The Alamo Bowl staged at San Antonio's Alamodome since 1993, is a major college football showdown among NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision teams. Over the years, it's undergone name changes due to varying sponsors, evolving from Builders Square Alamo Bowl to Sylvania Alamo Bowl and, later, MasterCard Alamo Bowl. In 2007, a significant partnership with Valero Energy Corporation renamed it the Valero Alamo Bowl, lasting till 2025.
This annual game usually pits the Pac-12 Conference's second-choice team against the Big 12 Conference's second pick, a tradition upheld since 2010. Although typically a December event, there have been years like 2009, 2014, and 2015 when it took place in January. Notably, the Valero Alamo Bowl made history in 2011 when Baylor and Washington's clash amassed a record-breaking 123 points, with Baylor securing victory at 67–56. Moreover, this game saw a first, hosting Baylor's Heisman Trophy-winning player, Robert Griffin III, showcasing the bowl's rising prominence in college football.
Alamo Bowl Sponsorship and Broadcasting Rights
The Valero Alamo Bowl has been proudly sponsored by Valero Energy Corporation since 2007, giving the event its official name. Before Valero, MasterCard (2002–2005), Sylvania (1999–2001), and Builders Square (1993–1998) had their names associated with this exciting college football spectacle.
Broadcasted on ESPN right from the start, the Alamo Bowl has been a big hit on television. It's scored big with viewers, delivering eight of the top 20 most-watched bowl games in ESPN history. A standout moment happened in 2006 when the Texas Longhorns clashed with the Iowa Hawkeyes. This game set a record, earning an impressive 6.0 rating, and became the most-watched college football game ever aired on ESPN, drawing in over 8.83 million viewers.
Alamo Bowl Winner List
The Alamo Bowl has seen thrilling matchups since its inception in 1993, showcasing college football at its finest. Over the years, each game has been a spectacle, with teams battling it out for victory. From California's triumph over Iowa in the inaugural year to recent clashes like Washington's win against Texas, every edition of the Alamo Bowl has been marked by high stakes and incredible performances. This yearly showdown captures the essence of competition, leaving a legacy of memorable games etched in college football history.
Here's the table reflecting the Alamo Bowl winners and losing teams for each year:
Date | Winning Team | Losing Team |
Dec 31, 1993 | California | Iowa |
Dec 31, 1994 | #24 Washington State | Baylor |
Dec 28, 1995 | #19 Texas A&M | #14 Michigan |
Dec 29, 1996 | #21 Iowa | Texas Tech |
Dec 30, 1997 | #16 Purdue | #24 Oklahoma State |
Dec 29, 1998 | Purdue | #4 Kansas State |
Dec 28, 1999 | #13 Penn State | #18 Texas A&M |
Dec 30, 2000 | #8 Nebraska | #19 Northwestern |
Dec 29, 2001 | Iowa | Texas Tech |
Dec 28, 2002 | Wisconsin | #14 Colorado (OT) |
Dec 29, 2003 | #22 Nebraska | Michigan State |
Dec 29, 2004 | #24 Ohio State | Oklahoma State |
Dec 28, 2005 | Nebraska | #20 Michigan |
Dec 30, 2006 | #18 Texas | Iowa |
Dec 29, 2007 | Penn State | Texas A&M |
Dec 29, 2008 | #25 Missouri | #22 Northwestern (OT) |
Jan 2, 2010 | Texas Tech | Michigan State |
Dec 29, 2010 | #16 Oklahoma State | Arizona |
Dec 29, 2011 | #15 Baylor | Washington |
Dec 29, 2012 | #23 Texas | #13 Oregon State |
Dec 30, 2013 | #10 Oregon | Texas |
Jan 2, 2015 | #14 UCLA | #11 Kansas State |
Jan 2, 2016 | #11 TCU | #15 Oregon (3OT) |
Dec 29, 2016 | #12 Oklahoma State | #10 Colorado |
Dec 28, 2017 | #13 TCU | #15 Stanford |
Dec 28, 2018 | #12 Washington State | #25 Iowa State |
Dec 31, 2019 | Texas | #12 Utah |
Dec 29, 2020 | #20 Texas | Colorado |
Dec 29, 2021 | #14 Oklahoma | #15 Oregon |
Dec 29, 2022 | #12 Washington | #21 Texas |
Alamo Bowl Appearances and win-loss Records
The Alamo Bowl has seen a wide array of teams take the field, with some making multiple appearances and others stepping in for a single showdown. Teams like California, Missouri, Ohio State, UCLA, and Wisconsin have triumphed in their sole appearances, while Iowa State, Oregon State, Stanford, and Utah faced defeat in theirs. Interestingly, among current or former Big 12 members, only Kansas and West Virginia are yet to grace the bowl, while Arizona State and USC are the sole Pac-12 members yet to make an appearance. Notably, Colorado has participated in representing both the Big 12 and the Pac-12 conferences, adding a unique dimension to its appearances in the Alamo Bowl.
