The 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl is set to bring a flavorful close to the season for Georgia Tech and BYU, as the two teams square off in Orlando at 3:30 p.m. ET.
And yes, they’ll be playing for what might be the most delightfully absurd trophy in college football-a giant toaster with a Pop-Tart popping out of it. But make no mistake: there’s real football to be played, and both teams are showing up ready.
In an era where bowl season often means navigating a maze of opt-outs and transfer news, this matchup is refreshingly intact. Neither Georgia Tech nor BYU is dealing with a wave of missing starters, and both squads are expected to take the field with most of their key contributors. That alone sets the stage for a more competitive and complete game than we've seen in some other postseason matchups.
That said, each team does have one notable adjustment to work through.
For BYU, the absence of leading rusher L.J. Martin looms large.
The freshman back had shoulder surgery and won’t be available, which means the Cougars will need to lean on their depth in the backfield. Martin was a consistent presence in their ground game this year, and replacing his production won’t be easy.
Expect BYU to spread the load among multiple backs, and possibly lean a bit more on the passing game to keep the chains moving.
Georgia Tech, meanwhile, is dealing with a change on the headset. Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner has moved on to join Jon Sumrall’s staff at Florida, so quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke will take over play-calling duties for the bowl game.
Weinke, a former Heisman winner and NFL veteran, has been around the program and the quarterback room all season, so the transition may not be as disruptive as it sounds. Still, it’s a shift in rhythm that could impact how the Yellow Jackets attack BYU’s defense.
Beyond the Xs and Os, the Pop-Tarts Bowl continues to embrace its quirky personality. Both teams will be sporting custom Pop-Tarts-themed helmets-yes, really-and fans will get to vote on which group of edible mascots gets devoured by the winning team: Team Sprinkles or Team Swirls. It’s the kind of offbeat fun that makes bowl season a little more memorable, especially when paired with a meaningful matchup like this one.
Georgia Tech comes into the game at 9-3, while BYU boasts an impressive 11-2 record. Both teams have shown they can win in different ways this season, and both have plenty to prove in this final outing. Whether it’s BYU looking to cap off a strong campaign with a statement win, or Georgia Tech aiming to build momentum under Brent Key, there’s real motivation on both sidelines.
As of now, no players from either team have officially opted out of the game. That could always change, but for the moment, it’s full steam ahead in Orlando.
Toaster trophy? Check.
Custom helmets? Check.
Two motivated teams at near full strength? Check.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl might just be the most unexpectedly compelling game of the postseason.