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ReliaQuest Bowl
ReliaQuest Bowl
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ReliaQuest Bowl
StadiumRaymond James Stadium
LocationTampa, Florida
Previous stadiumsTampa Stadium (1986–1998)
Operated1986–present
Conference tie-insBig Ten, SEC
PayoutUS$6.67 million ($20 million aggregate for the 2022–2024 college football seasons)[1]
Websitereliaquestbowl.com
Sponsors
Outback Steakhouse (1996–2022)
ReliaQuest (2022–present)
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]
Tampa Stadium, original home of the Hall of Fame / Outback Bowl

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]
Raymond James Stadium, home of the bowl since the 1999 edition

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]
Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall during the 2015 edition

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]

Source:[15][18][19]

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]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The ReliaQuest Bowl is an annual postseason held at in , featuring one team from the (SEC) and one from the . Established in 1986, it has become one of the most respected and attended s in the nation, typically scheduled for late December or early January, with the 2025 edition set for December 31. Originally known as the Hall of Fame Bowl from 1986 to 1995, the game was sponsored by and rebranded as the Outback Bowl from 1996 to 2022, during which it gained prominence for hosting competitive matchups, including several overtime thrillers like the 2012 triple-overtime win by Michigan State over Georgia. In 2022, cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest became the title sponsor through 2026, renaming the event to reflect its commitment to innovation and community while preserving the bowl's tradition of high-stakes SEC-Big Ten rivalries. Over its nearly 40-year history, the bowl has showcased 39 games through 2024, drawing crowds that exceed 50,000 spectators and featuring notable performances from future stars. The 2024 edition saw defeat 19–13. Beyond the field, the ReliaQuest Bowl serves as a significant economic and philanthropic engine for the region, generating an estimated $1.1 billion in cumulative economic impact through tourism, visitor spending, and local business activity since its inception. It has distributed more than $175 million to participating universities to support scholarships and programs, while its Charitable Giving Initiative has donated over $4.5 million to more than 210 local nonprofits since 2016, focusing on , health, and community development. These contributions underscore the bowl's role as a dedicated to fostering regional growth and goodwill alongside premier entertainment.

History

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. 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. 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. 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 defeat 21-7 on January 1 before 9,500 spectators. In 1948, edged West Chester State 26-7 on January 1 with 10,000 in attendance, while the 1950 edition featured topping the 33-7 on January 1, attracting another 10,000 fans. Other notable contests included the 1952 tie between Tennessee Technological University and (13-13 on January 1, 1952, with 4,000 attendees) and the final game in 1954, where the defeated Charleston (West Virginia) 21-12 on December 17 before 2,500 onlookers. These annual (or near-annual) events, typically around , highlighted competitive play among non-major programs and fostered local enthusiasm for the sport. 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). In the , 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. This led to a hiatus in Tampa-hosted bowls until the 1980s, when the opening of the expansive in 1967 provided modern infrastructure, setting the stage for renewed interest. 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 pitting the against the , ending in a 27-24 victory for . The matchup featured a stylistic contrast, with '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 . 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. Throughout the 1986 to 1994 seasons, the bowl primarily showcased teams from the (SEC) and (ACC), alongside select Big Ten opponents and independents, fostering regional rivalries and national interest. Notable examples included the 1987 clash between (Big Ten) and (SEC), and the 1990 matchup of Clemson (ACC) versus (Big Ten), where Clemson secured a 30-0 . These games highlighted the bowl's role in elevating Tampa as a destination for high-profile , drawing competitive squads from power conferences. The games were hosted at , known as "The Big Sombrero" for its distinctive shape, which had undergone a major expansion in that increased its capacity to approximately 72,000 seats to accommodate the NFL's 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 by attracting out-of-state fans and media, enhancing Tampa's profile as a sports hub. This period concluded with the 1994 game, after which the bowl evolved into the Outback Bowl in 1995 due to sponsorship changes.

