ASU’s Peach Bowl Showdown: Who’s Their Next Rival?

The first-ever College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is set to take place on January 1 in Atlanta, Georgia. This matchup will feature the No. 4 Seed Arizona State University Sun Devils squaring off against the No. 5 Seed Texas Longhorns at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST, marking the beginning of the college football calendar for 2025. “There’s no better way to begin the year than in the ‘Capital of College Football,’” said Gary Stokan, CEO and president of Peach Bowl, Inc. “Hosting both Texas and Arizona State during this historic moment is thrilling.”

The winning team will progress to face the victor of the Rose Bowl Game in the College Football Playoff Semifinal, which is slated for January 10. This appearance is a significant achievement for ASU, marking their inaugural trip to the College Football Playoff and their second all-time visit to the Peach Bowl, the first being in 1970 when they defeated North Carolina.

“We eagerly anticipate Texas’ participation in our game and are excited to welcome back Arizona State, our 1970 champions,” commented Percy Vaughn, chairman of Peach Bowl, Inc. The match draws attention as both teams aim for advancement closer to the coveted CFP National Championship.

Historically, ASU faced Texas back in 2007 during the Holiday Bowl, where the Longhorns emerged victorious. The upcoming game adds another chapter to their competitive history.

Beyond college football, Phoenix boasts four major professional sports teams: the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), and Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB). These teams contribute to a vibrant sports culture within the city, which also includes the USL’s Phoenix Rising FC.

Each year, the Valley hosts numerous high-profile sporting events, from college football’s Fiesta Bowl to major golf and NASCAR races, showcasing Phoenix as a key player in the sports scene.