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ReliaQuest Bowl
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| ReliaQuest Bowl | |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Raymond James Stadium |
| Location | Tampa, Florida |
| Previous stadiums | Tampa Stadium (1986–1998) |
| Operated | 1986–present |
| Conference tie-ins | Big Ten, SEC |
| Payout | US$6.67 million ($20 million aggregate for the 2022–2024 college football seasons)[1] |
| Website | reliaquestbowl.com |
| Sponsors | |
| Former names | |
Hall of Fame Bowl (1986–1995) Outback Bowl (1996–2022) | |
| 2025 matchup | |
| Iowa vs. Vanderbilt (Iowa 34–27) | |
The ReliaQuest Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played in Tampa, Florida. The event was known as the Hall of Fame Bowl from 1986 to 1995 and the Outback Bowl from 1996 to 2022. It was held at Tampa Stadium from 1986 until 1999, when it moved to then-new Raymond James Stadium. The bowl has been played on New Year's Day for most of its history, often the first game to kick off on a day that is traditionally filled with post-season college football.
History
[edit]Previous Tampa bowl game
[edit]The Cigar Bowl was played at old Phillips Field near downtown Tampa from 1947 to 1954. Because the Cigar Bowl featured teams from smaller colleges, however, the 1986 Hall of Fame Bowl was the first major college bowl game to be played in the area.[2]
Hall of Fame Bowl
[edit]
The Hall of Fame Classic was a mid-level bowl game played at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama from 1977 to 1985. In the spring of 1986, the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame decided to discontinue their association with the bowl and realign with a new game to be played in Tampa Stadium which would inherit the Hall of Fame Bowl name.[3] Tampa's Hall of Fame Bowl did not initially have any conference tie-ins, so organizers often sought to arrange a match-up between a team from a southern school (usually the Southeastern Conference or Atlantic Coast Conference) and one from another region of the country to maximize both game attendance and potential visitors to the area.[2]
Outback Bowl
[edit]Tampa-based restaurant chain Outback Steakhouse became the game's title sponsor in April 1995, allowing the bowl to increase its payout to participants and sign agreements with the SEC and the Big Ten conferences, creating an annual cross-regional match-up that has continued ever since.[2][4] In 1999, the bowl moved from Tampa Stadium to newly constructed Raymond James Stadium next door.[5]
ReliaQuest Bowl
[edit]Though it had signed a six-year extension in 2019, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse decided to discontinue its association with the game in March 2022 in a cost-cutting measure, ending the longest continuous title sponsorship in college bowl history and resulting in a temporary renaming of the game to Tampa Bay Bowl.[6][7] In June 2022, Tampa-based cybersecurity company ReliaQuest was announced as the new title sponsor.[8] The game following the 2024 season was scheduled for December 31, making it the first edition of the bowl since its debut to be scheduled in December, and the first edition scheduled for New Year's Eve, a change spurred by the expanded College Football Playoff.[9] The 2025 edition was also scheduled for New Year's Eve.[10]
The game
[edit]
The bowl has primarily been played on New Year's Day, unless January 1 falls on a Sunday, in which case it is moved to the following Monday. Often the first game to start on a day which is traditionally full of college bowl games, it has kicked off as early as 11 a.m. ET. The inaugural edition was held on December 23, 1986, and the 2024 and 2025 editions were each scheduled for New Year's Eve.
ESPN has had television rights to the game since 1993. Under an extension of those rights signed in 2010, ESPN broadcasts the game on either ABC, ESPN, or ESPN2, in conjunction with the Citrus Bowl and the New Year's Six bowl games.[11] Before 1993, the bowl aired on NBC.
Upon signing agreements with the SEC and Big Ten in 1995, the bowl had the third pick of teams from each conference after the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) teams were placed. Since 2014, both the SEC and Big Ten have worked with a group of several bowl games, including this one, to place their bowl-eligible teams after the College Football Playoff (CFP) and associated bowls have made their selections.[12][13]
As of 2023, the bowl's payout was $6.4 million for each participating team.[14]
Game results
[edit]Rankings are based on the AP poll prior to the game being played.
