Arkansas State Accepts Invitation to Xbox Bowl, Will Face Missouri State on Dec. 18 in Frisco
Arkansas State announced Thursday that it has accepted an invitation to play Missouri State in the Xbox Bowl on Dec. 18 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
The bowl appearance marks the Red Wolves’ third straight postseason trip and their 20th bowl game in program history. A-State (6-6) is one of just 17 Group of Six programs to reach at least three consecutive bowls this season.
“We’re excited for the chance to compete in the Frisco Football Classic Xbox Bowl and give our student-athletes and fans a memorable experience,” Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Chris Pezman said in a statement. “This is a great opportunity for our team, and we look forward to seeing our fans and alumni in Frisco.”
Arkansas State is the only FBS team in the nation to start 1-4 and still reach bowl eligibility this season, becoming the 13th team since 2003 to do so. The Red Wolves won three consecutive road games for the first time since 2015 and secured three one-point victories — tied for the most in the country.
A-State is 9-9-1 all-time in bowl games and 8-10-1 at the FBS level. This will be its fourth postseason game played in Texas and first since the Pecan Bowl era in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The matchup will mark A-State’s fifth bowl game against a Conference USA opponent.
Head coach Butch Jones said the program takes pride in its consistency.
“We look forward to postseason play and are extremely proud of being one of just 17 Group of Six programs to play in three or more consecutive bowl games,” Jones said. “Frisco is a great destination and will be a new experience for our staff, players and fans. We’re excited for the opportunity and the challenge of playing a very good Missouri State team.”
Missouri State (7-5) is competing in its first FBS season and finished 5-3 in Conference USA, tying for fourth place. The Bears earned their first bowl berth in school history after only 80 teams became bowl eligible for 82 postseason spots.
Arkansas State and Missouri State have met four times, all in Jonesboro, most recently in 2015, when A-State won 70-7. The schools also have a home-and-home series scheduled for 2027–28.
The Xbox Bowl replaces the defunct Bahamas Bowl and is part of ESPN Events’ slate of 17 postseason games.
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets through Arkansas State Athletics to ensure seating with other A-State supporters and to directly support the athletic department. Tickets, which range from $42 to $74, go on sale at noon Friday at AStateRedWolves.com/bowlcentral.
For additional ticket or premium seating information, fans may contact the athletics department at 870-972-2401 or email redwolvesfoundation@astate.edu.