Just when you thought bowl season couldn’t get any weirder-or more fun-the Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans is delivering both intrigue and a touch of rivalry heat. And at the center of it all? A familiar name for Kentucky fans, now wearing Toledo colors and stirring the pot ahead of a showdown with Louisville.
On Tuesday, the Louisville Cardinals will square off against the Toledo Rockets in Boca Raton, with kickoff set for 2 PM on ESPN. The Cardinals come in as 7.5-point favorites, but the real storyline might be on the other sideline-where former Kentucky running back Chip Trayanum is looking to make a statement.
Trayanum, who transferred to Toledo after a frustrating stint in Lexington, has been a force in the MAC this season. He’s averaging 95 rushing yards per game-second-best in the conference-and has found the end zone 13 times, 11 on the ground and two through the air. Simply put, he’s been the engine behind Toledo’s offense, and he’s doing it with a chip on his shoulder.
At the pregame luncheon hosted by the bowl, Trayanum shared the stage with Louisville quarterback Miller Moss. But it was what happened after the Q&A that caught everyone’s attention.
As he exited the stage, Trayanum flashed the infamous “Ls Down” hand gesture-a not-so-subtle jab at the Cardinals and a nod to his past allegiance. It was a moment that instantly reignited the spirit of the Governor’s Cup rivalry, even though Trayanum never got to celebrate a win over Louisville while at Kentucky.
His time in Lexington was marred by injury. A hand issue sidelined him for much of the 2024 season, and by the time he returned, the Wildcats were already out of contention.
He logged just 19 carries that year, including four in a lopsided loss to Louisville to close the regular season. The 2025 season opener gave him a shot at revenge, but Kentucky's defense held him in check-41 rushing yards, 42 receiving, and not much else.
Now, he gets another crack at the Cards-this time as Toledo’s feature back, with a full season of production behind him and the spotlight squarely on his shoulders. The stakes may not be as high as a College Football Playoff berth, but for Trayanum, this one’s personal. And if he can help Toledo pull off the upset, you can bet he’ll be throwing Ls Down with a little more satisfaction this time.
Beans, Bragging Rights, and Bowl Season Silliness
Of course, no discussion of the Boca Raton Bowl would be complete without acknowledging its new title sponsor-and the wonderfully offbeat promotion that comes with it. This year, it’s officially the Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans, and yes, the beans are very much part of the experience.
In an effort to fill the stands and lean into the fun of bowl season, organizers are offering free admission to the first 2,000 fans who bring a can of Bush’s Beans to the game. That’s right-show up with a can of baked beans, and you’re in. It might just be the best $1.50 ticket in college football.
Bowl season has always been about more than just the football. It’s about the pageantry, the quirks, and the unexpected storylines. Whether it’s edible mascots at the Pop-Tarts Bowl or bean-based giveaways in Boca Raton, these games remind us that college football doesn’t always have to take itself too seriously.
But don’t get it twisted-when the ball is kicked off Tuesday afternoon, there will be real intensity on the field. For Louisville, it’s a chance to cap off the season with a win. For Trayanum and Toledo, it’s an opportunity to make a statement-and maybe, just maybe, settle a few scores.
So bring your beans, buckle up, and enjoy the show. The Boca Raton Bowl might not be the biggest game of the year, but with a little rivalry spice and a whole lot of personality, it’s definitely one worth watching.