By Luke Fletcher | Atlanta, GA

The 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl is set to feature a thrilling matchup between #12 BYU and #22 Georgia Tech, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 27, at Camping World Stadium. Fans can catch all the action live on ABC. This game will be significant as it represents the fifth meeting in history between the 12th-ranked Cougars, who boast an impressive record of 11 wins and 2 losses, including 8 wins in the Big 12, and the 22nd-ranked Yellow Jackets, who come in with a solid 9-3 record and 6-2 in the ACC. Notably, this will be the first encounter between these two teams since 2013, and BYU has the upper hand in their previous matchups, having claimed victory in three of the four games played before.

1. Head coach Brent Key announced that quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator Chris Weinke is going to call plays for the Yellow Jackets in the Pop Tarts Bowl. The biggest questions surrounding this team was about who would be the offensive play caller in the game as under the previous playcaller Buster Faulkner the Yellow Jackets average 446.8 total yards per game (top-20) and score 30.7 points per contest, and the ground attack is seriously dangerous, ranking top-20 at 201 yards per game. Will the offense miss a beat with Coach Wienke holding the keys to the offense?

2. Quarterback Hayne King has been a pivotal figure in the team’s resurgence, having transferred from Texas A&M in 2023. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Yellow Jackets to winning seasons, and he has emerged as a key player in their recent success. This year, King not only earned recognition as a Heisman candidate but also claimed titles such as ACC Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-ACC. With 2,697 passing yards and 12 touchdowns to his name, he has also made significant contributions on the ground, rushing for a career-high 922 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. As the team aims for a double-digit win season for the first time since 2014, King has the opportunity to cap off the season on a high note, solidifying the program’s return to national prominence.

3. A critical factor in the Yellow Jackets’ success will be their offensive line’s ability to perform against BYU’s formidable defense. Known for being tough and stingy, BYU’s defensive front poses a significant challenge, particularly in the run game. However, Georgia Tech’s offensive line has proven to be resilient throughout the season, consistently showing determination and grit. Even when faced with adversity, this unit has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to pushing forward and battling through tough situations. As the Yellow Jackets prepare for this matchup, their ability to execute against a tough opponent will be essential in determining the outcome of the game and the overall success of their season. 

This matchup could become one of the  thrilling bowl games for this season. Showcasing two formidable, ranked teams: No. 12 BYU and No. 22 Georgia Tech. Both teams boast well-rounded offenses, the game had all the makings of a classic showdown. The atmosphere will be charged with excitement, as fans view it as a “People’s National Championship,” elevating its status as one of the most significant non-playoff games of the season. The stakes will be  high, and the potential for a memorable clash is palpable, drawing in spectators eager to witness the action unfold on the field. Go Jackets! Sting Em!

• Game date: Saturday, December 27, 2025
• Game time: 3:30 pm. ET
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Venue: Camping World Stadium
• TV channel: ABC