The college football postseason is in full swing, and fans are being treated to a feast of drama, high stakes, and shifting rosters. On December 28, 2025, two major stories have captured the attention of the gridiron faithful: the highly anticipated Texas Bowl clash between the LSU Tigers and the Houston Cougars, and the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors’ stirring comeback victory in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, followed by a whirlwind of offseason activity.
Let’s start deep in the heart of Texas, where the LSU Tigers and the Houston Cougars are set to face off in the 2025 Kinder’s Texas Bowl. This SEC versus Big 12 showdown promises fireworks, with LSU entering the contest sporting a 7-5 record after a tough 17-13 loss to Oklahoma. The Tigers, who have recently hired Lane Kiffin as their new head coach, are currently under the leadership of interim coach Frank Wilson for this bowl appearance. On the other side, Houston brings a 9-3 record and plenty of momentum, fresh off a 31-24 victory over Baylor.
The action unfolds at NRG Stadium in Houston, just a stone’s throw—about 10 miles—from the Cougars’ campus. That proximity is sure to give Houston a home-field vibe, and the oddsmakers have taken notice: Houston is a slight 1.5-point favorite according to the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, with the over/under set at 41.5 points. For fans of offensive fireworks, history suggests this could be a high-scoring affair. LSU has a reputation for letting loose in bowl games, with the over hitting in seven straight postseason appearances. In fact, the Tigers’ three previous Texas Bowl outings have averaged a whopping 73.3 points combined, with last year’s duel against Baylor lighting up the scoreboard for 75 points. Houston, too, has made a habit of beating low totals; when the over/under is below 50, they’ve gone over in seven out of eight games this season. When favored, the Cougars have seen the over hit in five of their last six contests.
But the Tigers will be without a key weapon. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who missed time late in the season due to an abdominal injury, has opted out of the bowl game. That leaves LSU with a big question mark under center, forcing interim coach Frank Wilson to get creative with his offensive game plan. The Tigers do have a 2-1 edge in the all-time series against Houston, but the Cougars are hungry and playing in front of what promises to be a raucous home crowd.
SportsLine’s advanced projection model, which has simulated the matchup 10,000 times and boasts a 31-19 record on top-rated money-line picks since the start of the 2024 season, is forecasting a game that blows past the 41.5-point total. According to the model, the two starting quarterbacks are expected to combine for over 500 total yards and nearly four touchdowns. “The Over is the better value,” the model’s summary suggests, pointing to both teams’ offensive tendencies and recent bowl history. With Houston favored by a razor-thin margin and both sides eager to make a statement, fans can expect a Texas-sized shootout when the action kicks off at 9:15 p.m. ET.
While the Texas Bowl is set to deliver high drama, the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors have already provided their fans with a thrilling postseason memory. On Christmas Day, the Rainbow Warriors staged a gutsy 35-31 comeback win over California in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. The postgame celebration was heartfelt, with athletic director Matt Elliott and head coach Timmy Chang embracing on the field. “I’m going to take off a couple days,” Chang told Elliott, acknowledging the grueling schedule he and his staff have endured since January 4. But any rest will be short-lived, as the NCAA transfer portal officially opens on January 2, 2026, and the next phase of roster building is already underway.
Chang and his staff have secured commitments from several core players for the 2026 campaign, including quarterback Micah Alejado, slotback Pofele Ashlock, nickelback Elijah Palmer, and mike linebacker Jamih Otis. Linebacker Wynden Ho‘ohuli has received a medical hardship waiver that allows him to return for a sixth year, while defensive tackle Luther McCoy is also expected to be granted a waiver to remain with the Warriors.
Still, the winds of change are blowing through the program. On Christmas Day, freshman punter Billy Gowers—already drawing national attention for his booming, ambidextrous punts—announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. Wideout Jackson Harris had already left the team before the bowl game, and is expected to command a lucrative offer elsewhere. Offensive lineman KT Carter and defensive backs Ben Drake and Deliyon Freeman have also declared their plans to transfer. Despite the departures, the Warriors’ locker room remains supportive. “With Jackson, we wish him well,” Ashlock said of his former housemate. “We wish him love.” Receivers coach Jared Ursua echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the program stands behind players who seek more playing time, payouts, or a better fit.
UH’s recruiting staff is wasting no time, evaluating potential portal additions to keep the roster competitive. The spring semester begins January 12, 2026, with the last day to register or add classes set for January 20. Quarterback Maika Eugenio, graduating early from Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas, will be among the early enrollees. Spring training is tentatively scheduled for early February, with 15 practices spread out over four or five weeks. The strength and conditioning program, led by Bobby Thomas, also starts January 12, and this year’s emphasis will be on high-volume workouts to get the team ready for the rigors of spring ball. Thomas has already distributed conditioning workbooks and instructional videos to incoming transfers, ensuring everyone hits the ground running.
Injuries are another storyline for the Rainbow Warriors. Quarterback Micah Alejado battled a right ankle injury all season, often seen in a medical boot when not on the field, and also played through injuries to his left foot and throwing arm. Jamih Otis is on the mend from ACL and meniscus injuries, aiming for a summer return. There’s talk of shifting Ho‘ohuli to middle linebacker and moving Otis to the weak side, depending on their health and recovery timelines.
As the dust settles from Hawaii’s bowl triumph and the Texas Bowl looms large, both programs are navigating the ever-changing landscape of college football. For LSU and Houston, all eyes are on NRG Stadium and a bowl game that promises offensive fireworks and a battle for bragging rights. For Hawaii, the focus shifts to roster management, player development, and building on the momentum of a thrilling postseason win. One thing’s for sure: the offseason won’t be quiet, and both fan bases have plenty to watch as the new year approaches.
