Poinsettia Bowl to Return to College Football Postseason

The iconic San Diego bowl game will make its comeback after a 10-year absence.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented college football game, with sharp planes of navy, gold, and crimson colors overlapping to create a dynamic, multi-perspective scene.The return of the iconic Poinsettia Bowl will bring a burst of energy and local pride back to the San Diego sports landscape.San Diego Today

The Poinsettia Bowl, a popular college football bowl game held annually in San Diego, is reportedly set to return to the postseason lineup this year after a 10-year hiatus. The news was first reported by On3.com, which also noted that a new bowl game in Puerto Rico will be added to the 2026 schedule.

Why it matters

The Poinsettia Bowl was a staple of the San Diego sports calendar for over 15 years, providing an economic boost to the city and offering a premier matchup for college football fans. Its return will be welcomed by the local community and could help reinvigorate interest in the postseason bowl system.

The details

The Poinsettia Bowl was first played in 2005 and ran annually through 2016 before being discontinued. It featured matchups between teams from the Mountain West Conference and the service academies. The bowl game was known for its picturesque setting at Qualcomm Stadium, overlooking the San Diego skyline.

  • The Poinsettia Bowl was first played in 2005.
  • The bowl game ran annually through 2016.
  • The Poinsettia Bowl was discontinued after the 2016 season.
  • The Poinsettia Bowl is reportedly set to return in 2026.

The players

Poinsettia Bowl

A college football bowl game that was held annually in San Diego from 2005 to 2016.

On3.com

A sports media outlet that first reported the Poinsettia Bowl's return to the postseason lineup.

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What’s next

The return of the Poinsettia Bowl will be subject to approval by the NCAA and the various conference commissioners overseeing the bowl system. If approved, the 2026 edition of the game will mark its first appearance in a decade.

The takeaway

The revival of the Poinsettia Bowl is a positive development for college football fans and the San Diego community, which has long embraced the game as a beloved local tradition. Its return could help reinvigorate interest in the bowl season and provide an economic boost to the region.