Memphis Bowl
2026

Complete Guide to the 67th AutoZone Liberty Bowl

What is the AutoZone Liberty Bowl?

The AutoZone Liberty Bowl is one of college football's most storied postseason traditions, held annually in Memphis, Tennessee since 1965. Founded in 1959 in Philadelphia by former Villanova athletic director A.F. "Bud" Dudley, the Liberty Bowl moved to Memphis after five seasons in the Northeast and has called the Bluff City home ever since. The bowl emphasizes themes of freedom, patriotism, and liberty while supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the renowned Memphis-based institution founded by entertainer Danny Thomas. Memphis-based auto parts retailer AutoZone has served as title sponsor since 2004.

Game Day Details

• Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
• Kickoff: 4:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM CT
• Venue: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, TN
• TV Broadcast: ESPN
• Matchup: Navy Midshipmen (9-2) vs. Cincinnati Bearcats (7-5)
• Series Record: Tied 3-3 (Cincinnati won last 3)

About Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, formerly Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, has hosted college football excellence since 1965. Located at the historic Mid-South Fairgrounds in Midtown Memphis, the venue serves as home to the University of Memphis Tigers and the annual Southern Heritage Classic in addition to the Liberty Bowl. The stadium is currently undergoing a $200 million renovation project expected to be completed in 2026, with temporary seating capacity of approximately 44,000 during construction.

The venue was dedicated as a memorial to Memphis citizens who served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Its design features steep stands providing excellent sightlines, with minimal distance between the playing surface and the seats—creating an intimate, electric atmosphere for football.

Stadium Address and Directions

Address: 335 S. Hollywood Street, Memphis, TN 38104
The stadium is easily accessible from downtown Memphis and major highways, with parking available in the Tiger Lane and surrounding lots at Liberty Park.

Navy Midshipmen Season Overview

The Navy Midshipmen have experienced a remarkable resurgence under head coach Brian Newberry. The 2025 season marked their second consecutive campaign with nine or more wins, a feat not accomplished since the Keenan Reynolds era. Navy's success stems from their devastating triple-option offense combined with an improved passing game that catches opponents off guard.

Blake Horvath: A Dual-Threat Sensation

Senior quarterback Blake Horvath has rewritten the Navy record books with his unique blend of speed and passing ability. Key career highlights include:

• Third Navy QB ever to rush and pass for 1,200+ yards in a single season (2024)
• Set Navy record with 95-yard touchdown run vs. Oklahoma in 2024 Armed Forces Bowl
• Led Navy to back-to-back nine-win seasons
• Fourth-best passing efficiency (164.4) in Navy football history (2024)
• Only FBS player with two 90+ yard runs in 2024

Horvath's journey from Hilliard Darby High School in Ohio—where he set multiple rushing records—to Annapolis exemplifies the determination that defines Naval Academy athletes. He earned just one FBS scholarship offer (from Navy) after a senior season featuring 1,722 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns.

Navy's Liberty Bowl History

This marks Navy's third Liberty Bowl appearance. The Midshipmen lost to Ohio State in 1981 but returned triumphantly in 2019 with a 20-17 victory over Kansas State. Navy is no stranger to Memphis, having played six regular-season games at the stadium during their AAC tenure (2015-2025). In their most recent Memphis visit in Week 14 of 2025, Navy defeated the Memphis Tigers 28-17.

Cincinnati Bearcats Season Overview

The Cincinnati Bearcats reach the Liberty Bowl in their third Big 12 season under head coach Scott Satterfield. The 2025 campaign represented significant progress, with Cincinnati achieving their first winning record and bowl eligibility since joining the Power Four. After starting 7-1 and climbing to #17 nationally, the Bearcats faced a brutal late-season stretch against ranked Big 12 opponents.

