats, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, it's impossible not to get caught up in the magic of bowl season. So, let's raise a glass (or a Cheez-It) to the best of the bowls – and to the incredible sport that brings us all together.
Original: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Written by Npsports
