What Is 2016 NCAA football bowl games

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 NCAA football bowl games were postseason college football games played from January 1 to January 12, 2016, culminating in the College Football Playoff National Championship where Alabama defeated Clemson 45–40. A total of 41 bowl games were contested, including the semifinal games hosted by the Peach Bowl and Fiesta Bowl.

Key Facts

The 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship was held on January 11, 2016, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Alabama defeated Clemson 45–40 in the 2016 CFP National Championship game.
The 2016 bowl season featured 41 total bowl games, up from previous years due to NCAA expansion.
Clemson, Alabama, Michigan State, and Oklahoma were the four teams selected for the College Football Playoff.
The Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl served as the 2016 CFP semifinal games on December 31, 2015.

Overview

The 2016 NCAA football bowl games marked the postseason for the 2015 college football season, culminating in a national championship game in January 2016. These games featured 82 teams from the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), selected based on performance, rankings, and conference affiliations.

With the College Football Playoff (CFP) system in its second year, the format continued to prioritize four teams in a bracket-style tournament to decide the national champion. The 2016 edition expanded the number of bowl games to 41, reflecting the NCAA's effort to include more teams and generate greater revenue and fan engagement.

41 bowl games were played between December 19, 2015, and January 12, 2016, setting a record for the most postseason games in NCAA history at the time.
The College Football Playoff National Championship took place on January 11, 2016, at University of Phoenix Stadium, where Alabama defeated Clemson 45–40 to claim their 16th national title.
The Peach Bowl and Fiesta Bowl hosted the CFP semifinals on December 31, 2015, with Alabama defeating Michigan State and Clemson beating Oklahoma.
Teams needed at least 6 wins during the regular season to be bowl-eligible, a standard rule maintained by the NCAA for postseason qualification.
The Camping World Bowl (then known as the Russell Athletic Bowl) and the Heart of Dallas Bowl were among the new additions that contributed to the expanded bowl lineup.

How It Works

The NCAA bowl system operates through a combination of conference tie-ins, at-large selections, and the College Football Playoff structure. Each bowl game has agreements with specific conferences, while others select teams based on rankings and availability.

College Football Playoff (CFP): A four-team playoff system introduced in 2014. The selection committee ranks teams weekly and chooses the top four to compete in semifinal bowl games, leading to a national championship.
Bowl Eligibility: Teams must achieve at least 6 wins with a winning record to qualify. Exceptions are made if not enough eligible teams exist, allowing 5–7 teams with APR-based priority.
Conference Tie-Ins: Most bowls have contracts with conferences. For example, the Alamo Bowl features teams from the Big 12 and Pac-12, while the Outback Bowl hosts SEC and Big Ten teams.
At-Large Bids: Bowls without conference commitments or with open slots can select highly ranked teams based on appeal, marketability, and fan travel potential.
New Year’s Six Bowls: Includes the Orange, Sugar, Rose, Cotton, Fiesta, and Peach Bowls, with two rotating as CFP semifinal hosts each year.
CFP Selection Committee: A 13-member panel that meets weekly to rank teams from Weeks 8–14 and determine playoff participants and bowl matchups.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 2016 bowl season with previous years to illustrate growth and structural changes:

Feature	2014 Season	2015 Season (2016 Bowl Games)
Total Bowl Games	39	41
Teams Participating	78	82
CFP Semifinal Hosts	Orange & Cotton Bowls	Fiesta & Peach Bowls
National Champion	Ohio State	Alabama
Championship Location	Arlington, TX	Glendale, AZ

The increase in bowl games reflects the NCAA’s strategy to boost exposure and revenue. The 2016 season also saw higher viewership and ticket sales, especially for CFP games, reinforcing the financial and cultural significance of the expanded postseason.

Why It Matters

The 2016 NCAA bowl season had lasting implications for college football, from competitive balance to economic impact. It highlighted the growing influence of the CFP and the commercialization of college sports.

The CFP format increased national interest, with championship ratings reaching over 32 million viewers for the Alabama–Clemson game.
Bowl games generated an estimated $400 million in revenue, benefiting conferences, schools, and host cities through tourism and sponsorships.
Expanded access allowed more players to experience postseason football, improving morale and recruiting for mid-tier programs.
The Alabama Crimson Tide secured their fourth national title in seven years, reinforcing their status as a modern college football dynasty under coach Nick Saban.
Controversy arose over playoff selection, particularly whether teams like Florida State or Baylor should have been included over Oklahoma.
The 2016 season laid groundwork for future CFP expansion talks, eventually leading to the 12-team playoff proposal adopted in later years.

As college football continues to evolve, the 2016 bowl season remains a benchmark for postseason structure, fan engagement, and national championship drama.