Pop-Tarts Bowl features shenanigans and mascot sacrifices following BYU win

· New York Post

The Pop-Tarts Bowl postgame was full of shenanigans and sacrifices.

All the attention immediately went to the Pop-Tarts mascots following BYU’s 25-21 win over Georgia Tech on Saturday, with the brand promising the “biggest sacrifice ever,” which was ultimately dictated by the fans through in-game voting.

And sacrifice they did, with two Pop-Tarts mascots being sent into the toaster, coming out the other side fully cooked as fans cheered them on.

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.

In addition to the mascot sacrifices, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake was showered in mini Pop-Tarts by his players following the win, eating the bite-sized snacks as they rained down.

“I just had one of these little mini Pop-Tarts, I’m good to go,” 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.

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 “The People’s National Championship,” 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 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.

“They made the decision and we’re fine,” Sitake told reporters following Saturday’s game. “We gotta move on and just keep playing football.”

“If 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,” he added