The magic of December is in full swing, and for college football fans, that means one thing: Bowl Season. Today, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, marks a pivotal day in the postseason calendar as we move deeper into the bowl slate and inch closer to the historic 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) kickoff.
If you are looking for "college football today on TV," you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a die-hard alum, a casual fan of the "Group of Five" powerhouses, or a bettor looking for an edge, this guide covers every matchup, kickoff time, and broadcast channel for today and the big games coming up this weekend.
College Football Bowl Schedule: Today, Dec. 17, 2025
Today features a Wednesday night doubleheader on ESPN. These games are classic "bowl season theater," featuring high-scoring offenses and teams looking to reach the elusive 10-win mark.
| Bowl Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| StaffDNA Cure Bowl | Old Dominion vs. South Florida | 5:00 PM | ESPN |
| 68 Ventures Bowl | Louisiana vs. Delaware | 8:30 PM | ESPN |
Game Previews: What to Watch Today
The StaffDNA Cure Bowl: Old Dominion vs. South Florida
The Vibe: This is a battle of resilience. South Florida entered the season with high expectations and delivered a solid 9-3 campaign. However, the "transfer portal bug" has hit both programs hard.
Key Storyline: South Florida will be without star quarterback Byrum Brown, who is currently navigating NIL discussions and the transfer portal. The Bulls will turn to backup Gaston Moore. On the other side, Old Dominion’s defense led by a ferocious secondary will look to capitalize on the Bulls' transition at QB.
Betting Line: South Florida is currently a -3.5 favorite, though the line has tightened due to the roster changes.
The 68 Ventures Bowl: Louisiana vs. Delaware
The Vibe: A nightcap in Mobile, Alabama. This game features a fascinating matchup between a consistent Sun Belt power (Louisiana) and a Delaware squad that is proving it belongs in the FBS.
Key Storyline: Delaware is in a unique position, having moved up to the FBS recently. A win against a storied program like Louisiana would be a massive statement for the Blue Hens. Louisiana, meanwhile, relies on a balanced rushing attack that averages over 180 yards per game.
Broadcast Team: Catch the call with Clay Matvick and Max Browne on the headset.
The Road Ahead: 2025 College Football Playoff First Round
While today’s bowl games provide the midweek entertainment, the entire sports world is bracing for Friday and Saturday, which host the first-ever on-campus 12-team College Football Playoff games.
If you're planning your weekend, here are the "must-watch" primetime games:
Friday, Dec. 19: #9 Alabama at #8 Oklahoma (8:00 PM ET, ABC/ESPN)
Saturday, Dec. 20: #10 Miami at #7 Texas A&M (12:00 PM ET, ABC/ESPN)
Saturday, Dec. 20: #11 Tulane at #6 Ole Miss (3:30 PM ET, TNT/truTV)
Saturday, Dec. 20: #12 James Madison at #5 Oregon (7:30 PM ET, TNT/truTV)
Pro Tip: Note the change in networks! For the first time, TNT Sports will broadcast CFP first-round games, meaning you'll need to check your cable or streaming package for TNT and truTV this Saturday.
How to Watch College Football Without Cable
With the 2025 season spread across so many networks (ESPN, ABC, TNT, FOX, and CBS), cord-cutters need a strategy. Here are the best ways to stream college football today:
Hulu + Live TV: The "gold standard" for CFB fans. It includes all ESPN channels, ABC, and even ESPN+ at no extra cost, which carries many of the smaller bowl games and FCS matchups.
YouTube TV: Known for its "Multiview" feature, which is perfect for Saturdays when multiple bowl games are happening at once. It carries all the major networks, including the new TNT/truTV playoff homes.
Fubo: A sports-first platform that offers the most regional sports networks (RSNs). If you follow specific conferences like the ACC or SEC, Fubo's "Sports Plus" add-on is invaluable.
Sling TV: The budget-friendly choice. The "Orange" tier gets you ESPN, while the "Blue" tier gets you TNT and local FOX/NBC channels in select markets.
ESPN+: While it won’t host the "Main" ESPN bowl games today, it is the exclusive home for many upcoming matchups like the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Why the 2025 Bowl Season is Different
In previous years, many fans felt that non-playoff bowl games had lost their luster due to player "opt-outs." However, 2025 has seen a shift. With the 12-team playoff, more teams remained in the hunt later into November, keeping rosters intact longer.
Furthermore, the "New Year’s Six" bowls (like the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl) have now been integrated into the playoff quarterfinals. This means that games previously played for pride are now high-stakes paths to the National Championship in Miami on January 19, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What college football games are on today?
Two games are on today, Dec. 17: The Cure Bowl (Old Dominion vs. South Florida) at 5:00 PM ET and the 68 Ventures Bowl (Louisiana vs. Delaware) at 8:30 PM ET.
What channel is the bowl game on today?
Both of today’s bowl games are airing on ESPN.
Are there any college football games on Thursday?
Yes. Tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 18, features the Xbox Bowl (Missouri State vs. Arkansas State) at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN2.
Where can I watch the College Football Playoffs this year?
The games are split between ESPN/ABC and TNT/truTV. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and Championship will primarily be on ESPN.
Conclusion: Don't Miss the Action
Bowl season is the ultimate reward for a long season of Saturdays. Today's doubleheader on ESPN is the perfect appetizer for a weekend that features the most significant change in college football history the start of the 12-team playoff.
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