What Bowl Game Is Colorado Going To in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · August 27, 2039

As of the 2024-2025 college football season, the University of Colorado Buffaloes have not qualified for a bowl game. Their 2024 record of 3–9 overall and 2–7 in Big 12 Conference play falls below the .500 threshold required for postseason eligibility.

Why Colorado Did Not Make a Bowl Game in 2024

The Colorado Buffaloes football team failed to secure a bowl berth for the 2024 season due to their subpar performance throughout the year. Bowl eligibility in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) requires teams to achieve at least six wins against FBS opponents with a winning or .500 record (6–6 or better).

Key Factors Behind Colorado's Bowl Exclusion

Losing Record: Finished the 2024 season with a 3–9 overall record.
Conference Struggles: Managed only two wins in Big 12 Conference play, one of the toughest conferences in the nation.
Tough Schedule: Transitioning into the expanded Big 12 presented a significant competitive jump from previous years.
Inconsistent Performance: Failed to build momentum after a promising start under head coach Deion Sanders in 2023.
Defensive Lapses: Ranked near the bottom nationally in points allowed per game.

Colorado Buffaloes 2024 Season Overview

The 2024 season marked Colorado's first year competing in the Big 12 Conference after moving from the Pac-12. Despite high expectations fueled by quarterback Shedeur Sanders and national attention in 2023, the team regressed significantly.

Statistic	Value
Overall Record	3–9
Big 12 Record	2–7
Points Per Game (Offense)	24.1
Points Per Game (Defense)	38.7
National Ranking (Scoring Defense)	128th of 134 FBS teams
Head Coach	Deion Sanders
Bowl Eligibility Status	Not eligible

Table data source:1, 2

The data clearly shows Colorado struggled on defense, allowing nearly 39 points per game, worst among Power Four conferences. Their offensive output was average but insufficient to offset defensive shortcomings. With only three wins, they lacked the minimum required victories for bowl consideration.

Historical Context: Colorado Bowl Appearances

Prior to 2024, Colorado had appeared in 32 bowl games, with a 12–20 all-time record. The Buffaloes last played in a bowl game in December 2023, losing to No. 11 BYU in the Valero Alamo Bowl 36–14.

Recent Bowl History (Last 5 Years)

2023: Valero Alamo Bowl vs. BYU — Lost 36–14
2016: Holiday Bowl vs. Minnesota — Won 33–23
2017: Alamo Bowl vs. Oregon — Lost 38–24
2018: Cheez-It Bowl vs. Illinois — Lost 35–21
2019: Alamo Bowl vs. Texas — Lost 38–10

What’s Next for Colorado Football?

With Deion Sanders continuing as head coach, expectations remain high for program turnaround. The Buffaloes are expected to improve recruiting and player development ahead of the 2025 season. Key offseason focuses include strengthening the defensive line and secondary, improving tackling, and increasing depth.

If Colorado can reach six wins in 2025, potential bowl tie-ins include the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, New Mexico Bowl, or First Responder Bowl, depending on Big 12 bowl agreements and selection order.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Bowl Games

What bowl game is Colorado going to in 2025?

As of now, Colorado is not projected to play in a bowl game for the 2025 season unless they achieve at least six wins during the regular season. Their bowl destination will depend on their final record and Big 12 Conference tie-ins.

Why didn't Colorado go to a bowl game in 2024?

Colorado did not qualify for a bowl game in 2024 because they finished with a 3–9 record, which is below the 6–6 win threshold required for bowl eligibility in the FBS.

How many wins does Colorado need for a bowl game?

Colorado needs at least six wins against FBS opponents to become bowl-eligible. Wins against FCS teams beyond one per season do not fully count toward eligibility under NCAA rules.

When was Colorado's last bowl game?

Colorado's most recent bowl appearance was the 2023 Valero Alamo Bowl on December 28, 2023, where they lost to BYU 36–14.

Which conference does Colorado play in for bowl eligibility?

Starting in 2024, Colorado competes in the Big 12 Conference. Their bowl eligibility and potential assignments are determined by their performance within this conference and overall record.

In summary, the Colorado Buffaloes did not qualify for a bowl game in the 2024 season due to a 3–9 record. While high expectations surrounded the program entering the Big 12 era, poor defensive performance and inconsistent results prevented postseason play. Improvement in 2025 could lead to renewed bowl aspirations.