Outback Bowl era

The Outback Bowl era began in April 1995 when Tampa-based 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. The inaugural game under this sponsorship occurred on January 1, 1996, at , 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 ' four touchdown passes. Matchups evolved to emphasize high-profile inter-conference rivalries, with the bowl establishing a consistent Big Ten versus (SEC) format starting in 2001 through formal agreements with both leagues, fostering competitive games that showcased regional strengths. A notable example was the 2000 Outback Bowl, where Georgia edged Purdue 28-25 in overtime, as quarterback tied or set six individual bowl records in a thrilling finish that underscored the matchup's growing appeal. In 1999, the game transitioned from the aging to the newly constructed , which offered modern amenities including a pirate ship feature and a of over 65,000, expandable to 75,000 for major events, enhancing the fan experience and accommodating larger crowds. The era saw significant growth, including high attendances such as 65,601 for the 2007 matchup between Penn State and , reflecting the bowl's rising popularity and economic impact on exceeding $1 billion over the years. Outback's sponsorship also supported charitable initiatives, with the bowl's giving program donating over $2 million to local nonprofits since alone, focusing on causes like disadvantaged youth, disabilities, and hunger relief through partnerships with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and . 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 after a 26-year partnership and rebranding the longstanding Tampa New Year's . This multi-year agreement, starting with the January 2023 edition, aimed to leverage the event for cybersecurity awareness while maintaining its tradition of pitting (SEC) teams against Big Ten opponents at . The inaugural ReliaQuest Bowl on January 2, 2023, featured the No. 22 defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini 19-10 in a game marked by emotional tributes following the recent death of Mississippi State coach Mike Leach. Post-sponsorship adjustments to the format have included flexibility for at-large selections amid the expanded (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 (Big Ten) edge the No. 11 (SEC) 19-13 in a defensive battle. 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. 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. The Tampa Bay Sports Commission continues to play a key role in coordinating events, fan experiences, and economic impacts for the region. 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. 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 in , a modern facility opened in 1998 with a seating capacity of over 65,000 that can expand to 75,000 for larger events. The stadium features a distinctive 103-foot replica pirate ship in the north end zone, which fires a after Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores and adds to the festive atmosphere during bowl games. Prior to 1999, the game was played at the adjacent . As an NCAA-sanctioned postseason , the ReliaQuest Bowl follows standard Football Bowl Subdivision rules, consisting of four 15-minute quarters for a total of 60 minutes of regulation play, with used to resolve ties if necessary. It is contested at a neutral site, pitting teams from the (SEC) against those from the . The game is typically scheduled for or , with kickoff around noon Eastern Time to accommodate early bowl season programming. The event includes pre-game festivities such as a in Tampa's and fan zones, along with entertainment featuring performances that celebrate local culture and college spirit. Tampa's mild winter provides a advantage, with average high temperatures around 70°F (21°C) in late and early , rarely dropping below 60°F (16°C). 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.

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. 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. 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. Team selection occurs after the and CFP rankings are finalized, typically in early , when conferences announce bowl assignments based on a pool of eligible teams ranked by the CFP committee's evaluations of performance, , and head-to-head results. 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. Since the 2021 CFP expansion, exceptions permit bids from other conferences if 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, , and Washington, have expanded the pool of potential participants as of 2025, potentially increasing competition for selections without altering the core structure. Eligibility requires teams to be Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) members with at least a .500 —typically six wins in a 12-game regular season—while complying with (APR) standards and avoiding major NCAA sanctions that could disqualify participation. 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.

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 sponsor. In 1995, 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 bowl history. This era provided continuity from the bowl's early years while introducing commercial funding to support operations and community initiatives. 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. 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. As title sponsor, ReliaQuest receives prominent logo placements on stadium signage, broadcast graphics, and promotional materials, along with exclusive corporate suites at for client hospitality and networking. 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. 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 region through visitor spending and event-related revenue. This funding structure has sustained the event's growth while contributing over $183 million to participating universities historically.

