Pop-Tarts Bowl features shenanigans and mascot sacrifices following BYU win
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The postgame scene at the Pop-Tarts Bowl was a mix of quirky antics and dramatic moments.

Following BYU’s 25-21 victory over Georgia Tech on Saturday, the spotlight turned to the Pop-Tarts mascots. The brand had hyped up a “grand sacrifice,” with the outcome decided by fans through live voting during the game.

In a playful spectacle, two mascots were “sacrificed” by being sent through a giant toaster, emerging from the other side to the cheers of the crowd, now “fully cooked.”

A third mascot, initially positioned with the first two, added to the theatrics by leaping off the toaster and dashing away, engaging the audience with animated gestures.

Meanwhile, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake celebrated the win in his own unique way, as his players showered him with mini Pop-Tarts. Embracing the moment, he enjoyed the bite-sized treats as they cascaded over him.

ā€œI just had one of these little mini Pop-Tarts, I’m good to go,ā€ he said in his post-game interview.

Sitake also downed an entire full-sized Pop-Tart in one bite while receiving the trophy, which was met with a roar from the fans.


Two people in Pop-Tart mascot costumes on a platform at a football game.
A third mascot, who was originally standing next to the other two, jumped off of the toaster and sprinted away after gesturing to the crowd. ESPN

The bowl, which is dubbed as ā€œThe People’s National Championship,ā€ is known for the mascots’ antics following the game since being rebranded to feature Pop-Tarts ahead of the 2023 College Football season.

Outside of the postgame drama, the game itself was tightly contested, with BYU securing the win with an interception in the end zone with just seconds left.

Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier led the way on offense, racking up 325 passing yards on 27-of-38 completions with a touchdown.


BYU head coach Kalani Sitake eats a Pop-Tart during the trophy presentation after winning the Pop-Tarts Bowl college football game.
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake eats a pop tart during the trophy presentation after defeating Georgia Tech at the Pop-Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. AP

Tight end Carsen Ryan led all players in receiving yards with 120 on eight receptions.

Despite having a 12-2 record on the season, BYU was left out of the College Football Playoff, a move which was deemed controversial by some fans.

Sitake, however, said that the team simply had to move on, and not dwell on the snub.

ā€œThey made the decision and we’re fine,ā€ Sitake told reporters following Saturday’s game. ā€œWe gotta move on and just keep playing football.ā€

ā€œIf it’s not the way you wanted it to go, that’s okay. Your reaction is going to be what everybody’s going to define you with,ā€ he added

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