The college football season is almost over, but the best part is that it’s just getting started with a full slate of bowl games.
While the college season is known for its thrilling storylines, thrilling victories, unexpected championships, incredible plays, and miraculous upsets, it also brings some of the craziest marketing gimmicks known to man.
Just last year, Cheez-It, a cheesy cookie snack, created a themed hotel room to promote its Cheez-It Bowl. We’ve seen all sorts of unimaginable contraptions to bring attention to lesser-known bowl games. However, over the years, one method has remained the same: using a crazy mascot that makes fans everywhere think, “Whose bright idea was this?”
In the past, we’ve seen potatoes walking.
A tempting container of mayonnaise.
Even a T-shirt with eyes.
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This year is no different. There are a plethora of unconventional mascots that could make 2023 a memorable season again.
Here are the best:
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1) The unnamed, edible Pop-Tart mascot: The Pop-Tarts Bowl
It has no name, but all eyes are on it. A quick Google search for “bowl game mascot” will return hundreds of results, all talking about how cool the Pop-Tarts bowl mascot is.
It is difficult to say otherwise.
Never before have people been able to eat an amulet. This is groundbreaking mascot technology. Obviously there are a lot of questions that come from such a statement. Does the mascot want to be eaten? What flavor of Pop-Tart will the mascot be? How will they keep the sweat of the person wearing the costume away from where the victors will take bites?
These details aside, any time a mascot can not only appear in the background of post-game interviews, but also be an integral part of the winner’s celebrations, it’s a great mascot.
2) Spuddy Buddy: Idaho potato bowl
Although we’ve seen potatoes walking before, it’s hard to ignore the sheer exhilaration when this potato appears on screen. Even footballers themselves can’t get enough of this man. When the Wyoming Cowboys won the Potato Bowl in 2021, they all danced around Spuddy Buddy. They just won the biggest game of their season and the mascot is getting all the attention. This way you know you’ve created a brilliant marketing plan.
3) Tony the Tiger: Pot of the Sun
Why will Tony the Tiger sponsor a bowl game in 2023? Not Kellogg. No frosted chips. This would make a lot of sense, but specifically, Tony the Tiger? I know this is not his first year sponsoring the Sun Bowl. I understand that he wants the kids to be active while starting their day with sugary cereal, but Why Did he get a bowl game named after him? It begs the question, will cannibalistic boxes of Cinnamon Toast Crunch make an appearance?
Look at his smug face as he glances at the Sun Bowl address on that logo. It’s worrying.
The actual mascot itself is much better.
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His smile is much warmer, and although the outfit seems to be looking to the sky at all times, it is still very solid. As long as we get the “THEY GRRRRRRREAT!” Several times during the game, I’m sure most people will be satisfied.
4) Ched-Z/Prince Chedward: Citrus Bowl
Cheez-It has become one of the best companies at creating mascots for their bowl games. Although a 2023 Citrus Bowl concert has not yet been announced, rumor has it that Ched-Z may be returning.
How can you hate that?
Giant diamond with sunglasses. No matter who Cheez-It chooses for its mascot in 2023, they are sure to be one of the best mascots of the season. The only problem is that we’ve seen both mascots before, and while they were both amazing, it’s hard to elevate their antics from their previous appearances. Therefore, they remain in fourth place.
5) Rob Gronkowski: The LA Bowl
As much as everyone loves Rob Gronkowski, this feels like a withdrawal. Among a sea of amazing and unique bowl game mascots, the LA Bowl team has chosen to play it safe once again. After Jimmy Kimmel hosted the game for the past two years, Gronkowski will take over the position after he and the Los Angeles Bowl reached an agreement in October of this year.
Of course, there’s a possibility that Gronk will exceed expectations and bring an actual mascot into the fold, just like Kimmy did with the famous “Jimmy Camille” vomiting in 2022.
No such mascot has been revealed yet for 2023. Gronkowski says he has “big things” planned for the game, but as far as we know, he’s the face of the game this year, which means he’s at the bottom of the list.
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The 2023 College Bowl games are set to be an exciting and memorable event, with several teams featuring iconic and beloved mascots. These mascots not only add an extra level of enthusiasm and entertainment to the games, but also play an important role in representing the spirit and pride of their respective schools. From traditional animals to unique and imaginative characters, these mascots are sure to leave a lasting impression on fans and players alike as they cheer on their teams to victory.