Brendan Sorsby: Big 12's Most Dynamic Quarterback

Quarterback Brendan Sorsby has established himself among college football's elite dual-threat quarterbacks. The redshirt junior transfer from Indiana posted remarkable numbers in 2025:

• 2,800+ passing yards with 22 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions
• 655+ rushing yards with 9 rushing touchdowns
• 31+ total touchdowns—among the nation's leaders
• Led the nation with 18 first-half touchdown passes
• Only FBS QB in 2024 with both a 425-yard passing game AND 125-yard rushing game

Key Bearcats Players to Watch

• WR Cyrus Allen: Big 12 leader with 10 receiving touchdowns
• DT Dontay Corleone: Four-time All-Conference honoree, nicknamed "The Godfather"
• LB Jake Golday: First Team All-Big 12, team-leading 105 tackles
• TE Joe Royer: Two-time All-Big 12 selection, broke Travis Kelce's school record
• DB Antwan Peek Jr.: Thorpe Award semifinalist

Cincinnati's Liberty Bowl History

This marks Cincinnati's second Liberty Bowl appearance. The Bearcats won their only prior trip to Memphis, defeating Vanderbilt 31-24 on New Year's Eve 2011. That victory came during Cincinnati's strong run in the Big East Conference before transitioning to the AAC and eventually the Big 12.

How to Get to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

From Downtown Memphis

The stadium is approximately 3 miles east of downtown Memphis via Central Avenue. The drive takes roughly 10 minutes without traffic.

From Memphis International Airport (MEM)

The stadium is located about 10 miles north of the airport. Take I-240 North to Exit 25A (East Parkway/Airways), then follow East Parkway North to the stadium.

Parking Information

Liberty Park offers extensive parking options including the 15-acre Tiger Lane, which transforms into a premium tailgating destination on game day. Additional parking is available in the Purple Lot and surrounding surface lots. Arrive early to enjoy Memphis's famous tailgating culture.

Experience Memphis Bowl Week

The Liberty Bowl isn't just a football game—it's a week-long celebration of college football and Memphis culture. Bowl Week events typically include:

• Beale Street Parade: Teams march down iconic Beale Street
• Bash on Beale: Free outdoor concert and pep rally
• President's Gala: Formal celebration honoring both programs
• Pepsi Pre-Game Party: Festivities before kickoff
• Gold Star Families March: Honoring military families

Explore Memphis

While in town for the game, experience everything Memphis has to offer:

• Elvis Presley's Graceland – The King's legendary home
• Beale Street – Historic entertainment district with live music
• National Civil Rights Museum – Located at the Lorraine Motel
• World-famous Memphis BBQ – Rendezvous, Central BBQ, The Bar-B-Q Shop
• Sun Studio – "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll"

Series History: Navy vs. Cincinnati

The all-time series between Navy and Cincinnati is tied at 3-3. The teams first met in 1940, with Navy winning that early encounter. After decades without playing, the rivalry renewed when Cincinnati joined the American Athletic Conference in 2015. The Bearcats have won the last three meetings:

• 2022: Cincinnati 20, Navy 10 (Annapolis)
• 2019: Cincinnati 27, Navy 20 (Cincinnati)
• 2017: Navy 42, Cincinnati 32 (Annapolis)

This Liberty Bowl matchup provides the first meeting between the programs since Cincinnati departed for the Big 12 following the 2022 season.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Liberty Bowl

When is the 2026 AutoZone Liberty Bowl?

The 67th AutoZone Liberty Bowl takes place on Friday, January 2, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 PM Eastern Time (3:30 PM Central Time) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN as part of the network's New Year's bowl coverage.

Who is playing in the 2026 Liberty Bowl?

The 2026 Liberty Bowl features the Navy Midshipmen (9-2) from the American Athletic Conference facing the Cincinnati Bearcats (7-5) from the Big 12 Conference. These former AAC rivals renew their series after not playing since 2022, with the all-time record tied at 3-3.

Where is Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium located?

Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium is located at 335 S. Hollywood Street in Memphis, Tennessee, within the Liberty Park complex at the historic Mid-South Fairgrounds. The stadium is approximately 3 miles east of downtown Memphis and 10 miles north of Memphis International Airport.

