What a night it was in Orlando, where the BYU Cougars staged a dramatic comeback to topple the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 25-21 in the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl. The game, played on December 27 at Camping World Stadium, had all the ingredients of a classic: high stakes, wild momentum swings, and a postgame ritual that only college football could dream up. For BYU, this win marked not just a bowl victory, but a historic 12-win season—their first since 2001—capping a campaign that fans won’t soon forget.
Heading into halftime, things looked bleak for the Cougars. Trailing 21-10, BYU seemed to be on the ropes, with Georgia Tech capitalizing on turnovers and missed opportunities to build a double-digit lead. The Yellow Jackets, who finished their season at 9-4, had BYU’s number in the second quarter, scoring two quick touchdowns after a costly fumble on a kickoff return. As BYU trudged to the locker room, the scoreboard told a painful story: Georgia Tech 21, BYU 10.
But as every college football fan knows, no lead is safe when the stakes are this high. BYU’s head coach Kalani Sitake, now 5-2 in bowl games at the helm, rallied his squad for a second-half charge. According to KSL Sports, "The win caps BYU’s first 12-win season since 2001." The Cougars, who were playing in their 42nd bowl game in program history, had to summon every ounce of grit and resilience to claw back into contention.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier, a true freshman, put together a performance for the ages. Despite limping early on a bad ankle, he completed 27 of 38 passes for 325 yards, one touchdown, and one interception—a sparkling 71% completion rate. Bachmeier’s poise under pressure fueled BYU’s comeback, as he spread the ball around to a host of playmakers. His connection with Chase Roberts, who grabbed a touchdown in his final game as a Cougar, set the tone early. As Mitch Harper noted, "Bear Bachmeier passed for 132 yards in the first quarter. He had a stretch where he completed eight consecutive passes."
Yet, for all their offensive prowess, BYU couldn’t cash in on every red-zone trip. A failed fourth-and-goal attempt and a Bachmeier interception deep in Georgia Tech territory kept the Cougars chasing the game well into the third quarter. Georgia Tech, led by quarterback Haynes King, took advantage—especially after a BYU fumble on a kickoff return set up a quick touchdown, stretching the lead to 21-10.
The third quarter saw both teams trade turnovers, with BYU’s Nusi Taumoepeau forcing a crucial fumble to keep the Cougars within striking distance. Georgia Tech tried to extend their lead, but a blocked field goal by Keanu Tanuvasa kept the score unchanged. As the final quarter began, BYU still trailed by 11, but the energy on the Cougars’ sideline was unmistakable.
It was in the fourth quarter that BYU’s comeback truly took flight. Enoch Nawahine punched in a two-yard touchdown run, and Bachmeier himself scrambled for a gritty two-point conversion, cutting the deficit to just three points. Momentum swung further in BYU’s favor after a big punt return from Parker Kingston set up another drive. With the clock winding down, redshirt freshman Jovesa Damuni delivered the moment Cougars fans will remember for years—a four-yard touchdown run with just two minutes remaining, giving BYU its first lead since the opening quarter.
Georgia Tech wasn’t finished yet. The Yellow Jackets mounted one last drive, marching deep into BYU territory. But with six seconds left, Evan Johnson intercepted Haynes King in the end zone, sealing the win and sending the BYU faithful into a frenzy. The Cougars’ defense, which had struggled at times in the first half, came up with the game’s two biggest plays—a forced fumble and a game-clinching interception—when it mattered most.
After the final whistle, the celebration was as sweet as the Pop-Tarts themselves. In a tradition unique to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, BYU players and coach Kalani Sitake participated in the now-legendary postgame ritual: eating massive pastries from a giant toaster, a spectacle that has become a social media sensation. As one observer put it, "Kalani eating the Pop-Tarts from his victory shower of Pop-Tarts is an awesome move." The Cougars, grinning from ear to ear, reveled in the absurdity and joy of the moment. It’s college football at its quirky, unforgettable best.
This victory also added another chapter to the BYU-Georgia Tech series. The two programs have now met five times, with BYU taking the latest contest. Previously, Georgia Tech had won the 2002 matchup, but BYU has since rattled off four straight victories in the series, including this dramatic bowl win.
For Georgia Tech, the loss stings, but there’s plenty of optimism heading into 2026. The Yellow Jackets will play all seven home games at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field next season, with premium non-conference matchups against Colorado and Tennessee on the slate. The school also recently announced the "Full Steam Ahead" initiative, a $500 million fundraising campaign to renovate athletic facilities and position Georgia Tech athletics to compete for championships at the highest level. With a strong foundation and ambitious plans, the Yellow Jackets are determined to bounce back stronger.
BYU, meanwhile, closes the book on a memorable 12-2 season. The Cougars’ all-time bowl record now stands at 18-22-1, with a 5-2 mark under Sitake. This was only their fourth bowl appearance in Florida, and the first time they’ve come away with a win in the Sunshine State. The program’s trajectory is pointing up, fueled by a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars like Bachmeier and Damuni.
As the confetti settled on Camping World Stadium and the last Pop-Tart crumbs were devoured, one thing was clear: college football’s bowl season delivered yet another instant classic. For BYU fans, the comeback against Georgia Tech will be savored for years to come. For Georgia Tech, the journey continues—with new goals, new faces, and a hunger to return to the postseason spotlight. And for everyone watching, the Pop-Tarts Bowl proved once again that in college football, anything can happen—and sometimes, the sweetest moments come when you least expect them.
