Well, this one almost made college football go global literally. Reports surfaced that the Holiday Bowl, a San Diego staple since 1978, flirted with the idea of packing its bags for Saudi Arabia. The pitch is a lucrative $5–6 million payday. But before anyone could say “Desert Bowl,” the ACC stepped in. So, what really went down?

According to FOIABall via Brandon Marcello, “Holiday Bowl was exploring the possibility of moving the game to Saudi Arabia, with a positive financial impact of $5 million-$6 million.” But when ACC athletic directors got wind of the idea, they pumped the brakes hard. In another thread, he added, “ACC had discussions about the Holiday Bowl’s exploration of the idea in the summer. It didn’t get traction amongst ACC leaders after gathering details about the Holiday Bowl’s proposal.” And just like that, the deal flatlined.

And so, San Diego keeps its crown jewel. The 47th Holiday Bowl will remain at Snapdragon Stadium, safeguarding a city that’s pocketed over $1 billion in tourism revenue since the bowl’s inception. Since 1978, the game has not only been a highlight for fans but also a financial backbone for the city’s economy. On January 2, 2026, the bowl will once again feature an ACC team squaring off with a Pac-12 (or what’s left of it) squad. Tradition beats temptation and the fans win.

The Holiday Bowl’s history is no stranger to milestones. Back in 1984, the BYU Cougars claimed a national championship right there, a rare feat for a non-New Year’s Six bowl. The game’s past tie-ins with the WAC, Big 12, and Big Ten have made it a playground for underdog triumphs and statement wins. As for Saudi Arabia, this isn’t its only cameo in college football headlines this week. 

North Carolina GM Mike Lombardi also took a trip to the Kingdom, reportedly exploring a partnership between the Tar Heels and Saudi investors. Just like the Holiday Bowl talks, though, that deal didn’t make it past the scrimmage line either. While boardrooms were busy turning down billion-dollar offers overseas, the ACC was cooking up drama on the field.

It’s a shocker week in the ACC

If the ACC needed any more chaos after the Saudi saga, Louisville just delivered it. On October 17, the Cardinals shocked the nation by upsetting No. 2 Miami, 24–21, inside Hard Rock Stadium, ending the Hurricanes’ 10-game home win streak. U of L (5-1, 2-1 ACC) came out swinging with a 14-0 start and never trailed. For a team that had never beaten Miami on its home turf, the victory felt like redemption served cold. It was the Cards’ first top-five win since 2016 (vs. Florida State, 63–20) and their first top-five road win since 2007 at Cincinnati. 

Sophomore RB Isaac Brown torched Miami for 113 rushing yards, his third 100-yard performance of the season. Meanwhile, Chris Bell put on a highlight reel of his own, hauling in 136 yards and two touchdowns (35 and 36 yards). Even Louisville legend Lamar Jackson had to shout him out.

As for Miami, Heisman favorite Carson Beck picked the worst night to implode, throwing four interceptions and never finding rhythm. His fourth-quarter pick sealed the deal, a gut punch for a Hurricanes team that hadn’t lost in Miami Gardens since, ironically, their last defeat to Louisville.