What is the seating capacity for the 2026 Liberty Bowl?

Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium's capacity during ongoing renovations is approximately 44,000 seats. The stadium is undergoing a $200 million renovation project, with permanent capacity expected to reach approximately 50,000 upon completion. Despite construction, the venue maintains excellent sightlines and an intimate game-day atmosphere.

How can I watch the Liberty Bowl on TV?

The 67th AutoZone Liberty Bowl will be broadcast live on ESPN. Fans can also stream the game through the ESPN app or ESPN+ with a valid cable or streaming subscription. The broadcast is part of ESPN's extensive New Year's bowl game coverage.

Who is Navy's starting quarterback in the Liberty Bowl?

Senior Blake Horvath leads the Navy Midshipmen as their starting quarterback. The dual-threat signal-caller from Hilliard, Ohio operates Navy's triple-option offense and holds the school record for longest rushing touchdown (95 yards vs. Oklahoma in the 2024 Armed Forces Bowl). Horvath is one of just three Navy quarterbacks to rush and pass for over 1,200 yards in a single season.

Who is Cincinnati's starting quarterback in the Liberty Bowl?

Redshirt junior Brendan Sorsby starts at quarterback for the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Indiana transfer and Denton, Texas native has thrown for over 2,800 yards with 22 touchdowns and added 655+ rushing yards with 9 touchdowns in 2025. Sorsby led the nation in first-half touchdown passes and ranked among the top three nationally in total touchdowns.

What is Navy's record in the Liberty Bowl?

Navy is 1-1 in Liberty Bowl history. The Midshipmen lost to Ohio State in 1981 but won their most recent appearance in 2019, defeating Kansas State 20-17. This marks Navy's third trip to the Liberty Bowl and their first since that 2019 victory.

What is Cincinnati's record in the Liberty Bowl?

Cincinnati is 1-0 in Liberty Bowl history. The Bearcats won their only previous appearance on New Year's Eve 2011, defeating Vanderbilt 31-24. This marks their second trip to the Memphis bowl game and first bowl appearance under head coach Scott Satterfield.

What is the head-to-head record between Navy and Cincinnati?

The all-time series between Navy and Cincinnati is tied at 3-3. The teams first met in 1940, then played annually as AAC rivals from 2015-2022. Cincinnati won the last three meetings, including a 20-10 victory in their final AAC matchup in November 2022.

What Bowl Week events are held in Memphis?

Liberty Bowl Week features numerous events including the Beale Street Parade, Bash on Beale pep rally and concert, the President's Gala, FCA Breakfast, Gold Star Families March, and Pepsi Pre-Game Party. These events celebrate college football while showcasing Memphis hospitality and supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

What attractions are near Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium?

Memphis offers world-class attractions near the stadium including Elvis Presley's Graceland, Beale Street's live music and entertainment district, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, Sun Studio, the Memphis Zoo, and legendary BBQ restaurants like Rendezvous and Central BBQ. Downtown Memphis is just 3 miles from the stadium.

Is parking available at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium?

Yes, extensive parking is available at Liberty Park surrounding the stadium. Tiger Lane serves as the primary parking and tailgating area, offering 15 acres of space. Additional parking is available in the Purple Lot and surrounding surface lots. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy tailgating and find preferred parking spots.

What is the weather like for the Liberty Bowl in January?

Memphis weather in early January averages highs around 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit with lows near 30-35 degrees. Fans should dress in layers and prepare for potentially cold, crisp conditions. Occasional rain is possible, so bringing weather-appropriate gear is recommended.

How do I buy tickets to the 2026 Liberty Bowl?

Tickets for the 67th AutoZone Liberty Bowl are available through official team ticket offices (Navy and Cincinnati athletics), the Liberty Bowl organization at libertybowl.org, and authorized ticket marketplaces. BigStub offers authentic tickets from verified sellers at competitive prices with buyer protection. Secure your seats early as this rivalry renewal is expected to draw strong fan interest from both programs.