Here's the table representing the Alamo Bowl appearances, records, and win percentages for different teams:
Rank | Team | Appearances | Record | Win pct. |
1 | Texas | 6 | 4–2 | .667 |
2 | Iowa | 4 | 2–2 | .500 |
Oklahoma State | 4 | 2–2 | .500 | |
4 | Nebraska | 3 | 3–0 | 1.000 |
Oregon | 3 | 1–2 | .333 | |
Texas A&M | 3 | 1–2 | .333 | |
Texas Tech | 3 | 1–2 | .333 | |
Colorado | 3 | 0–3 | .000 | |
9 | Penn State | 2 | 2–0 | 1.000 |
Purdue | 2 | 2–0 | 1.000 | |
TCU | 2 | 2–0 | 1.000 | |
Washington State | 2 | 2–0 | 1.000 | |
Oklahoma | 2 | 1–0 | 1.000 | |
Baylor | 2 | 1–1 | .500 | |
Washington | 2 | 1–1 | .500 | |
Arizona | 2 | 0–1 | .000 | |
Kansas State | 2 | 0–2 | .000 | |
Michigan | 2 | 0–2 | .000 | |
Michigan State | 2 | 0–2 | .000 | |
Northwestern | 2 | 0–2 | .000 |
Alamo Bowl Player of the Game Award
The Alamo Bowl's Player of the Game Award, also known as the Fred Jacoby Sportsmanship Award, holds special significance. This esteemed sportsmanship honor is named after Fred Jacoby, who held the role of SWC commissioner from 1982 to 1993. Jacoby's impactful tenure in college sports led to this distinguished award, recognizing outstanding players who not only excel on the field but also embody the highest standards of sportsmanship and character. It's a tribute to their performance and the values that Fred Jacoby championed during his influential tenure in college athletics.
Here's the table showcasing the players, their teams, and positions in the Alamo Bowl:
Year | Player | Team | Position |
1993 | Larry Blue | Iowa | DT |
1994 | Adrian Robinson | Baylor | DB |
1995 | Jarrett Irons | Michigan | LB |
1996 | Shane Dunn | Texas Tech | OT |
1997 | Kevin Williams | Oklahoma State | DB |
1998 | Jarrod Cooper | Kansas State | DB |
1999 | Jason Webster | Texas A&M | CB |
2000 | Zak Kustok | Northwestern | QB |
2001 | Anton Paige | Texas Tech | WR |
2002 | Zac Colvin | Colorado | QB |
2003 | Joe Tate | Michigan State | OG |
2004 | Donovan Woods | Oklahoma State | QB |
2005 | Steve Breaston | Michigan | WR |
2006 | Mike Elgin | Iowa | OL |
2007 | Mark Dodge | Texas A&M | LB |
2008 | Rasheed Ward | Northwestern | WR |
2010 | Ross Weaver | Michigan State | DB |
2010 | David Douglas | Arizona | WR |
2011 | Senio Kelemete | Washington | OG |
2012 | Storm Woods | Oregon State | RB |
2013 | Carrington Byndom | Texas | CB |
2015 | Tyler Lockett | Kansas State | WR |
2016 | Rodney Hardrick | Oregon | LB |
2016 | Sean Irwin | Colorado | TE |
2017 | Harrison Phillips | Stanford | DT |
2018 | Marcel Spears Jr. | Iowa State | LB |
2019 | Zack Moss | Utah | RB |
2020 | Carson Wells | Colorado | LB |
2021 | Alex Forsyth | Oregon | C |
2022 | Anthony Cook | Texas | DB |
Alamo Bowl Hall of Fame
The Alamo Bowl Hall of Fame stands as a tribute to the legends of this thrilling college football event. Each year, exceptional players, coaches, and contributors who have left an indelible mark on the bowl's history are honored with induction. These Hall of Famers represent the pinnacle of excellence, showcasing their remarkable skills and profound impact on the Alamo Bowl's legacy. Their induction serves as a celebration of their outstanding contributions to the game and their enduring influence on this prestigious event.
Alamo Bowl Hall of Fame - Players Inducted:
- 2002: LaDainian Tomlinson (TCU), Tom Brady (Michigan), and Keith Bulluck (Syracuse)
- 2003: Drew Brees (Purdue) and Dat Nguyen (Texas A&M)
- 2004: Cedric Benson (Texas) and Derrick Johnson (Texas)
- 2005: Aaron Rodgers (California) and Derrick Strait (Oklahoma)
- 2006: Maurice Drew (UCLA) and Chad Henne (Michigan)
- 2007: Tony Romo (Eastern Illinois) and Darren McFadden (Arkansas)
- 2008: Colt McCoy (Texas) and Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
- 2009: Hunter Lawrence (Texas) and Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State)
- 2010: Alamo Bowl Volunteers
- 2011: Sam Acho (Texas) and Robert Turbin (Utah State)
- 2012: Marquise Goodwin (Texas) and David Ash (Texas)
- 2013: Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State)
- 2014: Ty Montgomery (Stanford) and Taysom Hill (BYU)
- 2015: Jared Goff (California) and Myles Garrett (Texas A&M)
- 2016: Donnel Pumphrey (San Diego State) and Skyler Howard (West Virginia)
- 2017: D.J. Chark (LSU) and Josh Rosen (UCLA)
- 2018: Brock Purdy (Iowa State) and Gardner Minshew II (Washington State)
- 2019: Sam Ehlinger (Texas) and J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State)
FAQs
A: The Alamo Bowl typically features teams from the Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences. The Big 12 has been a part of the bowl since 1996, while the Pac-12 was involved from 1993 to 1995 and returned in 2010.
A: In a recent matchup, the Oklahoma Sooners received and accepted an invitation to play against the Arizona Wildcats, marking a highly anticipated game.
A: The Valero Alamo Bowl has hosted a total of 29 bowl games, drawing in over 1.7 million spectators to witness the exciting matchups.
A: The prize money for the Alamo Bowl stands at a payout of US$8,252,740.