KICKOFF TIME ANNOUNCED FOR 28th ANNUAL 68 VENTURES BOWL

MOBILE, Ala. (June 3, 2026) – The 28th Annual 68 Ventures Bowl is officially set for Saturday, December 26, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT (5:30 p.m. ET). The game will be held at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile and will be nationally televised on ESPN. The matchup will feature teams from the Sun Belt Conference, Conference USA, or the Mid-American Conference.

Celebrating its 28th anniversary, the 68 Ventures Bowl has established a distinguished tradition of showcasing premier college football talent. Since its inaugural game on December 22, 1999—when TCU defeated East Carolina 28–14—the Bowl has become a prominent fixture in the postseason lineup.

68 Ventures Bowl President Jerry Silverstein said “For 28 years, this game has created lasting memories for student-athletes, fans, and our entire community.” Silverstein went on to say “It is a testament to the tradition that has been built over nearly three decades. Each year, the 68 Ventures Bowl game showcases not only outstanding football, but also the hospitality, energy, and spirit of our community.”

In recent years, the Bowl has delivered some of the most exciting contests in its history, and the 2025 matchup was no exception. The game featured the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens, appearing in their first bowl in program history, against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, making their 13th bowl appearance and second appearance in the 68 Ventures Bowl. In a tightly contested game that remained undecided until the final moments, Delaware secured a 20–13 victory. With this win, Delaware became just the fourth program to win a bowl game in its first year of eligibility—and the 18th to receive a bowl invitation in that inaugural season.

Over its 27-year history, the 68 Ventures Bowl has been synonymous with high-scoring, competitive matchups. Notably, two of the highest-scoring games in NCAA bowl history have taken place in Mobile: Toledo’s 63–44 victory over Arkansas State in 2005 and Marshall’s thrilling 64–61 double-overtime win over East Carolina in 2001.

Details on Bowl Week festivities—including the fan-favorite Mardi Gras Parade—will be announced in the coming weeks.

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