What Channel Is the Cotton Bowl On in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · October 28, 2028

The Cotton Bowl will be televised on ESPN in 2025, with kickoff scheduled for January 9 at 7:30 PM ET from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Fans can also stream the game live via ESPN.com/watch or the ESPN app using a valid cable login or supported streaming service.

What Is the Cotton Bowl and Why Does It Matter?

The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic is one of college football's most storied bowl games, serving as a College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal in select years. In 2025, it will feature two elite teams competing in the CFP Semifinal matchup, making it a pivotal game in the national championship race.

Key Facts About the 2025 Cotton Bowl

Date: January 9, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM Eastern Time
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Broadcast Network: ESPN
Streaming Options: ESPN app, ESPN.com/watch, fuboTV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV
Teams: Two of the top four teams in the final College Football Playoff rankings

How to Watch the Cotton Bowl on TV and Online

For viewers across the United States, ESPN is the exclusive broadcaster of the 2025 Cotton Bowl. Whether you're watching on a traditional TV setup or through digital platforms, here are your viewing options:

Cable and Satellite Providers

Subscribers to major providers such as Comcast Xfinity, DIRECTV, Spectrum, and Cox can tune in to ESPN using the following channel numbers:

Provider	Channel Number (Standard)	HD Channel
Comcast Xfinity	126	726
DIRECTV	206	206
Spectrum	22	122
Cox Communications	20	520
Verizon Fios	5	505

Table data source:ESPN, CordCuttersNews

This table shows that ESPN is widely accessible across major providers, typically appearing in the lower-tier channel range for HD subscribers. Verizon Fios places ESPN on channel 5 in standard definition, reflecting its status as a core network.

Streaming Services With ESPN

If you don't have a cable subscription, you can still watch the Cotton Bowl live via several live TV streaming platforms. These services include ESPN in their base packages and offer compatibility with smart TVs, mobile devices, and streaming boxes.

fuboTV: $74.99/month – Includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+
Hulu + Live TV: $76.99/month – Offers full access to ESPN’s family of networks
Sling TV (Orange package): $40/month – Includes ESPN, plus optional add-ons for ESPN2 and ESPN+
YouTube TV: $72.99/month – Carries ESPN and unlimited cloud DVR
AT&T TV (formerly DirecTV Stream): $74.99/month – Features ESPN and regional sports networks

History and Significance of the Cotton Bowl

First played in 1937, the Cotton Bowl has hosted some of the most memorable moments in college football history. It became part of the New Year's Six bowl rotation in 2014 and serves as a CFP semifinal every three years. The 2025 edition marks its fourth time hosting a playoff semifinal.

Notable Past Cotton Bowl Games

1971: Nebraska vs. LSU – Part of Nebraska’s national championship season
2014: Michigan State vs. Baylor – MSU overcame a 20-point deficit to win 42–41
2018: Notre Dame vs. Clemson – A thrilling 30–3
2021: Ohio State vs. Clemson – Ohio State won 49–28 in a CFP semifinal

Team Selection and Playoff Implications

The 2025 Cotton Bowl features the winners of the quarterfinal matchups in the College Football Playoff. Teams are selected based on the final CFP rankings announced in early December. The semifinal pairings are determined by seeding:

No. 1 seed vs. No. 4 seed
No. 2 seed vs. No. 3 seed

The winner advances to the College Football Playoff National Championship game, held on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cotton Bowl Broadcast

What channel is the Cotton Bowl on in 2025?

The 2025 Cotton Bowl will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. It will not air on ABC, CBS, NBC, or Fox.

What time does the Cotton Bowl start?

The 2025 Cotton Bowl kicks off at 7:30 PM Eastern Time on January 9, 2025.

Can I stream the Cotton Bowl for free?

Yes, you can stream the Cotton Bowl for free by signing up for a trial with a live TV streaming service such as fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV. Each offers free trials (typically 5–7 days), allowing you to watch without immediate cost.

Is the Cotton Bowl on radio?

Yes, the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN Radio. You can also listen via the ESPN app or SiriusXM satellite radio.

Will the Cotton Bowl be available on ESPN+?

No, the Cotton Bowl will not be streamed directly on ESPN+. However, you can access the live ESPN broadcast through the ESPN app or website if you have a cable login or subscription to a streaming service that includes ESPN.

Where is the 2025 Cotton Bowl being played?

The 2025 Cotton Bowl will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Is the Cotton Bowl a playoff game in 2025?

Yes, the 2025 Cotton Bowl is a College Football Playoff Semifinal game, one of two games that determine the participants in the national championship.