The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl stands as one of college football’s most attended postseason games. Played annually in Atlanta, Georgia, it ranks as the ninth-oldest bowl game and consistently draws massive crowds, second only to the Rose Bowl in average attendance.
Since its inception in 1968, the Peach Bowl has evolved from a regional fundraiser into a key fixture in the New Year’s Six rotation and a frequent host of College Football Playoff (CFP) games. With the expansion to a 12-team CFP format starting in the 2024 season, the Peach Bowl now alternates between hosting quarterfinals and semifinals.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl History and Evolution
The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl began as a charitable initiative by the Georgia Lions Club to benefit the Lions Lighthouse Foundation. The inaugural game on December 30, 1968, saw LSU defeat Florida State 31-27 at Grant Field on the Georgia Tech campus.
Over the years, the game moved venues:
- 1971–1991: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium
- 1992–2016: Georgia Dome
- 2017–present: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
In 1997, Chick-fil-A became the title sponsor, and from 2006 to 2013, it was officially called the Chick-fil-A Bowl. The partnership with the Atlanta-based chain has boosted payouts and visibility.
The bowl joined the CFP’s New Year’s Six in 2014, hosting semifinals in 2016 (Alabama 24, Washington 7), 2019 (LSU 63, Oklahoma 28), and 2022 (Georgia 42, Ohio State 41). In the expanded playoff, it hosted a quarterfinal in January 2025 (Texas def. Arizona State 39-31 in double OT) and returns as a semifinal in 2026.
Notable Games and Records
The Peach Bowl has delivered thrilling moments:
- Only tie in history – 1974: Texas Tech 6, Vanderbilt 6
- Only shutout – 1976: Kentucky 21, North Carolina 0
- First overtime – 2007: Auburn 23, Clemson 20
- Highest attendance – 2006: Georgia 31, Virginia Tech 24 (75,406 fans); recent record 79,330 in 2022 semifinal
- Highest TV ratings – 2012: Clemson 25, LSU 24
- Epic CFP thrillers – 2022’s last-second Georgia win over Ohio State; 2019’s Joe Burrow-led LSU rout
LSU holds a strong historical edge, with multiple wins making Atlanta a “lucky” venue for the Tigers.
The game has featured sellouts for 26 of the last 29 editions, including all CFP appearances.
2026 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: CFP Semifinal
The 2026 edition (58th overall) serves as a College Football Playoff semifinal on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Matchup: No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers (14-0 entering the game) vs. No. 5 Oregon Ducks (13-1)
- This Big Ten showdown is a rematch of Indiana’s 30-20 regular-season win over Oregon in October.
- Indiana, the top seed and Big Ten champion, earned a bye before dominating Alabama in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal.
- Oregon advanced by defeating James Madison in the first round and winning the Orange Bowl quarterfinal.
The winner advances to the CFP National Championship on January 19, 2026, in Miami against the Fiesta Bowl winner.
The game sold out months in advance, continuing the Peach Bowl’s streak of packed houses for big games.
Recent Peach Bowl Results
| Year | Result | Notes |
| 2025 (Jan) | Texas 39, Arizona State 31 (2OT) | CFP Quarterfinal |
| 2022 (Dec) | Georgia 42, Ohio State 41 | CFP Semifinal |
| 2019 (Dec) | LSU 63, Oklahoma 28 | CFP Semifinal |
| 2016 (Dec) | Alabama 24, Washington 7 | CFP Semifinal |
As the college football postseason continues to grow, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl remains a highlight-blending tradition, high stakes, and Southern hospitality. Stay tuned to SportsBrackets.net for live updates, bracket breakdowns, and more bowl coverage during the 2025-26 playoff for you. The NFL Playoff schedule also kicks off right after the Peach Bowl is over this year too.
