Why this year’s Rate Bowl will stand out from previous years

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.

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.

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.

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.