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.
SeasonDateWinning TeamScoreLosing TeamAttendance
1986Dec 23, 1986Boston College27–24Georgia25,368
1987Jan 2, 1988Michigan28–24Alabama60,156
1988Jan 2, 1989Syracuse23–10LSU51,112
1989Jan 1, 1990Auburn31–14Ohio State52,535
1990Jan 1, 1991Clemson30–0Illinois63,154
1991Jan 1, 1992Syracuse24–17Ohio State57,789
1992Jan 1, 1993Tennessee38–23Boston College52,056
1993Jan 1, 1994Michigan42–7NC State52,649
1994Jan 2, 1995Wisconsin34–20Duke61,384
1995Jan 1, 1996Penn State43–14Auburn65,313
1996Jan 1, 1997Alabama17–14Michigan53,161
1997Jan 1, 1998Georgia33–6Wisconsin56,186
1998Jan 1, 1999Penn State26–14Kentucky66,005
1999Jan 1, 2000Georgia28–25 (OT)Purdue54,059
2000Jan 1, 2001South Carolina24–7Ohio State65,229
2001Jan 1, 2002South Carolina31–28Ohio State66,249
2002Jan 1, 2003Michigan38–30Florida65,101
2003Jan 1, 2004Iowa37–17Florida65,372
2004Jan 1, 2005Georgia24–21Wisconsin62,414
2005Jan 2, 2006Florida31–24Iowa65,881
2006Jan 1, 2007Penn State20–10Tennessee65,601
2007Jan 1, 2008Tennessee21–17Wisconsin60,121
2008Jan 1, 2009Iowa31–10South Carolina55,117
2009Jan 1, 2010Auburn38–35 (OT)Northwestern49,383
2010Jan 1, 2011Florida37–24Penn State60,574
2011Jan 2, 2012Michigan State33–30 (3OT)Georgia49,429
2012Jan 1, 2013South Carolina33–28Michigan54,527
2013Jan 1, 2014LSU21–14Iowa51,296
2014Jan 1, 2015Wisconsin34–31 (OT)Auburn44,023
2015Jan 1, 2016Tennessee45–6Northwestern53,202
2016Jan 2, 2017Florida30–3Iowa51,119
2017Jan 1, 2018South Carolina26–19Michigan45,687
2018Jan 1, 2019Iowa27–22Mississippi State40,518
2019Jan 1, 2020Minnesota31–24Auburn45,652
2020Jan 2, 2021Ole Miss26–20Indiana11,025
2021Jan 1, 2022Arkansas24–10Penn State49,577
2022Jan 2, 2023Mississippi State19–10Illinois35,797
2023Jan 1, 2024LSU35–31Wisconsin31,424
2024Dec 31, 2024Michigan19–13Alabama51,439
Data compiled from official bowl records. SEC teams have dominated the matchup against Big Ten opponents with a 20-12 all-time record through , underscoring the conference's strength in this fixture. Several games have extended into overtime, including the 1999 edition where Georgia edged Purdue 28-25, the 2009 thriller with Auburn defeating Northwestern 38-35, the 2011 triple-overtime classic won by Michigan State over Georgia 33-30, and the 2014 contest where outlasted Auburn 34-31. Notable performances have defined select games, such as the December 23, 1986, inaugural matchup where upset Georgia 27-24 before 25,368 fans, highlighted by Doug Flutie's brother Darren's key contributions in a defensive struggle. In the January 1, 2003, game, rallied past 38-30 in front of 65,101 spectators, powered by a balanced attack led by . The January 1, 2015, clash saw Wisconsin's rush for a bowl-record 251 yards in a 34–31 victory over Auburn, drawing 44,023 attendees despite the tight finish. More recently, on December 31, 2024, 's defense stifled for a 19-13 win attended by 51,439, marking a low-scoring affair dominated by turnovers and field goals.

