Rose Bowl

For years, the college football bowl system has been on a steady decline. Attendance is dwindling, top players are opting out, and fan interest is at an all-time low. But what if there was a way to revitalize the tradition and make bowl games relevant again? The OHIO Podcast’s latest episode proposes a radical yet intriguing idea: move bowl games to the beginning of the season in Week Zero.

The Case for a New Bowl Season

Currently, bowl games are overshadowed by the College Football Playoff (CFP), the NFL playoffs, and even early-season college basketball. Host Eric Boggs argues that shifting bowl games to Week Zero would create an exciting kickoff event that reignites fan enthusiasm.

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1. A Grand Celebration of College Football

The college football offseason is long and grueling for fans. By the time August rolls around, football lovers are eager for real action. A Week Zero bowl season could create a spectacle akin to NASCAR’s Daytona 500—kicking off the year with must-watch games. Fans would flock to the stadiums and televisions after months without meaningful college football, making the bowls feel like an event rather than an afterthought.

2. Increased Revenue and Viewership

Right now, bowl game sponsors carry the financial burden, but moving the games to the start of the season would dramatically boost attendance and TV ratings. With no NFL regular season, no March Madness, and only Major League Baseball as competition, college football would dominate the sports landscape. More viewers mean increased ad revenue and greater economic impact for host cities.

3. Keeping Star Players on the Field

One of the biggest issues plaguing bowl games is player opt-outs. Top NFL prospects often skip their bowl matchups to avoid injury before the draft. But if these games were played in Week Zero and counted toward the team’s regular-season record, players would have every reason to suit up. Suddenly, these games would hold significant weight, influencing rankings and postseason eligibility.

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4. Expanding Bowl Locations

Currently, most bowl games are played in warm-weather locations due to the December scheduling. However, by moving them to late August, more cities—including northern destinations—could host bowls without the risk of freezing conditions. Imagine the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Bowl” in Cleveland or the “Space Needle Bowl” in Seattle. This flexibility could breathe new life into the bowl system and make it more accessible for fans.

5. Extra Practice Time for Teams

One common argument in favor of the current bowl setup is that it allows teams an additional 15 practices to develop younger players. However, by moving bowls to the start of the season, teams could receive an extra week of practice in the summer, maintaining a similar advantage while better integrating it into preseason preparation.

6. Retaining the Tradition While Modernizing the Format

Critics may argue that bowl games are a reward for the previous season, and moving them to Week Zero diminishes that sentiment. However, a significant portion of a team’s roster—including freshmen and returning players—remains the same. By integrating bowls into the start of the new season, the essence of the tradition remains intact while making the games more impactful.

A Necessary Evolution

College football has undergone more changes in the past five years than in the previous several decades combined. With the expansion of the College Football Playoff and increasing player mobility through the transfer portal and NIL deals, the sport must continue adapting. If bowls remain stagnant, they risk becoming obsolete. Moving them to Week Zero presents a creative solution that enhances their relevance while preserving their tradition.

The OHIO Podcast’s proposal offers an exciting alternative to the current, struggling bowl system. Will the NCAA and bowl organizers consider such a drastic shift? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: without innovation, the future of bowl season looks bleak.

What do you think? Would you welcome a Week Zero bowl season, or do you prefer the current format? Let us know your thoughts.