The Pop-Tarts Bowl is hotter than the famous giant toaster.
It was ESPN’s most-watched non-College Football Playoff bowl game so far this postseason, according to ESPN PR, which reported Friday that viewership for those games was up 13% through Dec. 27.
advertise
The Pop-Tarts Bowl averaged 8.7 million viewers when No. 12 BYU defeated No. 22 Georgia Tech 25-21, up from the 6.8 million viewers the previous year when No. 18 Iowa State beat No. 13 Miami 42-41.
In 2024, attendance will reach 6.8 million, the most since the 2008 bowl game was dubbed the “Champions Sports Bowl.”
As for the 8.7 million viewers in 2025, it’s the most viewers ESPN has had for a non-CFP or New Year’s Six bowl game since the 2019-20 postseason Citrus Bowl.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl benefited from another great matchup, once again bringing in CFP caliber teams. In 2024, Miami fits the bill. This time, it’s BYU, which has only lost two games all season. Both losses came against Texas Tech, including one in the Big 12 Championship Game.
advertise
The calendar also gives a boost to the Tart Bowl and other postseason games on the Saturday after Christmas. With people still celebrating the holidays at home, the Dec. 27 bowl game performed exceptionally well.
In fact, ESPN’s three most-watched non-CFP bowl games at the time were all played at this time.
Penn State’s Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl game, which defeated Clemson 22-10 at Yankee Stadium, averaged 7.6 million viewers. According to ESPN PR, the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game averaged 6 million viewers, with ACC runner-up and No. 19 Virginia defeating Missouri State 13-7.
Of course, these games also provide matchups that are either interesting or particularly interesting to at least one fan base. When it comes to Pinstripe Bowl games, Penn State and Clemson are both ranked in the top four in the preseason AP poll. Meanwhile, UVA is enjoying a special season heading into the Gator Bowl, and fans have every reason to watch their Cavaliers pick up a record-tying 11th win.
advertise
However, the Pop-Tarts Bowl dominated the day’s headlines, and ESPN PR released the list Friday. Notre Dame might have been in this game if it hadn’t chosen to exclude it from bowl consideration.
Although the “Pop-Tarts Bowl” is only three years old, it’s already filled with legend. In each of the past two seasons, the winner received a trophy with a working toaster.
The campaign has mastered the art of going viral, with its Pop-Tart mascot being the brains behind pranks that often catch the attention of social media algorithms.
In 2024, the Pop-Tarts Bowl resurrected the strawberry tarts baked from the previous year’s game.
This time, the bowl gave the fallen pastry a ring of honor. Brigham Young University and Georgia Tech both have Pop-Tarts-themed helmets and end zones.
advertise
Of course, there is another “snack”.
