Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

The 80th edition of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl is set for Wednesday, Dec. 31, closing out a yearlong celebration of one of college football’s most historic postseason games. The New Year’s Eve matchup, featuring top teams from the Southeastern and Big Ten Conferences, will kick off at 3 p.m. ET on ABC, serving as a lead-in to that evening’s College Football Playoff quarterfinals. The 2025 matchup marks the 30th time the Citrus Bowl will be played in December and the third time it will be held on New Year’s Eve. In last season’s game, also played on Dec. 31, No. 20 Illinois defeated No. 15 South Carolina 21-17. Illini running back Josh McCray earned MVP honors with 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter, lifting the Illini to their first 10-win season since 2001.


The official bowl pregame tailgate party held at Tinker Field next to Camping World Stadium will feature interactive games, inflatables, face painters and more. Admission is FREE. A wide selection of food and beverages will be available for purchase from local vendors.