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. 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. In the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl (played January 1, 2024), LSU quarterback was named MVP after throwing for 395 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-31 comeback win over , marking a strong debut in the post-Jayden Daniels era. More recently, Jordan Marshall claimed the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl MVP as a true in his first career start, rushing for 100 yards on 23 carries to lead a 19-13 upset over . 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 (SEC) teams have dominated, winning approximately 60% of the awards, reflecting the bowl's ties to SEC-Big Ten matchups since 1995. The following table enumerates all MVPs by game year, including position and team:
YearMVP(s)PositionTeam
1986Garry Moss, James JacksonDB, QBGeorgia
1987RB
1988Robert DrummondRBSyracuse
1989Reggie SlackQBAuburn
1990DeChane CameronQBClemson
1991Marvin GravesQBSyracuse
1992QB
1993RB
1994RB
1995WRPenn State
1996LBAlabama
1997QBGeorgia
1998Courtney BrownDLPenn State
1999QBPurdue
2000Ryan BrewerRB
2001Phil PettyQB
2002Chris PerryRB
2003Fred RussellRB
2004DLGeorgia
2005WR
2006Tony HuntRBPenn State
2007QB
2008RB
2009WRAuburn
2010DB
2011Brandon BoykinDBGeorgia
2012Ace SandersWR
2013RBLSU
2014RB
2015RB
2016Chauncey Gardner-JohnsonDB
2017QB
2018Nick EasleyWR
2019Tyler JohnsonWR
2020QBOle Miss
2021K.J. JeffersonQBArkansas
2022Justin RobinsonWRMississippi State
2023QBLSU
2024Jordan MarshallRB

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 (SEC) and the 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 of 62.9%. Big Ten teams have appeared 36 times, with 15 wins, yielding a 41.7% . 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. Team participation has been led by programs with strong bowl histories in their respective conferences. holds the record for most appearances with seven, followed by and with six each. Among these frequent participants, success varies: boasts the best winning record at 4-1, while and each have 4 wins from their appearances. The table below summarizes the top teams by total appearances as of the 2024 edition.
RankTeamAppearancesRecord
1 (Big Ten)74-3
2 (Big Ten)63-3
(Big Ten)62-4
4 (SEC)53-2
Georgia (SEC)53-2
Penn State (Big Ten)53-2
Auburn (SEC)52-3
(SEC)54-1
Other conferences have had minimal involvement, primarily in the bowl's inaugural years. The ACC recorded three appearances (Clemson in 1991, NC State in 1994, in 1995) with one win (Clemson over ). Big East teams appeared twice (Syracuse in 1989 and 1992, both wins over SEC and Big Ten opponents, respectively), and (then independent/Big East) played twice (1986 win over Georgia, 1993 loss to ). The table below outlines conference performance, focusing on appearances and wins.
ConferenceAppearancesWinsWin %
SEC352262.9%
Big Ten361541.7%
ACC3133.3%
Big East/Independent4375.0%
Following the 2024 college football conference realignments, which added former Pac-12 programs to the Big Ten, the ReliaQuest Bowl continues its SEC-Big Ten format under the College Football Playoff's bowl tie-ins, ensuring exclusivity between these power conferences for future matchups.

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 and reflect the competitive balance between Big Ten and SEC (or former ACC) opponents.

Team Records

Team offensive records emphasize explosive performances, with '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.
CategoryRecordTeam and YearDetails
Most Points Scored45 vs. Northwestern, 2016 won 45–6, setting the high mark for a single team.
Largest Margin of Victory39 points 45, Northwestern 6, 2016This blowout remains the widest gap in bowl history.
Most Total Yards621Northwestern vs. Auburn, 2010Northwestern's air-it-out approach in a 38–35 loss established this benchmark.
Most Rushing Yards400 vs. Auburn, 2015's ground game powered a 34–31 win.
Fewest Points Allowed0Clemson vs. , 1991Clemson's defense blanked in a 20–0 victory during the Hall of Fame Bowl era.
Most Interceptions5Florida vs. Penn State, 2011 (tied with Auburn vs. Northwestern, 2010)Florida's secondary swarmed in a 37–24 win.

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.
CategoryRecordPlayer, Team, and YearDetails
Most Rushing Yards251, Wisconsin vs. Auburn, 2015Gordon's explosive runs fueled Wisconsin's 34–31 overtime triumph.
Most Passing Yards532, Northwestern vs. Auburn, 2010Kafka's volume passing in a 38–35 loss set the aerial standard.
Most Total Tackles16Traveon Henry, Northwestern vs. Tennessee, 2016Henry's sideline-to-sideline effort anchored the defense in a 45–6 loss.
Most Touchdowns (All-Purpose)4Chris Perry, Michigan vs. Florida, 2003Perry's multi-phase scoring led Michigan to a 38–30 win.
Longest Touchdown Run77 yards, Michigan vs. Alabama, 1987Morris's breakaway score highlighted a 29–27 victory in the Hall of Fame Bowl.

