BYU Stuns Georgia Tech, 25-21, to Win Pop-Tarts Bowl

BYU rallied from an 11-point halftime deficit to beat Georgia Tech 25-21 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on December 27, 2025 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, a finish decided by Jovesa Damuni’s 4-yard touchdown with two minutes remaining and a last-second interception in the end zone that sealed the victory for the Cougars.

Quick facts and context

The win gave BYU a 12-2 season, the program’s best showing in decades, while Georgia Tech finished 9-4. Freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw for more than 300 yards and was named the game MVP, and Georgia Tech senior Haynes King turned in a gutsy performance in his final outing, setting several career marks along the way.

Game recap

Georgia Tech jumped out early and led 21-10 late in the second quarter after connecting on two second-quarter touchdown passes from Haynes King. BYU staged a comeback that opened in the fourth quarter, sparked by a methodical nine-play, 70-yard drive that ended with Jovesa Damuni powering into the end zone, putting the Cougars ahead 25-21 with two minutes left. Georgia Tech fought back, ripping off a 66-yard pass to Eric Rivers to reach the BYU 18 with under a minute, but a final pass into the end zone was intercepted, ending the Yellow Jackets’ last chance.

Key players and numbers

Box score snapshot

BYU 25, Georgia Tech 21, Camping World Stadium, Dec. 27, 2025

Top performers

• Bear Bachmeier, BYU: efficient passing and calm late, finished with three hundred-plus passing yards and managed the comeback drive.
• Jovesa Damuni, BYU: finished with the game-winning touchdown and key short-yardage toughness.
• Evan Johnson, BYU: interception in the end zone with seconds left to clinch the win.
• Haynes King, Georgia Tech: delivered multiple touchdown passes, and finished his Yellow Jackets career with school completion and total offense milestones.

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Drive summary, final BYU touchdown
Time: 2:00 remaining
Play sequence: 9 plays, 70 yards
Key plays: series of short passes, run by Enoch Nawahine, Damuni 4-yard TD
Result: BYU takes lead, 25-21
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Turning points and momentum swings

• Georgia Tech’s early efficiency, including two touchdown passes before halftime, put BYU on the back foot, but BYU’s defense tightened in the second half, forcing critical punts and limiting big plays.
• BYU’s fourth-quarter 15-point surge shifted momentum, with a mix of two goal-line rushes and timely third-down conversions.
• The final sequence, where Georgia Tech reached the red zone on a 66-yard sideline play, looked like it would force overtime, but the interception in the end zone converted momentum back to BYU.

Coaching and strategy, multiple viewpoints

From BYU’s perspective, the game was a validation of offensive balance and in-game adjustments. The Cougars mixed play action and controlled runs to take pressure off their freshman quarterback, and the defense made a couple of late stands when it mattered most.

Georgia Tech showed resiliency and big-play potential through Haynes King and his weapons, but the Yellow Jackets were unable to sustain drives in the fourth quarter. Critics will point to late-game clock management and special teams miscues as areas for improvement, while supporters will emphasize the program milestones and the leadership King displayed through his career finale.

"Mistakes are part of the game, I just like the reaction that we had," said BYU's coach after the game, noting the team's ability to rally under pressure.

Georgia Tech's coach reflected on a senior quarterback who left a mark on the program, highlighting the records and the influence the player had on teammates.

What this means for each program

• BYU: A 12-win season, capped by a bowl comeback, provides momentum for recruiting, national perception, and the program’s place in a competitive conference landscape. The emergence of a capable freshman quarterback creates optimism for continuity.
• Georgia Tech: Finishing 9-4 and sending a respected senior quarterback out with career records is a mixed result, combining program progress with questions about closing tight games and sustaining late-season form.

Broader implications and fan reaction

Fans of both teams left Orlando with strong emotions. BYU supporters celebrated a milestone season and a dramatic finish, while Georgia Tech fans took pride in a senior class that raised the program’s profile, even if the bowl result fell short. The Pop-Tarts Bowl itself delivered entertainment value with a close finish, and it became another chapter in both programs’ seasons to build on or learn from.

Final thoughts

The Pop-Tarts Bowl was decided in the final two minutes, a reminder that bowl games often hinge on a handful of plays, clutch execution, and a little bit of luck. BYU walked away with a signature comeback, a program-best finish in recent years, and a young quarterback who handled pressure well. Georgia Tech loses a close game, but gains closure on a senior leader who set records and left an imprint on the program.

For fans and evaluators, the game delivered a balanced takeaway, both teams showing strengths and clear areas to refine as they move into the offseason and prepare for 2026.