| Date | Bowl name | Winning team | Losing team | Attendance | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 23, 1986 | Hall of Fame Bowl | Boston College | 27 | Georgia | 24 | 41,000 |
| January 2, 1988 | Hall of Fame Bowl | Michigan | 28 | Alabama | 24 | 61,075 |
| January 2, 1989 | Hall of Fame Bowl | #17 Syracuse | 23 | #16 LSU | 10 | 51,112 |
| January 1, 1990 | Hall of Fame Bowl | #9 Auburn | 31 | #21 Ohio State | 14 | 68,085 |
| January 1, 1991 | Hall of Fame Bowl | #14 Clemson | 30 | #16 Illinois | 0 | 63,154 |
| January 1, 1992 | Hall of Fame Bowl | #16 Syracuse | 24 | #25 Ohio State | 17 | 57,789 |
| January 1, 1993 | Hall of Fame Bowl | #17 Tennessee | 38 | #16 Boston College | 23 | 52,056 |
| January 1, 1994 | Hall of Fame Bowl | #23 Michigan | 42 | NC State | 7 | 52,649 |
| January 2, 1995 | Hall of Fame Bowl | Wisconsin | 34 | #25 Duke | 20 | 61,384 |
| January 1, 1996 | Outback Bowl | #15 Penn State | 43 | #16 Auburn | 14 | 65,313 |
| January 1, 1997 | Outback Bowl | #16 Alabama | 17 | #15 Michigan | 14 | 53,161 |
| January 1, 1998 | Outback Bowl | #12 Georgia | 33 | Wisconsin | 6 | 56,186 |
| January 1, 1999 | Outback Bowl | #22 Penn State | 26 | Kentucky | 14 | 66,005 |
| January 1, 2000 | Outback Bowl | #21 Georgia | 28 | #19 Purdue | 25 (OT) | 54,059 |
| January 1, 2001 | Outback Bowl | South Carolina | 24 | #19 Ohio State | 7 | 65,229 |
| January 1, 2002 | Outback Bowl | #14 South Carolina | 31 | #22 Ohio State | 28 | 66,249 |
| January 1, 2003 | Outback Bowl | #12 Michigan | 38 | #22 Florida | 30 | 65,101 |
| January 1, 2004 | Outback Bowl | #13 Iowa | 37 | #17 Florida | 17 | 65,657 |
| January 1, 2005 | Outback Bowl | #8 Georgia | 24 | #16 Wisconsin | 21 | 62,414 |
| January 2, 2006 | Outback Bowl | #16 Florida | 31 | #25 Iowa | 24 | 65,881 |
| January 1, 2007 | Outback Bowl | Penn State | 20 | #17 Tennessee | 10 | 65,601 |
| January 1, 2008 | Outback Bowl | #16 Tennessee | 21 | #18 Wisconsin | 17 | 60,121 |
| January 1, 2009 | Outback Bowl | Iowa | 31 | South Carolina | 10 | 55,117 |
| January 1, 2010 | Outback Bowl | Auburn | 38 | Northwestern | 35 (OT) | 49,383 |
| January 1, 2011 | Outback Bowl | Florida | 37 | Penn State | 24 | 60,574 |
| January 2, 2012 | Outback Bowl | #12 Michigan State | 33 | #18 Georgia | 30 (3OT) | 49,429 |
| January 1, 2013 | Outback Bowl | #11 South Carolina | 33 | #19 Michigan | 28 | 54,527 |
| January 1, 2014 | Outback Bowl | #14 LSU† | 21 | Iowa | 14 | 51,296 |
| January 1, 2015 | Outback Bowl | #17 Wisconsin | 34 | #19 Auburn | 31 (OT) | 44,023 |
| January 1, 2016 | Outback Bowl | Tennessee | 45 | #12 Northwestern | 6 | 53,202 |
| January 2, 2017 | Outback Bowl | #20 Florida | 30 | #21 Iowa | 3 | 51,119 |
| January 1, 2018 | Outback Bowl | South Carolina | 26 | Michigan | 19 | 45,687 |
| January 1, 2019 | Outback Bowl | Iowa | 27 | #18 Mississippi State | 22 | 40,518 |
| January 1, 2020 | Outback Bowl | #16 Minnesota | 31 | #9 Auburn | 24 | 45,652 |
| January 2, 2021 | Outback Bowl | Ole Miss | 26 | #7 Indiana | 20 | 11,025 |
| January 1, 2022 | Outback Bowl | #22 Arkansas | 24 | Penn State | 10 | 46,577 |
| January 2, 2023 | ReliaQuest Bowl | #24 Mississippi State | 19 | Illinois | 10 | 35,797 |
| January 1, 2024 | ReliaQuest Bowl | #13 LSU | 35 | Wisconsin | 31 | 31,424 |
| December 31, 2024 | ReliaQuest Bowl | Michigan | 19 | #11 Alabama | 13 | 51,439 |
| December 31, 2025 | ReliaQuest Bowl | Iowa | 34 | #13 Vanderbilt | 27 | 35,382 |
Source:[15]
† LSU's win in the 2014 edition was vacated in 2023 by the NCAA for a booster-related violation.[16]
MVPs
[edit]The bowl has named an MVP since inception; in the inaugural game, there were co-MVPs.[17]
|
|
Most appearances
[edit]Updated through the December 2025 edition (40 games, 80 total appearances).
- Teams with multiple appearances
| Rank | Team | Appearances | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | 7 | 4–3 |
| Iowa | 7 | 4–3 | |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 6 | 2–4 |
| 4 | South Carolina | 5 | 4–1 |
| Penn State | 5 | 3–2 | |
| Florida | 5 | 3–2 | |
| Georgia | 5 | 3–2 | |
| Auburn | 5 | 2–3 | |
| 9 | Tennessee | 4 | 3–1 |
| Ohio State | 4 | 0–4 | |
| 11 | LSU | 3 | 1–1 ‡ |
| Alabama | 3 | 1–2 | |
| 13 | Syracuse | 2 | 2–0 |
| Boston College | 2 | 1–1 | |
| Mississippi State | 2 | 1–1 | |
| Illinois | 2 | 0–2 | |
| Northwestern | 2 | 0–2 |
‡ LSU's win in the 2014 edition was vacated by the NCAA in 2023.
