PHOENIX — The college football season is almost over as teams prepare for bowl games and Chase Field once again transforms from a baseball diamond into a football venue for one of the more intriguing Rate Bowl matchups in recent years.
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Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Overall view of Chase Field during the Kansas State Wildcats game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For the first time, New Mexico and Minnesota will meet in the Rate Bowl, played one day after Christmas. The matchup is historic not only because the programs have never faced each other, but also because of how the pairing came together.
Several teams opted out of bowl participation this season for various reasons, reducing the number of available programs. Typically, the “Chase Field” bowl features a Big Ten team against a Big 12 opponent. This year, however, Iowa State declined its invitation, leaving the bowl without a Big 12 program for the first time since 2019.
Nov 22, 2025; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; New Mexico Lobos quarterback James Laubstein (13) and offensive lineman Isaiah Sillemon (50) react after a play in the fourth quarter against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The change creates an opportunity for both New Mexico and Minnesota to extend their seasons with an additional game.
New Mexico enters the bowl at 9-3, including a 6-2 record in Mountain West play. Under head coach Jason Eck for a full season, the Lobos earned their first bowl appearance since 2016.
Nov 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) celebrates a tackle against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Minnesota finished the regular season 7-5, going undefeated at home and 5-4 against Big Ten opponents. The Gophers are making their fifth consecutive bowl appearance and have an active bowl win streak, the longest in conference history and tied for the fourth-longest in college football history.
Lighting up @downtownphoenix like @UNMLoboFB and @GopherFootball are going to light up the scoreboard, two weeks from tonight!
🎟️ https://t.co/Fyh4gXbYfn pic.twitter.com/JQCI1HxR7d
— Rate Bowl (@RateBowl) December 13, 2025
Both teams will look to close the season with a win, each with something extra to play for in the desert.
The Lobos and Gophers will play in the 2025 Rate Bowl on Friday, Dec. 26, at 2:30 p.m. MST.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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