Who Plays in the Rose Bowl? Teams, Format & 2025 Matchup

By Sarah Miller · June 12, 2032

The Rose Bowl features top college football teams, typically the champions of the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences, and serves as a College Football Playoff semifinal in select years. In 2025, it will host a CFP quarterfinal game due to expanded playoff format.

What Is the Rose Bowl and Why Does It Matter?

The Rose Bowl is one of the oldest and most prestigious bowl games in college football. Played annually in Pasadena, California, it dates back to 1902 and is famously known as "The Granddaddy of Them All." Traditionally held on New Year's Day, the game has deep cultural and athletic significance in American sports.

Key Facts About the Rose Bowl Game

First played in 1902, making it the oldest bowl game in college football
Held at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California
Traditionally features the champions of the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences
Serves as a College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal every three years
In 2024–2025 season, it hosts a CFP quarterfinal due to playoff expansion

Who Plays in the Rose Bowl: Traditional Matchup

Under normal circumstances, the Rose Bowl hosts the winners of the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences. This tradition began with the formation of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) and continued under the current CFP format when not serving as a semifinal.

Recent Examples of Traditional Rose Bowl Matchups

2023: Michigan (Big Ten) vs. Washington (Pac-12)
2020: Ohio State (Big Ten) vs. Oregon (Pac-12)
2019: Clemson (ACC via playoff) vs. Notre Dame (Independent)

Note: When the game is part of the CFP semifinals, the traditional tie-ins are suspended in favor of playoff selections.

College Football Playoff Impact on Rose Bowl Participants

Starting in 2024, the College Football Playoff expands from four to twelve teams. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate among six major bowl games, including the Rose Bowl. Therefore, who plays in the Rose Bowl depends on whether it's hosting a playoff game.

How Teams Qualify for the Rose Bowl

Non-Playoff Years: Big Ten Champion vs. Pac-12 Champion
Playoff Semifinal Years: Two highest-ranked teams from CFP rankings
Playoff Quarterfinal Years (e.g., 2025): One of the four CFP quarterfinal matchups
Alternate Scenario: If conference champs are selected for playoff, next eligible team fills the spot

Year	Teams	Conference	Result	Game Type
2020	Ohio State vs. Oregon	Big Ten vs. Pac-12	Ohio State 41–27	Traditional
2021	Alabama vs. Cincinnati	SEC vs. AAC	Alabama 27–6	CFP Semifinal
2023	Michigan vs. Washington	Big Ten vs. Pac-12	Michigan 34–13	Traditional
2025*	TBD (CFP Quarterfinal)	National Seeds	Upcoming	CFP Quarterfinal

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows how the Rose Bowl’s participants have evolved. While historically tied to the Big Ten and Pac-12, recent years reflect increased flexibility due to playoff demands. The 2025 edition marks a shift toward national competition, hosting a CFP quarterfinal instead of a conference-based matchup.

Future of Rose Bowl Matchups Post-2024 Expansion

With the 12-team playoff beginning in 2024, the Rose Bowl will host either a quarterfinal or semifinal every three years. This reduces the frequency of traditional matchups but increases national relevance.

Expected Schedule Rotation

2024: CFP Semifinal (not applicable to 2025 game)
2025: CFP Quarterfinal (January 1, 2026)
2028: Next scheduled CFP Semifinal at Rose Bowl

Outside of playoff years, the Big Ten vs. Pac-12 tradition resumes if teams are not selected for the playoff.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Plays in the Rose Bowl

Who plays in the Rose Bowl in 2025?

The 2025 Rose Bowl, played on January 1, 2026, will be a College Football Playoff quarterfinal. The participants will be determined by the final CFP rankings, likely featuring a top-eight seeded team against another high-ranked opponent.

Do the Big Ten and Pac-12 still play in the Rose Bowl?

Yes, but only in non-playoff years. When the Rose Bowl is not hosting a CFP game, it reverts to its traditional matchup between the champions of the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences, provided they are not selected for the playoff.

Is the Rose Bowl always a playoff game?

No. The Rose Bowl rotates as a College Football Playoff semifinal every three years. In other years, it hosts either the traditional Big Ten vs. Pac-12 game or, starting in 2024, a CFP quarterfinal.

What happens if a Big Ten or Pac-12 team is in the playoff?

If a conference champion qualifies for the 12-team playoff, the next highest-ranked available team from that conference fills the Rose Bowl spot, assuming they are not also selected for the playoff.

Where is the Rose Bowl game played?

The Rose Bowl game is played at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. The venue has hosted the game since 1923 and is a National Historic Landmark.