The Pop-Tarts Bowl brings together two ranked programs in Orlando, as No. 12 BYU faces No. 22 Georgia Tech at Camping World Stadium on Dec. 27. While the game sits outside the College Football Playoff spotlight, the storyline surrounding this matchup centers on roster availability in an era increasingly defined by opt-outs and postseason attrition.
In contrast to recent bowl seasons, both teams arrive with a notable commitment to playing full rosters. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake confirmed that the Cougars will have no opt-outs by choice, pushing back against a growing trend that has seen many players bypass bowl games in favor of offseason recovery or NFL preparation. Georgia Tech is in the same boat, with no opt-outs, but has more injuries than the Cougars.
BYU Cougars: No Opt-Outs and Injury Report
BYU will be without its top offensive playmaker, but not due to a bowl opt-out. Running back LJ Martin, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, elected to undergo shoulder surgery last week to ensure a full recovery ahead of either his return next season or potential NFL preparation. Sitake emphasized that Martin’s absence was a medical decision rather than a choice to skip the bowl.
The Cougars are also thin at running back depth. Backup Sione Moa briefly returned during the Big 12 Championship Game after missing nine games, but is no longer listed on the depth chart, leaving BYU without its top two options at the position.
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Quarterback Bear Bachmeier remains one of the most closely monitored storylines entering kickoff. The freshman suffered a left ankle injury earlier this month, and while Sitake declined to provide specifics, expectations within the program suggest Bachmeier will be available to play.
He had this ankle injury flare up during his last game against Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship, but he finished it out. Sitake added that several players are still banged up and will be evaluated on game day, reiterating that no one has opted out of the bowl voluntarily.
Despite the injuries, BYU enters the Pop-Tarts Bowl with a full roster and a clear intention to compete, underscoring the program’s emphasis on postseason success.
Georgia Tech Injury Report: A Few More Injuries Than Cougs, No Opt-Outs
Georgia Tech mirrors BYU’s approach, with no opt-outs reported on either side of the ball. However, the Yellow Jackets will be shorthanded defensively. Brayden Manley and Clayton Powell-Lee have both been ruled out, while Savion Riley will also miss the game, leaving Georgia Tech without several key contributors in the secondary.
On offense, the most significant concern is wide receiver Isiah Canion, who is listed as doubtful. Canion enjoyed a breakout sophomore season, finishing with 33 receptions for 480 yards and four touchdowns, and his absence would remove a proven playmaker from the passing attack.
MORE: College Football Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker: Every Missing Player for Every Matchup
The Yellow Jackets are also facing questions in the backfield, as running back Chad Alexander is listed as doubtful, thinning the depth at the position.
While these injuries will impact rotations, they also create opportunities for younger players to gain valuable playing time. Those reps could prove valuable not only for Saturday’s outcome but also for long-term development and putting quality film together heading into the 2026 season.
How To Watch the Pop-Tarts Bowl
The Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 27, with the game airing live on ABC. The matchup will be played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
BYU vs. Georgia Tech Series History
The Pop-Tarts Bowl adds a new chapter to a short but competitive series between the two programs. BYU holds a 3-1 advantage in the all-time matchup heading into Saturday’s game.
Past Meetings:
- 2002: Georgia Tech 28, BYU 19 (Atlanta)
- 2003: BYU 24, Georgia Tech 13 (Provo)
- 2012: BYU 41, Georgia Tech 17 (Atlanta)
- 2013: BYU 38, Georgia Tech 20 (Provo)
With both teams largely intact and no opt-outs on either sideline, the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl stands out as a refreshing postseason matchup, one defined less by who isn’t playing and more by which program can overcome some injuries, lean on its depth, and finish the season with momentum.
Expect good on good in a rare occurrence during a bowl game with both rosters mainly intact, which is a rare sight in today’s age of college football.
