The Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl returns for its 15th edition on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at noon ET. Played at Yankee Stadium, the game has become a unique postseason tradition, pairing ACC vs. Big Ten teams for the 11th consecutive year. The atmosphere blends holiday energy in New York City with the grit of cold-weather football.
ACC Contenders
According to Yahoo Sports and ESPN projections, the ACC’s mid-tier bowl teams are lining up for New York:
- Wake Forest – With eight wins, the Demon Deacons are firmly in the ACC’s bowl pecking order.
- Georgia Tech – Despite late-season struggles, the Yellow Jackets remain a viable candidate.
- Pitt – A strong finish could push the Panthers into Pinstripe Bowl contention.
Big Ten Possibilities
USA Today and CBS Sports highlight several Big Ten programs that could land in the Bronx:
- Penn State – Fighting for bowl eligibility at 6–6, the Nittany Lions are a prime Pinstripe candidate.
- Iowa – A steady Big Ten West program often slotted into mid-tier bowls.
- Rutgers – A local draw that would energize the New Jersey–New York fan base.
SEC & Big 12 Wildcards
Because the SEC may send four or five teams to the College Football Playoff, its bowl slots could open up. That creates room for:
- Kentucky or Florida – If they reach six wins, they could slide into Pinstripe Bowl consideration.
- Texas Tech or Oklahoma State – Big 12 teams not in the CFP could be shifted east if bowl tie-ins require filling.
Broadcast & Coverage
The Pinstripe Bowl will be nationally televised on ABC and broadcast on ESPN Radio. Coverage from Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and ESPN will spotlight the game’s unique setting and potential matchups.
Check out – Sports Talk NY Fan
Final Takeaway
The 2025 Pinstripe Bowl is shaping up as a classic ACC vs. Big Ten showdown, with Wake Forest or Georgia Tech likely facing Penn State or Iowa. Yet, bowl chaos could bring in SEC or Big 12 wildcards, making Yankee Stadium one of the most intriguing postseason stages this December.
