The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl has never been your average college football showdown. Since its inception in 2015, the bowl has carved out a unique identity—first as a streaming-only event before that was the norm, then as a Barstool Sports production, and now, for a second consecutive year, under the charismatic sponsorship of rap legend Snoop Dogg. This year’s contest, set for Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona, promises to deliver more of the unpredictable drama and festive flair fans have come to expect from this mid-day classic. With the CW Network broadcasting the 4:30 pm ET kickoff, college football enthusiasts have plenty of reasons to tune in, even amid a crowded bowl schedule.
On one side of the field, the Fresno State Bulldogs, led by head coach Matt Entz, enter the Arizona Bowl boasting an eight-win season. A victory in Tucson would mark the fourth time in five years that Fresno State has notched nine or more wins—a testament to the program’s consistency and resilience. Across the line, the Miami University RedHawks, coached by Chuck Martin, are no strangers to the Arizona Bowl spotlight either. This marks Miami’s seventh bowl appearance in Martin’s 12-year tenure, and they return as defending champions after rolling over Colorado State 43-17 in last year’s edition.
But what makes this year’s matchup particularly intriguing isn’t just the star power on the sidelines. It’s the contrasting strengths and vulnerabilities that both teams bring to the table. Miami University, for all its bowl pedigree, is a team of extremes. The RedHawks’ passing game can be streaky—when it works, it delivers explosive deep shots, but more often than not, it sputters. That might suggest a ground-and-pound identity, but the reality is more complicated. Miami’s offense is at its best when it rushes for 140 yards or more; they’re undefeated at 7-0 in those games. However, when the running game stalls, the RedHawks are winless at 0-6. It’s a high-wire act that leaves little room for error.
Defensively, Miami struggles to stop opponents on third down, yet compensates with a ferocious pass rush that terrorizes backfields and piles up takeaways. This feast-or-famine approach has kept fans on the edge of their seats all season. But the RedHawks will be missing two key playmakers: star receiver Kam Perry, who averaged a jaw-dropping 23 yards per catch before entering the transfer portal, and top pass rusher Adam Trick. Their absences loom large as Miami looks to repeat last year’s bowl success.
Fresno State, meanwhile, thrives on turning games into defensive slugfests. The Bulldogs’ formula for success is simple: stop the run. The numbers don’t lie—Fresno State is 0-4 this season when allowing more than 140 rushing yards. Flip the script, and they’re in control. The Bulldogs’ own defensive lapses have typically coincided with offensive struggles, so a balanced, mistake-free approach will be crucial in Tucson.
Head coach Matt Entz has kept his squad focused and disciplined throughout the campaign. With an eight-win season already in the books, Entz’s Bulldogs are hungry for a statement finish. “We know what’s at stake,” Entz has emphasized in practice sessions leading up to the bowl. “Our guys have shown all year they can rise to the occasion. Now it’s about executing for four quarters.”
Miami’s Chuck Martin is no stranger to postseason pressure, either. Reflecting on last year’s Arizona Bowl triumph, Martin said, “We came out with energy, played our brand of football, and the result took care of itself. This year, we’ll need that same focus and intensity, especially with some new faces stepping up.”
The game’s outcome may ultimately hinge on which team can impose its will in the trenches. If Miami’s ground game gets rolling, history suggests the RedHawks will be tough to beat. But with Kam Perry gone and the passing game’s inconsistency, Fresno State’s defense could find opportunities to force turnovers and flip field position. On the other hand, if Fresno State stifles the run early, the Bulldogs’ methodical approach may wear down Miami’s defense and open the door for a comfortable lead.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl continues to embrace its role as a celebration of college football’s quirkiest traditions. The presence of Snoop Dogg himself—whose influence now extends from bowl sponsorship to a voluntary role as an Honorary Coach for Team USA ahead of the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games—adds an unmistakable star quality to the festivities. Snoop’s infectious positivity and good humor have made him a beloved figure in both sports and entertainment. “Team USA athletes are the real stars—I’m just here to cheer, uplift, and maybe drop a little wisdom from the sidelines,” Snoop told the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. “This team represents the best of what sport can be: talent, heart and hustle. If I can bring a little more love and motivation to that, that’s a win for me.”
Snoop’s growing connection to the world of sports doesn’t stop at football. A self-confessed fan of dressage, he made headlines with a cameo alongside the U.S. Dressage Team horses in Paris in 2024, and speculation abounds about whether he’ll expand his involvement to other equestrian disciplines ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. There’s even playful chatter about whether Snoop will influence the music selections for Grand Prix Freestyle Programs, perhaps sneaking in a censored version of his 1994 Grammy-nominated hit “Gin and Juice.” And who could forget the possibility of Martha Stewart joining him for horse-related events, given her own equestrian expertise?
As the Arizona Bowl approaches, the stakes are clear. Fresno State seeks to cap a strong season with another nine-win campaign, further cementing its status as a Mountain West powerhouse. Miami University, despite roster turnover and offensive question marks, aims to defend its bowl crown and prove that last year’s blowout was no fluke. The consensus betting line favors Fresno State by 4.5 points, with an over/under set at 42.5, but anyone who’s followed this bowl knows to expect the unexpected.
So, will the Bulldogs’ defensive discipline prevail, or can the RedHawks conjure up another magical postseason run? One thing’s for sure: with Snoop Dogg’s signature style lighting up the sidelines and two hungry teams ready to battle, the 2025 Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl is shaping up to be must-see TV. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just tuning in for the spectacle, this is one bowl game you won’t want to miss.
As kickoff nears in Tucson, all eyes are on Arizona Stadium. The stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in the bowl’s colorful history—and with Snoop Dogg in the mix, anything can happen. Stay tuned as Fresno State and Miami University prepare to leave it all on the field in college football’s quirkiest, most entertaining bowl game.