Other Notable Records

Attendance peaked at 66,249 during the 2001 matchup between and Ohio State, reflecting strong local interest in a thriller. For coaching success, has two wins in the bowl, with in 2005 and in 2012, though no single coach has an undefeated multi-game streak exceeding three appearances. Combined team stats include a high of five fumbles by Auburn in 1996. These records underscore the bowl's tradition of memorable, stat-filled contests.

Media and broadcasting

Television coverage

The ReliaQuest Bowl has been televised nationally by networks since 1995, marking the start of its long-term partnership with the event previously known as the Outback Bowl. Earlier iterations, such as the Hall of Fame Bowl, aired on from 1986 to 1994. typically broadcasts the game on or , with occasional appearances on ABC, allowing for flexible scheduling amid the crowded New Year's bowl slate. For instance, the January 1, 2024, matchup between LSU and aired on . Broadcast teams have featured prominent ESPN voices over the decades, evolving with the network's roster. In the 2000s, announcers like handled play-by-play duties, as seen in the 2009 Outback Bowl. More recently, the December 31, 2024, ReliaQuest Bowl featuring and was called by on play-by-play, as analyst, and Stormy Buonantony on sideline reporting. High-profile pairings, such as and from 2011 to 2014, elevated the production during ESPN's prime-time experiments. ESPN's production emphasizes dynamic graphics packages tailored to , including real-time stats overlays, replay enhancements, and team-specific visuals integrated into the broadcast flow. Halftime segments often feature in-depth analysis from studio experts, focusing on game strategy and player performances, with contributions from ESPN personalities like in broader bowl coverage. Viewership has shown steady appeal, with trends reflecting the bowl's matchup quality; the 2010 Outback Bowl ( vs. Penn State) peaked at 12.4 million viewers, while the 2024 edition drew 6.5 million, the highest non-CFP audience for ESPN since 2012. The 2025 edition is scheduled for December 31, 2025, and will be broadcast on ESPN. Internationally, the game reaches audiences through International and affiliated partners, expanding access to global fans since the network's early involvement in the . Local Tampa media occasionally ties into the broadcast with pre-game features on community impact.

Radio and

The ReliaQuest Bowl has been broadcast nationally on radio since its as the Hall of Fame Bowl in 1986, with serving as the primary network from the 1990s through the 2010s, providing play-by-play coverage distributed to affiliate stations across the . In more recent years, Bowl Season Radio, produced in partnership with Westwood One, has handled the national audio feed, airing the game on affiliates and over 400 terrestrial stations. Locally in the , the game is carried on WDAE (620 AM and 95.3 FM), the flagship station for regional sports coverage. Team-specific broadcasts are also available through each participating school's network, such as the for SEC teams and the for Big Ten teams, offering home and away feeds. Historically, prominent announcers like contributed to pregame and sideline reporting for and SiriusXM bowl coverage, including the Outback Bowl era (the game's prior name from 1995 to 2022), where he hosted shows ahead of matchups like vs. in 2013. For the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl featuring vs. , the national radio team included play-by-play announcer Chris Carlin, analyst , and sideline reporter Mike Peasley on . Digital extensions of the ReliaQuest Bowl broadcasts have expanded significantly since the mid-2010s, with audio streaming available live on platforms like SiriusXM (channels 190 for and 372 for Michigan in 2024) and via the Westwood One Sports app. The official ReliaQuest Bowl account on X (formerly ) @ReliaQuestBowl provides real-time highlights, post-game recaps, and fan engagement, while Instagram shares visual content from game day events. Complementing these, ReliaQuest produces the "No Show Dogs" , featuring episodes with bowl-related guests like LSU head coach Brian Kelly in 2024, focusing on leadership and performance insights tied to the event.

References

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