When Is the Cotton Bowl? 2025 Date, Time & How to Watch

By Sarah Miller · March 23, 2052

The Cotton Bowl is typically held annually on or around New Year's Day, with the 2025 edition scheduled for Friday, January 3, 2025, at 3:30 PM ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. As one of the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal games, it features two of the top four ranked teams in the nation and rotates among six major bowl sites every three years.

What Is the Cotton Bowl?

The Cotton Bowl Classic is a prestigious postseason NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) game that has been played annually since 1937. Originally held at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, Texas, the game moved to AT&T Stadium in nearby Arlington in 2010. It is now one of the most prominent college football bowl games and part of the New Year’s Six, which includes the highest-tier non-championship bowl games.

Key Features of the Cotton Bowl

One of the oldest and most tradition-rich bowl games in college football
Hosts a College Football Playoff semifinal once every three years
Typically features top-10 ranked teams, especially during CFP years
Played at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys
Air live on ESPN networks with national broadcast coverage

When Is the Cotton Bowl Played?

The Cotton Bowl Classic traditionally takes place around January 1st. However, when it serves as a College Football Playoff semifinal, the date shifts slightly based on the CFP schedule. For example, the 2025 Cotton Bowl, serving as a CFP semifinal, is set for January 3, 2025.

Recent and Upcoming Cotton Bowl Dates

Year	Date	Time (ET)	Location	Teams	Winner	Score
2022	December 31	12:00 PM	AT&T Stadium	Tennessee vs. Clemson	Tennessee	31–14
2023	January 2	3:30 PM	AT&T Stadium	Alabama vs. Kansas State	Alabama	45–20
2024	January 1	11:00 AM	AT&T Stadium	Ohio State vs. Missouri	Ohio State	14–3
2025 (CFP Semifinal)	January 3	3:30 PM	AT&T Stadium	TBD	TBD	TBD

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows the consistent scheduling pattern of the Cotton Bowl, usually falling between December 31 and January 3. During College Football Playoff years, such as 2025, the game is scheduled later in early January to align with the national semifinal rotation. Attendance and viewership peak during CFP matchups, reflecting increased national interest.

Cotton Bowl and the College Football Playoff

Since the introduction of the College Football Playoff in 2014, the Cotton Bowl has become one of six designated New Year’s Six bowls and rotates as a host site for the CFP semifinals every three years. The other venues include the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Peach Bowl.

How the Rotation Works

CFP semifinals rotate among the six major bowls on a three-year cycle
The Cotton Bowl hosted semifinals in 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2025
In non-semifinal years, it hosts high-ranked at-large teams selected by the CFP committee
Pairings are determined by the final CFP rankings released in early December

How to Watch the Cotton Bowl

The Cotton Bowl is broadcast nationally on ESPN and available via live stream on platforms such as ESPN.com, the ESPN app, and various subscription services including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV. International viewers can access the game through ESPN International and affiliated networks.

Broadcast Network: ESPN
Live Stream: ESPN App, ESPN.com
TV Coverage Start: Typically 30 minutes before kickoff
Radio Broadcast: Westwood One Sports

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cotton Bowl

When is the 2025 Cotton Bowl game?

The 2025 Cotton Bowl, serving as a College Football Playoff semifinal, will be played on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 3:30 PM Eastern Time at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Is the Cotton Bowl always on New Year’s Day?

No, while the Cotton Bowl was traditionally played on January 1, its date varies, especially during College Football Playoff years. When it hosts a CFP semifinal, it is scheduled based on the playoff calendar, often falling between December 31 and January 3.

Where is the Cotton Bowl played?

The Cotton Bowl is currently played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. It moved from the historic Cotton Bowl stadium in Fair Park, Dallas, in 2010.

Which teams play in the Cotton Bowl?

In College Football Playoff years, the Cotton Bowl hosts two of the top four ranked teams in the nation. In non-CFP years, it features highly ranked at-large teams selected by the CFP committee, often from major conferences like the SEC, Big 12, or ACC.

How can I watch the Cotton Bowl without cable?

You can stream the Cotton Bowl live without cable using services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, or the ESPN app with a valid subscription. Authentication through a participating provider may be required for full access.