Athlon Sports has released a projection that places the Florida Gators against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the ReliaQuest Bowl scheduled for New Year's Eve 2026 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The prediction revives a matchup that has become a staple of Florida's bowl history, even though the game will be played under a new branding.
A recurring postseason rivalry
Florida and Penn State have met three times in postseason play, with the Gators emerging victorious each time. Their first encounter came in the 1962 Gator Bowl, where Florida secured a 17‑7 win. The teams later faced off in the Citrus Bowl in 1997 and the Outback Bowl in 2010, with Florida again prevailing in both contests.
The Gators' history in the Outback Bowl is notable for the coaches who have guided the team in that venue. Ron Zook, Urban Meyer and Jim McElwain each led Florida to victory during their tenures, adding to the program's rich bowl legacy.
Looking ahead to 2026
If the projection holds, the 2026 ReliaQuest Bowl will mark the first time the Gators compete under the new bowl name while continuing a tradition of postseason success against Penn State. The game will be played in front of a national audience on New Year's Eve, offering both programs a high‑profile stage to open the next season.
Fans can expect a clash that blends Florida's storied bowl pedigree with Penn State's own postseason ambitions. The matchup promises to add another chapter to a rivalry that has consistently favored the Gators, even as college football's bowl landscape evolves.