XVII: OPINION (STATE, NATIONAL, OR INTERNATIONAL ISSUE)

 

Why Bowl Games Still Matter in College Football

As the College Football Playoff (CFP) continues to dominate headlines and national attention, traditional bowl games are increasingly dismissed as outdated or irrelevant. With opt-outs, transfer portal activity, and declining hype around non-playoff matchups, critics argue that bowl games no longer carry real significance. However, this perspective overlooks the important role bowl games still play within college football’s competitive, economic, and cultural framework.

Bowl games remain meaningful opportunities for player development and exposure. For many athletes, especially underclassmen or players at programs outside the playoff conversation, these games offer an additional stage to demonstrate growth and leadership. Strong bowl performances can influence NFL draft evaluations, depth chart decisions, and future opportunities. For players who may never experience a playoff atmosphere, bowl games often represent the highest-profile moment of their college careers.

From a program standpoint, bowl eligibility is a tangible marker of success. For rebuilding teams or first-year coaches, reaching a bowl game validates progress and provides valuable extra practice time, which is especially beneficial for younger rosters. A bowl appearance can also boost recruiting, increase donor confidence, and generate positive national exposure for schools that rarely appear in prime-time playoff coverage.

Beyond the field, bowl games contribute significantly to local economies and the sports media industry. Host cities benefit from increased tourism, hotel bookings, and restaurant traffic, while television networks and sponsors rely on bowl season for consistent, high-volume sports content during a traditionally slow period. These games help sustain college football as a multi-week media event rather than a narrow championship-only spectacle.

While player opt-outs are often cited as evidence that bowl games lack meaning, the trend reflects broader changes in college athletics rather than a loss of relevance. The rise of NIL opportunities and the transfer portal has altered how athletes weigh risk and reward. Still, many players choose to participate out of loyalty to teammates, pride in their program, or the desire to finish the season together, underscoring the emotional value bowl games continue to hold.

Ultimately, bowl games and the College Football Playoff serve different but complementary purposes. The playoff determines a national champion, but bowl games preserve the depth, tradition, and inclusivity of college football. In a sport increasingly defined by rankings and exclusivity, bowl games remind fans that success is not limited to the final four, and that college football’s appeal extends far beyond the pursuit of a single trophy.