College football fans, get ready to pack your bags for a tropical postseason destination! The 2026 bowl season is expanding, and the Caribbean is back on the map with the brand-new Puerto Rico Bowl.

After the Bahamas Bowl went on an indefinite hiatus—skipping 2025 and not appearing on the 2026 schedule—the island of Puerto Rico is stepping up to fill the void. Announced Friday by Complete Sports Management and ESPN Events, in partnership with Discover Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Bowl will be one of 41 games on the 2026 postseason calendar.

The game will take place at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón, a vibrant venue just outside San Juan. While the exact date and kickoff time are still to be determined, the bowl is set for December and will be televised on ESPN. It will feature a team from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) squaring off against an opponent yet to be named.

This marks the first time Puerto Rico will host an NCAA Division I college football game—a historic moment for the island and a unique opportunity for players and fans alike. Best of all? No passports required. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, players and fans can travel without the extra paperwork that was needed for the Bahamas Bowl.

The Puerto Rico Bowl joins the Hawaii Bowl as one of only two postseason games played outside the continental U.S. this season. For fans of college football and tropical getaways, this is the perfect excuse to trade chilly stadium bleachers for warm island breezes. Stay tuned for more details as the 2026 bowl schedule takes shape!