- Teams with a single appearance
Won (5): Arkansas, Clemson, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ole Miss
Lost (6): Duke, Indiana, Kentucky, NC State, Purdue, Vanderbilt
Appearances by conference
[edit]Updated through the December 2025 edition (40 games, 80 total appearances).
| Conference | Record | Appearances by season | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | W | L | Win pct. | Won | Lost | Vacated | |
| Big Ten | 37 | 15 | 22 | .405 | 1987*, 1993*, 1994*, 1995*, 1998*, 2002*, 2003*, 2006*, 2008*, 2011*, 2014*, 2018*, 2019*, 2024, 2025 | 1989*, 1990*, 1991*, 1996*, 1997*, 1999*, 2000*, 2001*, 2004*, 2005*, 2007*, 2009*, 2010*, 2012*, 2013*, 2015*, 2016*, 2017*, 2020*, 2021*, 2022*, 2023* | |
| SEC | 36 | 20 | 15 | .571 ‡ | 1989*, 1992*, 1996*, 1997*, 1999*, 2000*, 2001*, 2004*, 2005*, 2007*, 2009*, 2010*, 2012*, 2015*, 2016*, 2017*, 2020*, 2021*, 2022*, 2023* | 1986, 1987*, 1988*, 1995*, 1998*, 2002*, 2003*, 2006*, 2008*, 2011*, 2014*, 2018*, 2019*, 2024, 2025 | 2013* |
| ACC | 3 | 1 | 2 | .333 | 1990* | 1993*, 1994* | |
| Independents | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1.000 | 1986, 1988* | ||
| Big East | 2 | 1 | 1 | .500 | 1991* | 1992* | |
‡ LSU's vacated win following the 2013 season (played in January 2014) is excluded from win–loss totals and winning percentage.
- Games marked with an asterisk (*) were played in January of the following calendar year.
- Results reflect conference affiliations at the time each game was played.
- Big East appearances: Syracuse (1992) and Boston College (1993); the American Conference retains the charter of the original Big East, following its 2013 realignment.
- Independent appearances: Boston College (1986) and Syracuse (1988).
Game records
[edit]| Team | Performance vs. opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Most points scored (one team) | 45, Tennessee vs. Northwestern | 2016 |
| Most points scored (losing team) | 35, Northwestern vs. Auburn | 2010 |
| Most points scored (both teams) | 73, Auburn vs. Northwestern | 2010 |
| Fewest points allowed | 0, Clemson vs. Illinois | 1991 |
| Largest margin of victory | 39, Tennessee vs. Northwestern | 2016 |
| Total yards | 621, Northwestern vs. Auburn | 2010 |
| Rushing yards | 400, Wisconsin vs. Auburn | 2015 |
| Passing yards | 532, Northwestern vs. Auburn | 2010 |
| First downs | 34, Northwestern vs. Auburn | 2010 |
| Fewest yards allowed | 190, Alabama vs. Michigan | 2024 |
| Fewest rushing yards allowed | –15, Mississippi State vs. Iowa | 2019 |
| Fewest passing yards allowed | 55, Florida vs. Iowa | 2017 |
| Individual | Performance, Player, Team | Year |
| Total offense | 566, Mike Kafka Northwestern vs. Auburn (532 Pass, 34 Rush) | 2010 |
| Touchdowns (all-purpose) | 4, Chris Perry (Michigan) | 2003 |
| Rushing yards | 251, Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin) | 2015 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 4, Chris Perry (Michigan) | 2003 |
| Passing yards | 532, Mike Kafka (Northwestern) | 2010 |
| Passing touchdowns | 4, most recent: Mike Kafka (Northwestern) |
2010 |
| Receiving yards | 205, Tavarres King (Georgia) | 2012 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 2, most recent: Tyler Johnson (Minnesota) |
2020 |
| Tackles | 16, Traveon Henry (Northwestern) | 2016 |
| Sacks | 3, most recent: David Pollack (Georgia) |
2005 |
| Interceptions | 2, most recent: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (Florida) |
2017 |
| Long Plays | Performance, Team/Player vs. opponent | Year |
| Touchdown run | 77 yds., Jamie Morris (Michigan) | 1988 |
| Touchdown pass | 85 yds., Austin Appleby to Mark Thompson (Florida) | 2017 |
| Kickoff return | 96 yds., shared by: Jordan Cotton (Iowa) Noah Igbinoghene[20] (Auburn) |
2014 2020 |
| Punt return | 92 yds., Brandon Boykin (Georgia) | 2012 |
| Interception return | 100 yds., shared by: Walter McFadden (Auburn) Evan Berry (Tennessee) |
2010 2016 |
| Fumble return | 88 yds.,Tony Davis (Penn State) | 2007 |
| Punt | 70 yds., Tyeler Dean (South Carolina) | 2002 |
| Field goal | 53 yds., Charles Campbell (Indiana) | 2021 |
Source:[21]
Media coverage
[edit]The inaugural edition of the bowl was carried by Mizlou in December 1986, with NBC carrying the next five editions (1988–1992).[22] Since 1993, the game has been carried by ESPN or ESPN2, except for four broadcasts on ABC (2011, 2012, 2017, and 2021).[22]
References
[edit]- ^ "2022 Bowl Schedule | College Football Poll.com". collegefootballpoll.com. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
- ^ a b c Alfonso, David (December 29, 1995). "A new name highlights the 10th year of what started as the Hall of Fame Bowl". Tampa Tribune.
