Overview
- Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT on Jan. 2, 2026 at Snapdragon Stadium, with Fox carrying the broadcast.
- Arizona enters 9-3 ranked No. 17 in the final College Football Playoff rankings and No. 21 in the AP poll as it seeks a 10th win.
- SMU arrives 8-4 in its ACC era, making its first Holiday Bowl appearance as an ACC member and second overall after a 1980 trip.
- Arizona is participating under the Pac-12’s final-year legacy bowl tie-ins despite moving to the Big 12 in 2024.
- The programs have met twice previously, most recently in 1985, and Arizona has two prior Holiday Bowl appearances, including a 1998 win and 2009 loss.