Win or lose, Lobo Nation was determined to show up and cheer for their team during the 2025 Rate Bowl in Phoenix Friday.

Although the University of New Mexico Lobos didn’t get a win Friday night at the Rate Bowl, they did get a lot of support from their New Mexico fans, who came to cheer them on in Phoenix, Arizona. “I’m sad because it was within our grasp.

The matchup between Minnesota and New Mexico marked the start of a lucrative holiday sports stretch fueled by the Fiesta Sports Foundation.

The Gophers are aiming for their ninth consecutive bowl victory and seventh in a row under coach P.J. Fleck when they take on the Lobos in Phoenix.

USA TODAY is covering all the action from kickoff to trophy ceremony, but there's still time to experience the game in-person. Here's everything you need to know about the Rate Bowl before the Lobos and Golden Gophers take the field.

The Gophers edged New Mexico in overtime with quarterback Drake Lindsey throwing a 12-yard touchdown pass on the last play of the game.

The University of Minnesota football team finished the 2025 season in dramatic fashion, with a 20-17 overtime win over New Mexico on Friday in the Rate Bowl at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Gophers wide receiver Jalen Smith (8) celebrates with teammate Logan Loya (17) after catching the game winning touchdown pass against the New Mexico Lobos during overtime of the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Gophers’ current revenue-sharing contracts with player include a payment for when they appear on the active roster for the bowl game. While some players will still opt out and forgo this money, the clause in their contract can be seen as an attempt to incentive players to remain with the program for the final game of the season.