- ^ McEwen, Tom (April 17, 1986). "Hall of Fame Bowl will be played in Tampa". The Tampa Tribune. p. 1C. Retrieved March 25, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Bowl gets new sponsor". San Francisco Examiner. April 13, 1995. p. C-2. Retrieved March 25, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Mills, Roger (September 3, 1998). "Outback joins the crowd at new stadium". St. Petersburg Times. St. Petersburg, Florida. p. 5H. Retrieved March 25, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Baker, Matt (March 25, 2022). "Crikey! Outback Bowl changes name". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
- ^ Kritzer, Ashley Gurbal (May 2, 2022). "Bloomin' CEO on dropped Outback Bowl sponsorship: 'It was just time'". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
- ^ Baker, Matt (June 9, 2022). "Tampa's Outback Bowl has a new name: the ReliaQuest Bowl". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
- ^ "Reliaquest Bowl Slated to Kickoff at 12:00 PM ET on New Year's Eve". reliaquestbowl.com (Press release). June 6, 2024. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
- ^ Krall, Annie (December 29, 2025). "Thousands flock to Tampa Bay for New Year's Eve ReliaQuest Bowl, delivering big tourism boost". WQAD-TV. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
- ^ "ESPN Signs Deal with Gator Bowl, Extends Agreements with Capital One Bowl and Outback Bowl; All Three Games to be Televised on New Year's Day". ESPN. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved December 24, 2012.
- ^ "2016-17 SEC Bowl Schedule". secsports.com. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
- ^ "Big Ten Bowl Partners". Big Ten Conference. Archived from the original on August 5, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
- ^ "About the Bowl". www.reliaquestbowl.com. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
- ^ a b "Bowl Game Summary". reliaquestbowl.com. January 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Mandel, Stewart. "Vacated LSU wins leave Les Miles out of CFB Hall of Fame consideration". The Athletic. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
- ^ "Quick Game Summary". outbackbowl.com. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
- ^ @glenwest21 (January 1, 2024). "Garrett Nussmeier is the ReliaQuest bowl MVP" (Tweet). Retrieved January 1, 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ Kingsley, Noah (December 31, 2024). "Jordan Marshall breaks through to earn ReliaQuest Bowl MVP in first start". michigandaily.com. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
- ^ "No. 18 Minnesota tops No. 12 Auburn in Outback Bowl". reuters.com. Field Level Media. January 1, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
Noah Igbinoghene's 96-yard kickoff return in the first quarter, which tied an Outback Bowl record.
- ^ "Outback Bowl Records". outbackbowl.com. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
- ^ a b Kelly, Doug (ed.). "2019–20 Football Bowl Association Media Guide" (PDF). footballbowlassociation.com. p. 154. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
External links
[edit]ReliaQuest Bowl
View on GrokipediaHistory
Origins in Tampa
Tampa emerged as a host for postseason college football in the mid-20th century with the inception of the Cigar Bowl in 1947, a game sponsored by the local Shriners as a fundraiser for children's hospitals and played at Phillips Field.[11] This event contributed to the broader expansion of bowl games following World War II, when college football participation surged due to the GI Bill and increased enrollment, leading to more postseason opportunities beyond the traditional major bowls.[12] From 1947 to 1954, the Cigar Bowl featured matchups between smaller college programs, drawing teams primarily from the Northeast and Midwest to Florida's favorable climate and available facilities, which provided an appealing alternative to colder northern venues.[13] Key games illustrated the bowl's role in showcasing regional talent and building Tampa's reputation as a football destination. The inaugural 1947 Cigar Bowl saw the University of Delaware defeat Rollins College 21-7 on January 1 before 9,500 spectators.[14] In 1948, Missouri Valley College edged West Chester State 26-7 on January 1 with 10,000 in attendance, while the 1950 edition featured West Virginia University topping the University of Cincinnati 33-7 on January 1, attracting another 10,000 fans.[14] Other notable contests included the 1952 tie between Tennessee Technological University and Florida State University (13-13 on January 1, 1952, with 4,000 attendees) and the final game in 1954, where the University of Tampa defeated Charleston (West Virginia) 21-12 on December 17 before 2,500 onlookers.[15] These annual (or near-annual) events, typically around New Year's Day, highlighted competitive play among non-major programs and fostered local enthusiasm for the sport.[16] By the mid-1950s, the Cigar Bowl concluded after nine editions, primarily due to economic challenges in sustaining attendance and operations for small-college matchups, as well as the limited capacity of Phillips Field (around 10,000 seats).[13] In the 1960s, efforts to attract major programs faltered as teams increasingly preferred larger stadiums and more lucrative venues elsewhere, compounded by evolving NCAA regulations on bowl certifications and scheduling that favored established games.[12] This led to a hiatus in Tampa-hosted bowls until the 1980s, when the opening of the expansive Tampa Stadium in 1967 provided modern infrastructure, setting the stage for renewed interest.[13] The ReliaQuest Bowl upholds this foundational tradition of postseason play in Tampa Bay.Hall of Fame Bowl era
