When Is the ReliaQuest Bowl 2026? Date, Time, Teams

By Sarah Miller · March 6, 2027

The ReliaQuest Bowl is scheduled for January 1, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, kicking off at 11:00 AM ET. This annual NCAA college football bowl game typically features teams from the Big Ten and SEC conferences and is broadcast nationally on ESPN.

What Is the ReliaQuest Bowl?

The ReliaQuest Bowl is an NCAA-sanctioned college football postseason bowl game held annually in Tampa, Florida. Formerly known as the Outback Bowl, the game was rebranded in 2023 following a sponsorship agreement with ReliaQuest, a cybersecurity company headquartered in Chicago.

Key Facts About the Game

Played on New Year's Day or the first weekday after if January 1 falls on a Sunday
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Time: Typically starts at 11:00 AM Eastern Time
Broadcast: Nationally televised on ESPN and accessible via streaming platforms
Teams: Features selections from the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference (SEC)

ReliaQuest Bowl 2026 Date and Schedule

The upcoming edition of the ReliaQuest Bowl will take place on Wednesday, January 1, 2026. The game serves as one of the early kickoff events during the college football bowl season and precedes major games like the College Football Playoff semifinals.

2026 Game Details

Date: January 1, 2026
Kickoff Time: 11:00 AM ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Expected Teams: One representative each from the Big Ten and SEC
TV Network: ESPN (available via cable, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, Sling, etc.)

Historical Overview and Past Results

Since its inception in 1986, the bowl has undergone several name changes due to sponsorship deals, including the Hall of Fame Bowl and Outback Bowl. It has consistently drawn top-tier matchups and large television audiences.

Year	Date	Winner	Score	Runner-up	Attendance
2023	Jan 2	Mississippi State	34–30	Illinois	58,721
2024	Jan 1	Alabama	35–16	Clemson	60,921
2025	Jan 1	Tennessee	35–31	Iowa	61,137

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance has steadily increased over recent years, reflecting strong fan engagement and competitive matchups. The 2025 edition between Tennessee and Iowa was one of the closest in recent history, decided by just four points despite both teams scoring over 30 points.

How Teams Are Selected

The ReliaQuest Bowl holds tie-ins with two major NCAA conferences:

Big Ten Conference – Second selection priority after Rose Bowl commitments
Southeastern Conference (SEC) – Sixth selection in the SEC pecking order

If a team from either conference qualifies for the College Football Playoff, the bowl selects the next eligible team according to conference rankings.

Ticket Information and Attendance

Tickets for the ReliaQuest Bowl generally go on sale in November of the preceding year. Prices vary based on seating location, demand, and team popularity. Fans can purchase tickets through official outlets such as Ticketmaster or the bowl’s website.

Ticket Tips

Check official sources to avoid scams
Purchase early for better seat selection
Look for bundled packages that include parking or hospitality options
Monitor secondary markets closer to game day for potential discounts

Frequently Asked Questions About the ReliaQuest Bowl

When is the ReliaQuest Bowl played in 2026?

The ReliaQuest Bowl 2026 is set for Wednesday, January 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Which teams play in the ReliaQuest Bowl?

The game features one team selected from the Big Ten Conference and another from the Southeastern Conference (SEC), based on contractual tie-ins and final season rankings.

Where is the ReliaQuest Bowl held?

The game takes place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, which is also the home stadium of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

How can I watch the ReliaQuest Bowl?

The ReliaQuest Bowl is broadcast live on ESPN. It can be streamed via services like ESPN.com, the ESPN app, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV with a valid subscription.

Has the ReliaQuest Bowl always had this name?

No. Previously known as the Outback Bowl from 1996 to 2022, the game was renamed in 2023 after ReliaQuest became the title sponsor. Before that, it was called the Hall of Fame Bowl (1986–1995).

Is the ReliaQuest Bowl part of the College Football Playoff?

No, the ReliaQuest Bowl is not a College Football Playoff game. It is an intermediate bowl game that hosts high-performing non-playoff teams from the Big Ten and SEC.