DETROIT & DALLAS — College football delivered high-stakes drama on December 26, 2025, as the Northwestern Wildcats and UTSA Roadrunners secured commanding victories in their respective bowl matchups. Fans were treated to a doubleheader of exciting postseason action, continuing the sport’s cherished holiday tradition.
While both teams entered their games with identical 6-6 regular-season records, they left the field on Friday as champions, setting a positive tone for their programs heading into 2026.
Wildcats Outlast Chippewas in Defensive Masterclass
In the GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit, Northwestern (7-6) defeated Central Michigan (7-6) with a decisive 34-7 victory. Despite early reports suggesting an offensive shootout, the game was defined by a suffocating Wildcats defense that forced four crucial turnovers, all of which were converted into touchdowns.
Key Highlights:
- The Stone-Wilde Connection: Quarterback Preston Stone led the charge, completing 19 of 32 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target, Griffin Wilde, hauled in 10 receptions for 97 yards and two scores.
- Defensive Dominance: Defensive end Aidan Hubbard was relentless, recording three sacks and a forced fumble. Cornerback Braden Turner also made waves with a spectacular one-handed interception and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
- A Historic Streak: This win marks Northwestern’s sixth consecutive bowl victory, a streak dating back to 2016. It is a testament to the culture established in Evanston, now flourishing under head coach David Braun (notably correcting earlier mentions of Matt Rhule, who currently coaches Nebraska).
“We set out to make sure that we finished what we started for these seniors,” Braun said following the trophy presentation. “The preparation these guys put in—it was awesome to see it come to fruition today.”
Roadrunners Erase Early Deficit to Dominate First Responder Bowl
In Dallas, the UTSA Roadrunners delivered a program-defining performance at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, routing the Florida International (FIU) Panthers 57-20 to claim the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl title.
The game began with a scare for San Antonio fans as FIU jumped to a 14-0 lead, highlighted by a record-breaking 97-yard punt return by Maguire Anderson—the longest in bowl history. However, UTSA responded with 31 unanswered points before halftime and never looked back.
Record-Breaking Night for UTSA:
- Owen McCown’s MVP Performance: The redshirt junior quarterback set program bowl records with 295 passing yards and three touchdowns.
- Triple Threat: Freshman running back Will Henderson III accounted for three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving), the most ever by a Roadrunner in a postseason game.
- Program Milestone: With the win, UTSA (7-6) secured its third consecutive bowl victory and its sixth straight winning season under head coach Jeff Traylor.
The Roadrunners’ offense was explosive, racking up 481 total yards and setting a school record for points scored in a bowl game (57).
Significance for Program Trajectories
These victories carry weight far beyond the final scores. For Northwestern, a winning season and a sixth-straight bowl trophy provide vital stability in the competitive Big Ten landscape.
For UTSA, the dominant showing validates their standing as a premier program in the American Athletic Conference. “No one in Texas college football has won more this decade,” Traylor noted earlier this year, and this victory further cements that reputation.
Both Central Michigan and FIU will look to use these losses as building blocks. For FIU, simply reaching a bowl game represented their most successful season since 2018, providing a benchmark for offseason improvement.
Bowl Season Recap: Quick Facts
| Game | Winner | Loser | Score | Location |
| GameAbove Sports Bowl | Northwestern | Central Michigan | 34–7 | Ford Field, Detroit |
| First Responder Bowl | UTSA | FIU | 57–20 | Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas |
Trusted Sources: ESPN, Associated Press, NCAA Official Statistics.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who won the GameAbove Sports Bowl on December 26, 2025? The Northwestern Wildcats won the GameAbove Sports Bowl, defeating Central Michigan with a final score of 34–7.
What was the score of the First Responder Bowl? The UTSA Roadrunners defeated the FIU Panthers 57–20. Despite an early 14–0 deficit, UTSA scored 31 unanswered points to secure the win.
How many consecutive bowl games has Northwestern won? Northwestern has now won six consecutive bowl games, a streak that dates back to the 2016 Pinstripe Bowl.
Where were the December 26 bowl games played?
- GameAbove Sports Bowl: Played at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.
- First Responder Bowl: Played at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
What were the regular season records of the winning teams? Both Northwestern and UTSA entered their respective bowl games with a 6–6 regular-season record. With their victories, both teams finished the 2025 season with a winning record of 7–6.
Who were the standout performers in these games?
- Northwestern: QB Preston Stone threw for 226 yards and 3 TDs, while DE Aidan Hubbard anchored the defense with 3 sacks.
- UTSA: QB Owen McCown set a program record with 295 passing yards, and RB Will Henderson III accounted for 3 total touchdowns.