The 2025 Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, presented by Gin & Juice, is set to deliver an electrifying showdown as the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks face off against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Casino del Sol Stadium in Tucson, Arizona. With kickoff scheduled for December 27 at 2:30 p.m. MST (4:30 p.m. ET), anticipation is running high for a matchup that not only celebrates college football but also makes a significant impact off the field.
Now in its 10th edition, the Arizona Bowl stands out among postseason games for its unwavering commitment to community benefit. Since its inception in 2015, the bowl has donated 100% of net proceeds to non-profit organizations, channeling millions of dollars to over 70 groups in Southern Arizona. The estimated economic impact for Tucson exceeds $100 million, thanks to the influx of out-of-town visitors and a week packed with community initiatives, including teacher appreciation awards, hospital visits by the teams, and the “Heroes Program,” which provides tickets to active military members, veterans, teachers, and first responders. The bowl’s partnership with the National Foundation of Southern Arizona extends its reach into local high schools, recognizing student-athletes for performance, teamwork, and character each week.
On the field, history is up for grabs. Miami (Ohio) is attempting to become the first team to win back-to-back Arizona Bowl championships, having dominated Colorado State 43-17 in last year’s contest. No program has ever claimed consecutive titles since the bowl’s inception—a feat that would cement the RedHawks’ legacy in Tucson.
Miami enters the game with a 7-6 record, having tied for second in their conference at 6-2. The RedHawks are coming off a 23-13 loss to Western Michigan in the Mid-AAC Championship Game but have won two of their last three outings. The season began with adversity, as Miami dropped its first three games and saw seventh-year starting quarterback Dequan Finn depart in mid-November to prepare for the NFL Draft. Into the breach stepped freshman Thomas Gotkowski, who seized the starting role and led the RedHawks to crucial back-to-back wins over Buffalo and Ball State, propelling them to their third straight MAC championship appearance.
Gotkowski’s numbers are impressive for a rookie: in four games, he’s completed 32 of 64 passes for 503 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions, while adding 99 rushing yards and a score. “I always expected to see the field at some point,” Gotkowski shared. “My mentality going into the season was, ‘Let’s prepare at a high level in case that opportunity comes sooner than you think.’”
The ground game is anchored by senior Jordan Brunson, who has amassed 724 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. The RedHawks’ aerial attack leans on Kam Perry, who ranks second nationally at 23.0 yards per catch and is just 34 yards shy of becoming Miami’s ninth 1,000-yard receiver. However, Perry’s status for the bowl is uncertain, as he has entered the transfer portal. Cole Weaver has stepped up with 31 catches for 444 yards over the last six games, a remarkable surge after recording just two receptions prior to this season.
Defensively, Miami boasts a ferocious pass rush, ranking third in the nation with 40 sacks, spread across 15 players. Eight defenders have set career highs in sacks this season, contributing to a unit that has also notched 14 interceptions—tops in the MAC and 15th nationally. Kicker Dom Dzioban, a two-time Lou Groza Award semifinalist, has been a reliable weapon, converting 19 of 21 field goals, including 10 of 11 from beyond 40 yards.
Fresno State, meanwhile, is no stranger to postseason play, making its fifth consecutive bowl appearance under first-year head coach Matt Entz. The Bulldogs finished 8-4 (5-3 in the Mountain West), capping the regular season with a resounding 41-14 win over San Jose State. Their defense has been the backbone, allowing just 293.5 yards per game—the program’s stingiest mark since 1988 and the fewest in a season since at least 1992.
Entz, who previously served as an assistant head coach at USC, has already pocketed $110,000 in bonuses for the Bulldogs’ eight wins and bowl qualification, with another $45,000 on the line if Fresno State prevails in Tucson. “We know what’s at stake,” Entz said. “Our guys have shown all year they can rise to the occasion. Now it’s about executing for four quarters.”
The Bulldogs’ defense is led by ballhawks like Simeon Harris, who has five interceptions, and disruptive end Finn Claypool, who’s tallied 6.5 sacks in his debut FBS season. Fresno State’s secondary ranks eighth nationally, allowing just 161 passing yards per game and holding opposing quarterbacks to a 55.5% completion rate. The team is also opportunistic, ranking fourth in the FBS with 19 interceptions and 11th with 24 takeaways, offsetting a minus-20 turnover margin on offense.
Offensively, Fresno State is powered by the running duo of Rayshon ‘Speedy’ Luke and Bryson Donelson. Luke, a former Arizona Wildcat, returns to Casino del Sol Stadium after transferring and overcoming a late-season injury. He’s rushed for 690 yards and six touchdowns, more than doubling his production from three years at Arizona. “All the skill sets that you’re looking for,” Entz said of Luke. “We can use him on third down, we can use him on early downs. He’s a specialist. He can be a returner as well. He’s got breakaway speed. He’s explosive.” Donelson has chipped in with 580 yards at 4.3 yards per carry.
Quarterback play has been a rollercoaster for the Bulldogs. E.J. Warner, son of NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, began the season as the starter but was benched in favor of Carson Conklin midway through. After a shutout loss in Conklin’s debut, Warner reclaimed the job for the final two games. The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts Warner to throw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns in the bowl, while Miami’s Henry Hesson—if he sees action—is projected for over 185 yards and a score.
Both teams have been affected by transfer portal opt-outs. For Miami, OT Drew Terrill, S Mychal Yharbrough, and DE Adam Trick (8.5 sacks) are out. Fresno State will be without LB RL Miller and CB Jayden Davis, both of whom contributed defensively this year.
Historically, Miami is a powerhouse in the MAC, leading the conference in wins (740), conference wins (329), league championships (17), and bowl victories (9). Their 740 career wins are third among Group-of-Five programs, trailing only Navy and Army. Head coach Chuck Martin, at the helm since 2013, has won more games at Miami (72) than any coach in school history and is the MAC’s longest-tenured active head coach.
Fresno State, for its part, will look to leverage its defensive strengths and opportunistic playmaking to counter Miami’s balanced attack. The Bulldogs are slight 4.5-point favorites according to oddsmakers, but with both teams’ recent form and a host of storylines—including the uncertain status of Miami’s top receiver and the return of Luke—the outcome is anything but certain.
As the Arizona sun sets over Casino del Sol Stadium, fans can expect a spirited contest that honors a decade of bowl tradition and community impact. Whether Miami etches its name in the record books with a second straight title or Fresno State rides its defense to victory, the 2025 Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl promises to be a game to remember.