The Hall of Fame Bowl era began on December 23, 1986, with its inaugural game at Tampa Stadium pitting the Boston College Eagles against the Georgia Bulldogs, ending in a 27-24 victory for Boston College. The matchup featured a stylistic contrast, with Boston College's pass-heavy offense, led by quarterback Shawn Halloran who threw for over 2,000 yards during the season, facing Georgia's ground-oriented attack under coach Vince Dooley. Attendance reached 25,368, marking a solid debut for the postseason event organized by the Tampa Bay Bowl Association in affiliation with the National Football Foundation.[17][18][19] Throughout the 1986 to 1994 seasons, the bowl primarily showcased teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), alongside select Big Ten opponents and independents, fostering regional rivalries and national interest. Notable examples included the 1987 clash between Michigan (Big Ten) and Alabama (SEC), and the 1990 matchup of Clemson (ACC) versus Illinois (Big Ten), where Clemson secured a 30-0 shutout. These games highlighted the bowl's role in elevating Tampa as a destination for high-profile college football, drawing competitive squads from power conferences.[17] The games were hosted at Tampa Stadium, known as "The Big Sombrero" for its distinctive shape, which had undergone a major expansion in 1975 that increased its capacity to approximately 72,000 seats to accommodate the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and large crowds. This venue upgrade supported growing attendance, averaging over 50,000 per game during the era, and contributed to an estimated economic impact of around $3.3 million from the 1992 edition alone through visitor spending on hotels, dining, and attractions. The event boosted local tourism by attracting out-of-state fans and media, enhancing Tampa's profile as a sports hub.[20][17][21] This period concluded with the 1994 game, after which the bowl evolved into the Outback Bowl in 1995 due to sponsorship changes.[17]Outback Bowl era
The Outback Bowl era began in April 1995 when Tampa-based Outback Steakhouse secured a six-year title sponsorship deal for the formerly Hall of Fame Bowl, enabling increased payouts to participating schools and incorporating branding elements such as steakhouse-themed promotions like free Bloomin' Onion appetizers for fans following select games.[22][23] The inaugural game under this sponsorship occurred on January 1, 1996, at Tampa Stadium, where No. 15 Penn State defeated No. 16 Auburn 43-14, setting records for points scored and total offense in a rain-soaked contest highlighted by quarterback Kerry Collins' four touchdown passes.[24][25] Matchups evolved to emphasize high-profile inter-conference rivalries, with the bowl establishing a consistent Big Ten versus Southeastern Conference (SEC) format starting in 2001 through formal agreements with both leagues, fostering competitive games that showcased regional strengths.[26] A notable example was the 2000 Outback Bowl, where Georgia edged Purdue 28-25 in overtime, as quarterback Drew Brees tied or set six individual bowl records in a thrilling finish that underscored the matchup's growing appeal.[27] In 1999, the game transitioned from the aging Tampa Stadium to the newly constructed Raymond James Stadium, which offered modern amenities including a pirate ship end zone feature and a seating capacity of over 65,000, expandable to 75,000 for major events, enhancing the fan experience and accommodating larger crowds.[28][29] The era saw significant growth, including high attendances such as 65,601 for the 2007 matchup between Penn State and Tennessee, reflecting the bowl's rising popularity and economic impact on Tampa Bay exceeding $1 billion over the years.[27][30] Outback's sponsorship also supported charitable initiatives, with the bowl's giving program donating over $2 million to local nonprofits since 2016 alone, focusing on causes like disadvantaged youth, disabilities, and hunger relief through partnerships with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Meals on Wheels.[31][32] The partnership concluded after the January 2021 game amid Outback Steakhouse's corporate shifts.ReliaQuest Bowl era
The ReliaQuest Bowl era began in June 2022 when Tampa-based cybersecurity company ReliaQuest was announced as the new title sponsor, replacing Outback Steakhouse after a 26-year partnership and rebranding the longstanding Tampa New Year's bowl game.[7][33] This multi-year agreement, starting with the January 2023 edition, aimed to leverage the event for cybersecurity awareness while maintaining its tradition of pitting Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams against Big Ten opponents at Raymond James Stadium.[34] The inaugural ReliaQuest Bowl on January 2, 2023, featured the No. 22 Mississippi State Bulldogs defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini 19-10 in a game marked by emotional tributes following the recent death of Mississippi State coach Mike Leach.[35][36] Post-sponsorship adjustments to the format have included flexibility for at-large selections amid the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP), allowing non-conference tie-in teams if SEC or Big Ten programs qualify for the postseason tournament; for instance, the December 31, 2024, matchup saw the Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) edge the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC) 19-13 in a defensive battle.[37][38] These changes reflect broader adaptations in bowl scheduling to accommodate the 12-team CFP format introduced in 2024, prioritizing high-profile matchups while preserving the SEC-Big Ten affiliation.[39] Governance during this era has emphasized local leadership and community ties, with the Tampa Bay Bowl Association appointing Glenn Fasani, a financial services executive, as board chair for the 2025-26 season on May 1, 2025, to oversee operations and celebrate the bowl's 40th anniversary.[40] The Tampa Bay Sports Commission continues to play a key role in coordinating events, fan experiences, and economic impacts for the region.[41] As of November 2025, preparations for the December 31, 2025, edition at noon ET focus on securing SEC-Big Ten participants amid ongoing CFP projections, with early mockups suggesting potential clashes like Florida versus Nebraska to sustain attendance and viewership trends from recent games.[4][42] This period underscores the bowl's evolution from its historical Tampa roots into a modern platform blending sports, technology sponsorship, and postseason flexibility.Game details
