The 13th annual bowl game returns to Cramton Bowl on Dec. 15, featuring a nationally televised ESPN matchup and continuing a tradition of dramatic finishes honoring America’s veterans.
ESPN Events announced that the 13th annual IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl will kick off on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. ET at historic Cramton Bowl in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. The nationally televised matchup will once again air on ESPN, bringing one of the nation's most competitive postseason contests to a national audience.
The bowl game has become a staple of the college football postseason calendar, earning a reputation for delivering thrilling finishes and honoring the service and sacrifice of America's military veterans.
Since its inaugural game in 2014, the bowl has consistently produced close contests. Remarkably, 11 of the previous 12 games have been decided by a single score, with an average margin of victory of just 4.3 points. Even more impressive, nine of those games featured winning scores in the fourth quarter, creating unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.
A Bowl Built on Drama
Few postseason games can match the excitement generated by the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl.
Among the most memorable finishes were Appalachian State's walk-off field goal victory over Ohio in 2015 and Georgia Southern's last-second win over Eastern Michigan in 2018.
Last season added another chapter to the bowl's rich history when Jacksonville State defeated Troy 17-13 in a battle of Alabama programs and former Gulf South Conference rivals. The victory continued the bowl's trend of tightly contested matchups that frequently come down to the final possession.
National Spotlight on Montgomery
The annual bowl game continues to provide significant exposure for Montgomery and the River Region, showcasing the city to millions of viewers across ESPN platforms.
Held in the historic Cramton Bowl, the event attracts fans, alumni, military personnel, and community leaders while generating economic activity throughout the Capital City.
The bowl's mission extends beyond football, emphasizing appreciation for veterans and active-duty military members through community engagement events and special recognitions leading up to game day.
Conference Matchups Continue
The IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl traditionally features teams from the Mid-American Conference (MAC), Sun Belt Conference, and Conference USA (CUSA), providing compelling interconference matchups that often pit rising programs against one another.
With conference realignment continuing to reshape the college football landscape, the bowl remains a valuable postseason destination for teams seeking to end their seasons with momentum and a nationally televised victory.
Fans interested in attending the 2026 game can purchase tickets through the bowl's official website.
As anticipation builds for another exciting postseason showdown, Montgomery is once again preparing to welcome college football's passionate fan bases and continue one of the sport's most competitive bowl traditions.
IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl Champions
Recent champions include:
- Jacksonville State (2025)
- South Alabama (2024)
- Northern Illinois (2023)
- Buffalo (2022)
- Georgia State (2021)
- Buffalo (2020)
With a history of dramatic finishes, national television exposure, and a meaningful mission honoring America's veterans, the 2026 IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl is poised to deliver another memorable chapter in its growing legacy.
Tickets are available at www.salutetoveteransbowl.com.
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-- By Masakela P. Rawls
Amelia Nettles contributed to this report.
© Copyright 2026 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.
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