Protein Slammin’ Strawberry has entered the transfer portal.
Following BYU’s come-from-behind 25–21 win over Georgia Tech in the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl, the college football world eagerly anticipated the Pop-Tarts mascots hopping into a giant toaster on the field and transforming into edible mascots, as is tradition in the third edition of Kellogg’s hit bowl game.
This year, three Pop-Tarts mascots climbed aboard the massive toaster—Protein Slammin’ Strawberry, Cookies & Creme and Cherry. But only two were devoured by the victorious Cougars.
Before they entered the toaster to meet their glorious end, Cherry held up a sign that read, “Live your dream” while Cookies & Creme’s sign read, “Dream it, achieve it.” Protein Slammin’ Strawberry, however, had other ideas.
The strawberry-flavored mascot held up a sign depicting, “Not my dream ... yet.” Without hesitation, the Pop-Tart launched into a cannon ball off the toaster and scampered off the gridiron.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl postgame featured Slammin' Strawberry opting out of the sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/0FBRPBzvfm
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 28, 2025
While Cherry and Cookies & Creme transformed into giant, edible Pop-Tarts for BYU players, coaches and staffers to enjoy, Slammin’ Strawberry escaped. A sign exited the toaster in his place that read, “You haven’t seen the last of me.”
The mystery of Protein Slammin’ Strawberry apparently will continue into 2026.
RELATED: All the Laughably Fun Moments Notre Dame Missed by Declining Pop-Tarts Bowl Bid
As for the actual football played in Orlando on Saturday, BYU earned its 12th win of the season—the most in program history since a 12–2 finish in 2001. The Cougars trailed 21–10 at halftime but rallied for a pair of touchdown runs by Enouch Nawahine and Jovesa Damuni in the fourth quarter for a 25–21 win.
BYU joined Kansas State and Iowa State as the three programs to get the honor of chowing down on an edible Pop-Tarts mascot after a big bowl win.
Full history: Every Pop-Tarts Bowl edible mascot to get toasted after the game
2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl: Kansas State 28, N.C. State 19
Pop-Tarts mascot toasted: Frosted Strawberry
Here we are... the edible mascot in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.. pic.twitter.com/0XgKGoXseS
— PJ Green (@ByPJGreen) December 29, 2023
Formerly known as the Cheez-It Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl debuted in 2023 to great acclaim. The Pop-Tarts mascots were introduced on the field before the game, and afterwards, the bowl instantly became a favorite among college football fans when Frosted Strawberry journeyed down the giant toaster and achieved its dream of getting eaten by the Pop-Tarts Bowl victors.
College football history was witnessed that evening in Orlando.
2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl: Iowa State 42, Miami 41
Pop-Tarts mascot toasted: Frosted Cinnamon Roll
Mouth Heaven gained another angel! 💙 #PopTartsBowl pic.twitter.com/0hkfozfgjU
— Pop-Tarts Bowl (@PopTartsBowl) December 29, 2024
In a game remembered most for Miami quarterback and eventual No. 1 draft pick Cam Ward playing just the first half of the Hurricane’s narrow loss to Iowa State, Frosted Cinnamon Roll joined Frosted Strawberry in Pop-Tarts immortality. Frosted Strawberry, by the way, made a surprise appearance before the game by resurrecting from his fate one year prior.
He is risen! #PopTartsBowl pic.twitter.com/kT0ZHyNH6U
— Pop-Tarts Bowl (@PopTartsBowl) December 28, 2024
2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl: BYU 25, Georgia Tech 21
Pop-Tarts mascots toasted: Cookies & Creme and Cherry (Protein Slammin’ Strawberry opted out)
This snackrifice didn’t disappoint! pic.twitter.com/W16NtHa5YA
— Pop-Tarts Bowl (@PopTartsBowl) December 28, 2025
We’ll see you in 2026, Protein Slammin’ Strawberry.
More College Football on Sports Illustrated
- Kyle Whittingham Ready to Get Michigan ‘Where It Should Be’ in First Message to Fans
- Kalani Sitake Gave His Candid Thoughts on BYU’s CFP Absence After Pop-Tarts Bowl Win
- Army Coach Hilariously Attempts to Dodge Postgame Gatorade Bath After Bowl Win vs. UConn
- Snoop Dogg Dives to Catch a Live Kickoff During His Namesake Bowl Game
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Pop-Tarts Bowl Ends With One Pastry Narrowly Escaping BYU’s Celebratory Toasting.