Venue and format
The ReliaQuest Bowl is held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, a modern facility opened in 1998 with a seating capacity of over 65,000 that can expand to 75,000 for larger events.[43][29] The stadium features a distinctive 103-foot replica pirate ship in the north end zone, which fires a cannon after Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores and adds to the festive atmosphere during bowl games.[44] Prior to 1999, the game was played at the adjacent Tampa Stadium.[45] As an NCAA-sanctioned postseason college football bowl game, the ReliaQuest Bowl follows standard NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision rules, consisting of four 15-minute quarters for a total of 60 minutes of regulation play, with overtime used to resolve ties if necessary.[46] It is contested at a neutral site, pitting teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) against those from the Big Ten Conference.[45] The game is typically scheduled for New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, with kickoff around noon Eastern Time to accommodate early bowl season programming.[45] The event includes pre-game festivities such as a parade in Tampa's historic district and fan zones, along with halftime entertainment featuring performances that celebrate local culture and college spirit.[47] Tampa's mild winter climate provides a weather advantage, with average high temperatures around 70°F (21°C) in late December and early January, rarely dropping below 60°F (16°C).[48] Since the NCAA's adoption of overtime rules for the 1995-96 bowl season, no ReliaQuest Bowl games have ended in ties, ensuring a decisive winner through alternating possession periods starting from the 25-yard line.[49][46]Team selection and eligibility
The ReliaQuest Bowl features a primary matchup between teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference, a tie-in established in 1995 during the Outback Bowl era and continued through the current ReliaQuest naming since 2022.[5][27] This arrangement ensures one team from each conference, selected based on contractual agreements that prioritize the bowl's position in the selection order after College Football Playoff (CFP) commitments.[37] Prior to 1995, during the Hall of Fame Bowl era (1986–1994), selections lacked consistent conference tie-ins, often pitting SEC teams against opponents from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big Ten, or independents.[5] Team selection occurs after the regular season and CFP rankings are finalized, typically in early December, when conferences announce bowl assignments based on a pool of eligible teams ranked by the CFP committee's evaluations of performance, strength of schedule, and head-to-head results.[37][50] The ReliaQuest Bowl holds the second pick from the SEC after CFP bowls and the first from the Big Ten after its top selections, allowing conferences to choose based on factors like matchup appeal and geographic proximity, though the venue's neutrality in Tampa influences balanced pairings without favoring local teams.[51][52] Since the 2021 CFP expansion, exceptions permit at-large bids from other conferences if tie-in teams are unavailable due to playoff participation or insufficient eligible squads, though the SEC-Big Ten format has remained predominant. Conference realignments, including the Big Ten's 2024 additions of USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington, have expanded the pool of potential participants as of 2025, potentially increasing competition for selections without altering the core tie-in structure.[53] Eligibility requires teams to be NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) members with at least a .500 winning percentage—typically six wins in a 12-game regular season—while complying with academic progress rate (APR) standards and avoiding major NCAA sanctions that could disqualify participation.[54] No more than one win against a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponent counts toward eligibility, ensuring competitive balance, and teams in their first two years of FBS transition are ineligible. For instance, representative matchups involve SEC or Big Ten teams with records like 9-3 or 10-2, demonstrating the bowl's focus on squads with strong but non-playoff-caliber seasons.[55]Sponsorship and naming
The ReliaQuest Bowl traces its naming rights evolution from its inception as the unsponsored Hall of Fame Bowl, which ran from 1986 to 1995 without a corporate title sponsor. In 1995, Outback Steakhouse secured the title sponsorship, rebranding the event as the Outback Bowl and maintaining the partnership through the 2021 season as the longest-running title deal in college football bowl history.[56] This era provided continuity from the bowl's early years while introducing commercial funding to support operations and community initiatives.[57] Following Outback's departure after the January 2022 game, Tampa-based cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest assumed title sponsorship in June 2022, renaming the bowl for the January 2023 edition and emphasizing themes of digital security and resilience in its branding.[6] The multi-year agreement, initially set for four years through the 2026 game, aligns with ReliaQuest's mission to promote cybersecurity awareness, including targeted educational programs for students.[58] As title sponsor, ReliaQuest receives prominent logo placements on stadium signage, broadcast graphics, and promotional materials, along with exclusive corporate suites at Raymond James Stadium for client hospitality and networking.[3] The partnership also incorporates charity tie-ins, such as ReliaQuest's support for cyber education initiatives, including bootcamps and donations to organizations fostering cybersecurity careers, building on the bowl's broader Charitable Giving Initiative that has distributed over $4.5 million to local nonprofits since 2016.[58][59] The bowl's economic model relies on a combination of ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, and local business partnerships, generating an estimated $30-40 million in annual impact for the Tampa Bay region through visitor spending and event-related revenue.[60] This funding structure has sustained the event's growth while contributing over $183 million to participating universities historically.[4]Results and records
