Rose Bowl 2026 Time: What Time Is It Tomorrow?

By Sarah Miller · December 1, 2035

The Rose Bowl game is not scheduled for tomorrow, October 26, 2025. The next Rose Bowl Game will take place on January 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time) at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. This matchup will feature top teams from the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences as part of the College Football Playoff semifinal rotation.

Understanding the Rose Bowl Game Schedule

The Rose Bowl Game, one of the oldest and most prestigious college football bowl games, traditionally takes place each year on January 1st, unless that date falls on a Sunday—when it is moved to January 2nd to avoid conflict with NFL games. The 2026 edition marks a pivotal shift, as it will serve as a College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal game, amplifying its significance in the national championship race.

Why Isn’t the Rose Bowl Happening Tomorrow?

The Rose Bowl is an annual postseason game, not a weekly or monthly event.
College football regular season runs from late August to early December.
Bowl games, including the Rose Bowl, occur after conference championships, typically in late December or early January.
The 2025–2026 college football season concludes with the CFP National Championship on January 19, 2026.

Rose Bowl 2026 Key Details

The upcoming Rose Bowl Game will be more than just a tradition-rich showcase—it will determine which team advances to the CFP National Championship. With expanded playoff format beginning in 2024, major bowl games like the Rose Bowl rotate as semifinal hosts.

Date, Time, and Location

Date: January 1, 2026
Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT)
Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
TV Network: ESPN (exclusive broadcaster of College Football Playoff games)
Expected Teams: Top-ranked teams from Big Ten and Pac-12 (subject to CFP selection committee rankings)

Year	Date	Kickoff Time (ET)	Winner	Score	Attendance
2023	January 2	5:00 PM	Utah State	24–13	52,805
2024	January 1	5:10 PM	Michigan	27–20	73,833
2025	January 1	5:07 PM	Washington	34–31	70,956
2026 (Projected)	January 1	5:00 PM	TBD	TBD	~75,000 (est.)

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The historical data shows consistent high attendance and close matchups, especially in recent years. The 2024 and 2025 games were decided by seven points or fewer, highlighting competitive balance. With the 2026 game serving as a playoff semifinal, viewership and stakes are expected to reach new highs.

How to Watch the 2026 Rose Bowl

Fans can watch the game live on ESPN, which holds exclusive broadcast rights to all College Football Playoff games through 2032. Streaming options include ESPN+, the ESPN app (with valid cable login), and select third-party platforms such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV.

Available Viewing Options

Live TV: ESPN (Channel varies by provider)
Streaming: ESPN app, ESPN+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV
Radio Broadcast: Westwood One Sports (nationwide via SiriusXM and online)
In-Person Attendance: Tickets typically go on sale in November via official Rose Bowl website and Ticketmaster

About the College Football Playoff Format

Starting in 2024, the CFP expanded from four to twelve teams. The top six conference champions earn automatic bids, while six at-large teams are selected by the committee. The first round features seeds 5–12 playing at campus sites, followed by quarterfinals and semifinals hosted by rotating New Year’s Six bowls.

Rose Bowl's Role in the Playoff

The Rose Bowl hosts a semifinal every three years under the current CFP agreement.
In non-semifinal years, it still features the Big Ten vs. Pac-12 champion matchup.
The 2026 game is confirmed as a semifinal, increasing national interest and media coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rose Bowl

What time does the Rose Bowl start tomorrow?

There is no Rose Bowl game scheduled for tomorrow, October 26, 2025. The next Rose Bowl Game will be played on January 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

Is the Rose Bowl game on TV? Which channel?

Yes, the Rose Bowl will be televised live on ESPN. All College Football Playoff games, including semifinals hosted at the Rose Bowl, are broadcast exclusively on ESPN and available for streaming via the ESPN app and ESPN+.

Which teams are playing in the 2026 Rose Bowl?

The teams have not yet been determined. The 2026 Rose Bowl will be a College Football Playoff semifinal, featuring two of the top four teams selected by the CFP committee, likely including representatives from the Big Ten and Pac-12 among others.

Where is the Rose Bowl game held?

The Rose Bowl Game takes place at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. The historic venue has hosted the game annually since 1916, except during World War II.

Can I buy tickets for the 2026 Rose Bowl now?

Tickets for the 2026 Rose Bowl are not yet on sale. Historically, tickets become available in November via the official Rose Bowl website and Ticketmaster. Availability is limited, and prices often exceed $300 per seat due to high demand.

Why is the Rose Bowl not played on January 1 every year?

If January 1 falls on a Sunday, the game is moved to January 2 to avoid conflicting with NFL broadcast schedules. This tradition dates back decades to prevent competition for television viewership and maintain the game’s prominence.