Pop-Tarts Bowl Returns Saturday, Dec. 27 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC

ORLANDO, Florida — After one of the most talked about bowl games in recent memory, filled with unforgettable moments on and off the field, the Pop-Tarts Bowl is set to return in 2025, with the internet’s favorite postseason clash slated for Saturday, Dec. 27 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. FCS confirmed the details Thursday as part of ESPN’s 2025-26 football bowl schedule release.

This year’s game — the third under Pop-Tarts’ title partnership — will be the 36th edition of the bowl overall and the 25th played at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. It also marks the 12th consecutive season the game will feature top programs from the Atlantic Coast and Big 12 Conferences.

Last year, No. 18 Iowa State outlasted No. 13 Miami 42-41 in the first-ever meeting between the two teams. The one-point thriller was the closest finish in bowl history and capped a milestone campaign for the Cyclones, who secured the program’s first 11-win season and brought a first-of-its-kind functioning toaster trophy back to Ames.

Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht also took home MVP honors thanks to 270 passing yards and three touchdowns through the air — plus a go-ahead rushing touchdown run with 56 seconds left in the fourth quarter. After the final whistle, Becht chose the Frosted Cinnamon Roll mascot to be toasted and devoured by his teammates in one of the most talked-about moments of the postseason (click below for video).

Florida Citrus Sports’ second bowl game, the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, features teams from the Southeastern and Big Ten Conferences and will be played on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 3 p.m. ET, with coverage also on ABC.

Tickets to both the Pop-Tarts Bowl and the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl are available now exclusively through Florida Citrus Sports membership and will go on sale to the public after teams are selected on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Want the latest on the Pop-Tarts Bowl? Sign up to get updates straight to your inbox!