Annual game results
The ReliaQuest Bowl has featured 39 games since its inception in 1986, with results reflecting a mix of competitive matchups, particularly between Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Big Ten teams since 1996. Outcomes have often highlighted defensive battles and occasional high-scoring affairs, with attendance varying based on team popularity and weather conditions.[17]| Season | Date | Winning Team | Score | Losing Team | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Dec 23, 1986 | Boston College | 27–24 | Georgia | 25,368 |
| 1987 | Jan 2, 1988 | Michigan | 28–24 | Alabama | 60,156 |
| 1988 | Jan 2, 1989 | Syracuse | 23–10 | LSU | 51,112 |
| 1989 | Jan 1, 1990 | Auburn | 31–14 | Ohio State | 52,535 |
| 1990 | Jan 1, 1991 | Clemson | 30–0 | Illinois | 63,154 |
| 1991 | Jan 1, 1992 | Syracuse | 24–17 | Ohio State | 57,789 |
| 1992 | Jan 1, 1993 | Tennessee | 38–23 | Boston College | 52,056 |
| 1993 | Jan 1, 1994 | Michigan | 42–7 | NC State | 52,649 |
| 1994 | Jan 2, 1995 | Wisconsin | 34–20 | Duke | 61,384 |
| 1995 | Jan 1, 1996 | Penn State | 43–14 | Auburn | 65,313 |
| 1996 | Jan 1, 1997 | Alabama | 17–14 | Michigan | 53,161 |
| 1997 | Jan 1, 1998 | Georgia | 33–6 | Wisconsin | 56,186 |
| 1998 | Jan 1, 1999 | Penn State | 26–14 | Kentucky | 66,005 |
| 1999 | Jan 1, 2000 | Georgia | 28–25 (OT) | Purdue | 54,059 |
| 2000 | Jan 1, 2001 | South Carolina | 24–7 | Ohio State | 65,229 |
| 2001 | Jan 1, 2002 | South Carolina | 31–28 | Ohio State | 66,249 |
| 2002 | Jan 1, 2003 | Michigan | 38–30 | Florida | 65,101 |
| 2003 | Jan 1, 2004 | Iowa | 37–17 | Florida | 65,372 |
| 2004 | Jan 1, 2005 | Georgia | 24–21 | Wisconsin | 62,414 |
| 2005 | Jan 2, 2006 | Florida | 31–24 | Iowa | 65,881 |
| 2006 | Jan 1, 2007 | Penn State | 20–10 | Tennessee | 65,601 |
| 2007 | Jan 1, 2008 | Tennessee | 21–17 | Wisconsin | 60,121 |
| 2008 | Jan 1, 2009 | Iowa | 31–10 | South Carolina | 55,117 |
| 2009 | Jan 1, 2010 | Auburn | 38–35 (OT) | Northwestern | 49,383 |
| 2010 | Jan 1, 2011 | Florida | 37–24 | Penn State | 60,574 |
| 2011 | Jan 2, 2012 | Michigan State | 33–30 (3OT) | Georgia | 49,429 |
| 2012 | Jan 1, 2013 | South Carolina | 33–28 | Michigan | 54,527 |
| 2013 | Jan 1, 2014 | LSU | 21–14 | Iowa | 51,296 |
| 2014 | Jan 1, 2015 | Wisconsin | 34–31 (OT) | Auburn | 44,023 |
| 2015 | Jan 1, 2016 | Tennessee | 45–6 | Northwestern | 53,202 |
| 2016 | Jan 2, 2017 | Florida | 30–3 | Iowa | 51,119 |
| 2017 | Jan 1, 2018 | South Carolina | 26–19 | Michigan | 45,687 |
| 2018 | Jan 1, 2019 | Iowa | 27–22 | Mississippi State | 40,518 |
| 2019 | Jan 1, 2020 | Minnesota | 31–24 | Auburn | 45,652 |
| 2020 | Jan 2, 2021 | Ole Miss | 26–20 | Indiana | 11,025 |
| 2021 | Jan 1, 2022 | Arkansas | 24–10 | Penn State | 49,577 |
| 2022 | Jan 2, 2023 | Mississippi State | 19–10 | Illinois | 35,797 |
| 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 | LSU | 35–31 | Wisconsin | 31,424 |
| 2024 | Dec 31, 2024 | Michigan | 19–13 | Alabama | 51,439 |
Most valuable players
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the ReliaQuest Bowl, presented annually since its inception as the Hall of Fame Bowl in 1986, recognizes the game's outstanding performer, often selected by a panel including media members, coaches, and bowl officials. While typically a single overall honor, early editions occasionally featured co-MVPs for offensive and defensive contributions, and the award highlights players whose performances significantly influenced the outcome, regardless of their team's victory.[17] Notable MVPs include Drew Brees of Purdue, who earned the honor in the 1999 Outback Bowl despite a 28-25 loss to Georgia, completing 30 of 42 passes for 378 yards and four touchdowns, tying a bowl record at the time.[62] In the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl (played January 1, 2024), LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was named MVP after throwing for 395 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-31 comeback win over Wisconsin, marking a strong debut in the post-Jayden Daniels era.[63] More recently, Michigan running back Jordan Marshall claimed the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl MVP as a true freshman in his first career start, rushing for 100 yards on 23 carries to lead a 19-13 upset over Alabama.[64] Quarterbacks have secured the award in about 30% of the 39 games played through 2024, underscoring their frequent impact on high-scoring affairs, while running backs follow closely with roughly 31% of honors. Players from Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams have dominated, winning approximately 60% of the awards, reflecting the bowl's ties to SEC-Big Ten matchups since 1995.[17] The following table enumerates all MVPs by game year, including position and team:| Year | MVP(s) | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Garry Moss, James Jackson | DB, QB | Georgia |
| 1987 | Jamie Morris | RB | Michigan |
| 1988 | Robert Drummond | RB | Syracuse |
| 1989 | Reggie Slack | QB | Auburn |
| 1990 | DeChane Cameron | QB | Clemson |
| 1991 | Marvin Graves | QB | Syracuse |
| 1992 | Heath Shuler | QB | Tennessee |
