Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET (6:30 PM CT)
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Broadcast: ESPN (streaming on ESPN app)
Capacity: 65,000+ (expected strong turnout with Florida proximity for Miami fans; neutral-site bowl)
The Miami Hurricanes (10-2) face the Texas A&M Aggies (11-1) in the 2025 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, a rewarding postseason matchup between an ACC contender and an SEC powerhouse. Miami earned the bid after a strong regular season with losses only to top-tier foes, while Texas A&M capped an impressive 11-win campaign (their best since 2020) but missed the CFP due to tiebreakers. This neutral-site clash in Tampa features explosive offenses, stout defenses, and intriguing storylines in a prime-time ESPN slot.
Team Records
- Miami Hurricanes: 10-2 overall (7-1 ACC, finished 2nd in conference)
- Texas A&M Aggies: 11-1 overall (8-0 SEC, undefeated in conference but missed playoff via head-to-head/tiebreakers)
Miami rode a high-powered offense to double-digit wins; A&M dominated with elite defense and balanced attack under Mike Elko.
Recent Team Forms
- Miami (8-2 in last 10; explosive offense): Mario Cristobal’s squad peaked late, winning six straight before a competitive loss to a playoff team. QB (e.g., successor to Cam Ward or transfer) led a top-10 passing attack; defense improved dramatically in run stoppage. Strong road/neutral form.
- Texas A&M (9-1 in last 10; dominant defense): The Aggies rolled through SEC play with only one narrow loss (to a top-5 team). Defense ranks top-5 nationally (points allowed, yards); offense efficient with strong rushing and play-action passing. Peaking with momentum.
Conference vs. Conference (ACC vs. SEC)
SEC edged ACC in 2025 inter-conference play (~.680 win percentage vs. ranked foes). SEC placed multiple CFP teams; ACC had solid depth but fewer elites. Bowls historically favor SEC physicality, but Miami’s speed neutralizes in Florida heat/mild conditions.
Weather Forecast
Tampa, FL (December 19, 2025 evening kickoff): Mostly clear, temperatures 68-72°F at kickoff dropping to low 60s by fourth quarter. Light winds (5-10 mph ESE), negligible precipitation chance (<5%). Ideal Florida winter conditions—comfortable for players/fans, no major impacts on passing or kicking.
Injury Report (as of final December 18 reports)
- Miami Hurricanes:
- Out: WR Xavier Restrepo (season-ending lower body), LB Francisco Mauigoa (opt-out for draft), DB Mishael Powell.
- Questionable: RB Damien Martinez (ankle, expected to play limited).
- Impact: Offense misses top target Restrepo; defense solid otherwise.
- Texas A&M Aggies:
- Out: EDGE Nic Scourton (opt-out/NFL draft prep), OL Trey Zuhn III (upper body).
- Probable: QB Marcel Reed/Conner Weigman (full-go after minor knocks), DE Shemar Turner.
- Impact: Pass rush slightly thinned; line protects well with depth.
Both teams mostly healthy entering bowl prep.
Key Player Matchups
- Miami QB vs. A&M Secondary: Hurricanes’ signal-caller faces top-10 pass defense; must avoid mistakes against aggressive blitzes.
- A&M RB Le’Veon Moss vs. Miami Front Seven: Moss (1,500+ yards) tests improved Miami run D; physicality key.
- Miami WRs (Samuel Brown Jr., etc.) vs. A&M CBs: Speed threats exploit if Restrepo absent; A&M corners physical but vulnerable deep.
- A&M EDGE (post-Scourton) vs. Miami OL: Protecting QB crucial; Hurricanes line strong in pass pro.
- Special Teams Edge: Both reliable; field position battle in low-wind conditions.
Series History
- All-time: Texas A&M leads 3-1 (last meeting 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl, A&M win).
- Recent: Rare matchups; no meetings since early 2000s. Neutral-site history favors Aggies slightly.
- Bowl/Postseason: A&M 1-0 in prior bowl vs. Miami.
Betting Trends & Historical Betting Results
- Trends: Public heavy on A&M ML (one-loss prestige); sharps on Miami + points (speed in home state). Overs hit in recent Miami bowls; A&M Unders common (stout D).
- Historical ATS: A&M 8-4 ATS last 12 as favorite; Miami 7-3 ATS as underdog under Cristobal.
- Prior Bowls: Gasparilla often high-scoring; SEC teams 6-2 SU last 8 vs. ACC in Florida bowls.
- Analogs: One-loss SEC vs. 10-win ACC frequently covers spread.
Game Odds
Miami (FL) Hurricanes 48.5
Texas A&M Aggies – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, December 18, 2025
