The Pop-Tarts Bowl: 7 Wild Facts About College Football's Most Deliciously Bizarre Game

As of December 12, 2025, the Pop-Tarts Bowl has cemented its status as the most bizarre and viral college football game in the nation, thanks to its one-of-a-kind, post-game ritual: the eating of a giant, edible mascot. This annual spectacle, played in Orlando, Florida, has transcended sports to become a cultural phenomenon, generating millions of social media views and redefining what a bowl game celebration can be. The latest news confirms the tradition is not only continuing but is being dramatically expanded for the upcoming 2025 game, introducing a whole new level of "crazy good" madness to the postseason. This deep dive uncovers the shocking history, the massive payout, the latest teams, and the incredible details behind the game that has everyone asking: "Did they really just eat the mascot?" From the new "Edible Elite" to the working toaster trophy, here is everything you need to know about the Pop-Tarts Bowl.

The Latest Scoop: 2025 Matchup, Viral Mascots, and Payout Details

The Pop-Tarts Bowl is a major college football event held annually at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. It typically features matchups between teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the Big 12 Conference. The game has recently gained worldwide notoriety not just for the competition, but for its whimsical, food-themed branding and unique traditions.

Pop-Tarts Bowl Core Entities and Key Data

• Current Event Name: Pop-Tarts Bowl
• Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
• Conference Tie-ins: ACC vs. Big 12
• 2025 Matchup: No. 12 BYU Cougars vs. No. 22 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
• 2025 Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025
• 2025 Kickoff Time: 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
• Estimated Payout: Approximately $6,071,760 per team (based on recent figures)
• Signature Tradition: The Edible Mascot Sacrifice and the Toaster Trophy

The 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl: BYU vs. Georgia Tech

The 2025 edition of the Pop-Tarts Bowl is set to feature a thrilling matchup between the No. 12 BYU Cougars and the No. 22 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, both of whom finished the regular season with impressive records. This game continues the tradition of pitting a top-tier ACC team against a strong Big 12 contender. The game is scheduled for December 27, 2025, and marks the 36th annual playing of this Orlando bowl game.

The Massive Multi-Million Dollar Payout

While the post-game spectacle is the main attraction for fans, the financial incentive for the universities is substantial. The Pop-Tarts Bowl boasts one of the higher payouts among non-New Year’s Six bowl games, with recent figures indicating a payout of over $6 million for each participating conference. This significant revenue is distributed to the respective conferences (ACC and Big 12), making the game highly coveted by athletic departments.

7 Wild Facts That Make the Pop-Tarts Bowl a Viral Sensation

The Pop-Tarts Bowl is far more than just a football game; it's a spectacle of modern, brand-driven entertainment. These seven facts highlight why it has become a must-watch event for millions, even those who don't follow college football.

1. The Edible Mascot Tradition is Getting a HUGE Upgrade

The most famous element of the Pop-Tarts Bowl is the edible mascot. In the first Pop-Tarts-sponsored game in 2023, the winning team (Kansas State) celebrated by eating a giant, custom-made Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tart mascot after it was lowered into a giant toaster. The 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl saw the No. 18 Iowa State Cyclones defeat the No. 12 Miami Hurricanes 42-41 in a thrilling shootout, where the Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tart mascot was chosen for the post-game sacrifice. For the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl, the ritual is being dramatically expanded. Instead of one mascot, an entire "Edible Elite" team of six mascots has been unveiled, split into Team Sprinkles and Team Swirls. A new addition to the roster is the Protein Slammin' Strawberry mascot, a buff, protein-boosted flavor. Fans will now have the power to vote on which *team* of edible mascots will be selected to be devoured by the winning team, upping the ante on the "Biggest Sacrifice Ever."

2. The Trophy is Also a Working Toaster

The game's trophy is as unique as its mascot. The official Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy features a real, working toaster built into the base. This functional piece of hardware adds to the game's playful absurdity and ensures the winning team has a unique keepsake that perfectly captures the spirit of the event.

3. The Game’s History Dates Back to the Blockbuster Era

The Pop-Tarts Bowl is not a new game; it is a rebranded version of a bowl with a long, storied, and often-renamed history. It was originally founded in 1990 as the Blockbuster Bowl in Miami, Florida. Over the decades, as sponsors changed, so did the name. Before becoming the Pop-Tarts Bowl, it was known by several other prominent names, including:

• The CarQuest Bowl
• The MicronPC Bowl
• The Tangerine Bowl (revived)
• The Champs Sports Bowl
• The Russell Athletic Bowl
• The Camping World Bowl
• The Cheez-It Bowl

The game moved to Orlando in 2001 and has been a fixture at Camping World Stadium (formerly Florida Citrus Bowl) ever since.

4. It Successfully Replaced the Cheez-It Bowl

Before Pop-Tarts took over the sponsorship, the game was known as the Cheez-It Bowl. That era was also known for its quirkiness, including the famous "Cheez-It Bath" where the winning coach would be doused in Cheez-It crackers instead of Gatorade. When the Pop-Tarts brand took over in 2023, they successfully transitioned the game's identity to an even more viral and memorable level with the edible mascot concept.

5. The Mascot Sacrifice is a Post-Game Ritual

The edible mascot is not a sideline figure during the game. It only makes its appearance during the post-game celebration. After the final whistle, the giant Pop-Tart mascot is lowered on a platform into a massive, custom-made toaster prop at midfield. The winning team then gathers around to "eat" the mascot, a moment that has become the definitive, shareable image of the bowl season.

6. The 2024 Winner Ate the Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tart

In the 2024 game, the Iowa State Cyclones secured a narrow 42-41 victory over the Miami Hurricanes. Following the win, the team celebrated by devouring the Frosted Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tart mascot. The Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tart had been a popular choice, and its sacrifice was documented across all major sports and news outlets.

7. The Edible Mascot Case Study Won a Grand Prix Award

The marketing campaign behind the edible mascot was so successful that it won a prestigious Clio Awards Grand Prix in 2024. This recognition highlights that the Pop-Tarts Bowl is not just a quirky football event, but a masterclass in modern, viral marketing, successfully blending sports, food, and humor to achieve massive global reach. The campaign’s success is a testament to the brand's ability to create a "Crazy Good" and unexpected experience for college football fans and casual viewers alike.