| 1993 | Tyrone Wheatley | RB | Michigan |
| 1994 | Terrell Fletcher | RB | Wisconsin |
| 1995 | Bobby Engram | WR | Penn State |
| 1996 | Dwayne Rudd | LB | Alabama |
| 1997 | Mike Bobo | QB | Georgia |
| 1998 | Courtney Brown | DL | Penn State |
| 1999 | Drew Brees | QB | Purdue |
| 2000 | Ryan Brewer | RB | South Carolina |
| 2001 | Phil Petty | QB | South Carolina |
| 2002 | Chris Perry | RB | Michigan |
| 2003 | Fred Russell | RB | Iowa |
| 2004 | David Pollack | DL | Georgia |
| 2005 | Dallas Baker | WR | Florida |
| 2006 | Tony Hunt | RB | Penn State |
| 2007 | Erik Ainge | QB | Tennessee |
| 2008 | Shonn Greene | RB | Iowa |
| 2009 | Darvin Adams | WR | Auburn |
| 2010 | Ahmad Black | DB | Florida |
| 2011 | Brandon Boykin | DB | Georgia |
| 2012 | Ace Sanders | WR | South Carolina |
| 2013 | Jeremy Hill | RB | LSU |
| 2014 | Melvin Gordon | RB | Wisconsin |
| 2015 | Jalen Hurd | RB | Tennessee |
| 2016 | Chauncey Gardner-Johnson | DB | Florida |
| 2017 | Jake Bentley | QB | South Carolina |
| 2018 | Nick Easley | WR | Iowa |
| 2019 | Tyler Johnson | WR | Minnesota |
| 2020 | Matt Corral | QB | Ole Miss |
| 2021 | K.J. Jefferson | QB | Arkansas |
| 2022 | Justin Robinson | WR | Mississippi State |
| 2023 | Garrett Nussmeier | QB | LSU |
| 2024 | Jordan Marshall | RB | Michigan |
Team and conference appearances
The ReliaQuest Bowl, formerly known as the Outback Bowl and Hall of Fame Bowl, has primarily featured matchups between teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference since the mid-1990s, with earlier editions occasionally involving teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Big East. Through its 39 games played from 1986 to 2024, SEC teams have made 35 appearances, securing 22 victories for a winning percentage of 62.9%.[65] Big Ten teams have appeared 36 times, with 15 wins, yielding a 41.7% winning percentage.[17] These conferences dominate the bowl's history, reflecting its role as a traditional postseason pairing, while non-SEC/Big Ten participants have been limited to six appearances across three games each in the 1980s and 1990s.[65] Team participation has been led by programs with strong bowl histories in their respective conferences. Michigan holds the record for most appearances with seven, followed by Iowa and Wisconsin with six each.[17] Among these frequent participants, success varies: South Carolina boasts the best winning record at 4-1, while Michigan and Florida each have 4 wins from their appearances.[65] The table below summarizes the top teams by total appearances as of the 2024 edition.| Rank | Team | Appearances | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan (Big Ten) | 7 | 4-3 |
| 2 | Iowa (Big Ten) | 6 | 3-3 |
| Wisconsin (Big Ten) | 6 | 2-4 | |
| 4 | Florida (SEC) | 5 | 3-2 |
| Georgia (SEC) | 5 | 3-2 | |
| Penn State (Big Ten) | 5 | 3-2 | |
| Auburn (SEC) | 5 | 2-3 | |
| South Carolina (SEC) | 5 | 4-1 |
| Conference | Appearances | Wins | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEC | 35 | 22 | 62.9% |
| Big Ten | 36 | 15 | 41.7% |
| ACC | 3 | 1 | 33.3% |
| Big East/Independent | 4 | 3 | 75.0% |
Individual and team records
The ReliaQuest Bowl, formerly known as the Outback Bowl and Hall of Fame Bowl, has produced several notable statistical achievements across its nearly four decades of history. Team and individual records highlight exceptional offensive, defensive, and special teams performances, often set in high-scoring or defensively dominant games. These records are tracked by the bowl's official statistics and reflect the competitive balance between Big Ten and SEC (or former ACC) opponents.[66]Team Records
Team offensive records emphasize explosive performances, with Tennessee's 2016 game against Northwestern standing out for both scoring and margin of victory. Defensive records showcase shutouts and turnover dominance, while combined stats reveal the game's occasional chaos in ball security and big plays.| Category | Record | Team and Year | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Points Scored | 45 | Tennessee vs. Northwestern, 2016 | Tennessee won 45–6, setting the high mark for a single team.[66] |
| Largest Margin of Victory | 39 points | Tennessee 45, Northwestern 6, 2016 | This blowout remains the widest gap in bowl history.[17] |
| Most Total Yards | 621 | Northwestern vs. Auburn, 2010 | Northwestern's air-it-out approach in a 38–35 loss established this benchmark.[66] |
| Most Rushing Yards | 400 | Wisconsin vs. Auburn, 2015 | Wisconsin's ground game powered a 34–31 overtime win.[66] |
| Fewest Points Allowed | 0 | Clemson vs. Illinois, 1991 | Clemson's defense blanked Illinois in a 20–0 victory during the Hall of Fame Bowl era.[66] |
| Most Interceptions | 5 | Florida vs. Penn State, 2011 (tied with Auburn vs. Northwestern, 2010) | Florida's secondary swarmed in a 37–24 win.[66] |
Individual Records
Individual highs often come from star players in marquee matchups, such as running backs and quarterbacks driving one-sided efforts. Defensive records recognize relentless pursuit, while special teams marks capture game-changing returns.| Category | Record | Player, Team, and Year | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Rushing Yards | 251 | Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin vs. Auburn, 2015 | Gordon's explosive runs fueled Wisconsin's 34–31 overtime triumph.[66] |
| Most Passing Yards | 532 | Mike Kafka, Northwestern vs. Auburn, 2010 | Kafka's volume passing in a 38–35 loss set the aerial standard.[66] |
| Most Total Tackles | 16 | Traveon Henry, Northwestern vs. Tennessee, 2016 | Henry's sideline-to-sideline effort anchored the defense in a 45–6 loss.[66] |
| Most Touchdowns (All-Purpose) | 4 | Chris Perry, Michigan vs. Florida, 2003 | Perry's multi-phase scoring led Michigan to a 38–30 win.[66] |
| Longest Touchdown Run | 77 yards | Jamie Morris, Michigan vs. Alabama, 1987 | Morris's breakaway score highlighted a 29–27 victory in the Hall of Fame Bowl.[66] |
