Arkansas State, FBS newbie Missouri State set for inaugural Xbox Bowl
Missouri State quarterback Jacob Clark (12) carries the ball during the homecoming football game against UTEP on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Arkansas State and Missouri State accepted bids to play in the inaugural Xbox Bowl in Frisco, Texas, on Dec. 18.
Missouri State played in the FBS ranks for the first time in 2025 and, along with Conference USA newcomer Delaware, received the final two bowl bids on Saturday.
Arkansas State (6-6) secured a third consecutive bowl berth with a 30-29 victory over Appalachian State on Nov. 30. The Red Wolves finished 5-3 in the Sun Belt.
"We look forward to postseason play, and are extremely proud of being one of just 17 Group of Six programs to play in three or more consecutive bowl games," Arkansas State coach Butch Jones said Thursday.
Missouri State (7-5) lost its final two games of the season after a five-game winning streak. The Bears finished 5-3 in Conference USA.
The game will be played at the 12,000-seat Ford Center at The Star, practice headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys, and is scheduled for an 8 p.m. kickoff.
The Xbox Bowl replaced the defunct Bahamas Bowl, which was played in Nassau, Bahamas.
--Field Level Media
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