How To Watch the Gator Bowl
✦ Edited and fact-checked by Sports Editor Taylor Kujawa, our resident TV expert with over eight years of covering sports.
Get ready for the 2025 Gator Bowl
The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl acts as a vital bridge between the holiday festivities and the major New Year’s Six chaos. As the sixth-oldest bowl game in history, this Jacksonville staple typically pits a gritty SEC squad against a top-tier ACC opponent at EverBank Stadium. It’s essentially a “best of the rest” scenario, often grabbing the highest-ranked teams that just missed the 12-team College Football Playoff cut.
Watching this game typically means seeing two programs with something to prove, whether it’s an SEC powerhouse trying to salvage a season or an ACC riser looking for a statement win. Regardless, I’ve put together this guide to help you find the best way to catch the action, from the main broadcast on ABC to the various streaming options available.
What channel shows the Gator Bowl?
You can watch the 2025 Gator Bowl live on ABC on Saturday, December 27. Coverage begins shortly before the scheduled 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
If you prefer streaming, you’ll find the game streaming on the ESPN app. You’ll just need a TV provider login or an ESPN Unlimited subscription to tune in.
Best TV plans for watching the Gator Bowl
Since this game airs on ABC, my top recommendation is actually the simplest one. Grab a high-quality digital antenna like the Mohu Leaf 50. It’s a one-time purchase that pulls in your local ABC affiliate for free in high definition, bypassing the need for a monthly TV subscription.
If you need a comprehensive streaming package for the rest of bowl season, Hulu + Live TV is my choice for the best overall service. It carries ABC in almost every market and includes ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost, covering you regardless of how you want to watch. For a strictly budget-friendly streaming option without an antenna, a standalone ESPN Unlimited subscription will carry almost every bowl game this season.
How to watch the Gator Bowl FAQ
How can I watch the Gator Bowl for free?
You can watch the Gator Bowl for free by connecting a digital antenna to your TV to pick up your local ABC network. Alternatively, you can sign up for a free trial of a live TV streaming service like Fubo or YouTube TV.
Can I stream the Gator Bowl on the ESPN app?
Yes, you can stream the game on the ESPN app by authenticating with a TV provider login or by subscribing to ESPN Unlimited directly.
Where is the Gator Bowl played?
The Gator Bowl takes place at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. That's the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
What conferences play in the Gator Bowl?
The Gator Bowl features a matchup between the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). It's not currently part of the College Football Playoff bracket.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com editorial team researched the Gator Bowl’s official broadcast rights and cross-referenced them with the channel lineups of every major TV provider. We then selected our viewing recommendations based on our hands-on testing, identifying the most cost-effective and straightforward ways for you to watch the game.
To learn more about our methods, check out our How We Rank page.
