Idaho Potato Commission highlights bowl sponsorship benefits

BOISE, Dec. 29, 2025 — Washington State defeated Utah State 34-21 in the 29th Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, the Idaho Potato Commission’s BB #:162339 title-sponsored college football event, earning the program its first bowl victory since 2018.

The win culminated in the fan-favorite French fry dump and presentation of the iconic potato trophy, as fans packed the stands and tuned in nationwide for one of college football’s most recognizable post-game moments.

The matchup featured two teams set to compete in the Pac-12 next season, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the game. Washington State controlled the game from start to finish, securing a 34-21 win and celebrating on Boise State’s iconic blue turf as French fries rained down on interim head coach Jesse Bobbit and players during the post-game tradition.

Game-day festivities began with IPC President and CEO Jamey Higham and Chairman Darren Bitter leading the ceremonial coin toss. From kickoff through the final whistle, the Idaho Potato Commission maintained a strong onsite and broadcast presence, using the nationally televised bowl as a platform to spotlight Idaho potatoes, Idaho growers, and the Commission’s long-standing role in college football.

“This is our 29th Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, and each year it gives us a powerful opportunity to put Idaho potatoes and our growers front and center on a national stage,” said Jamey Higham, President and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission. “There are few events out there that allow us to combine college football, fan tradition, and agricultural storytelling at this scale and we’re proud of the success this bowl has been year over year.”

IPC Sponsorship Highlights Included:
• Community impact initiative, bringing together both teams and coaches for a friendly meal-packing competition that resulted in 40,000 meals packed for the Idaho Foodbank, supporting families facing food insecurity across the state.
• Charitable contribution, with IPC presenting a check to Idaho Diabetes Youth Programs.
• The Big Idaho Truck anchored pre-game tailgating outside the stadium, while large crowds gathered for free fries ahead of kickoff.
• Spuddy Buddy, IPC’s mascot, delivered continuous on-field and sideline presence, supported by the giant baked potato logo featured prominently throughout the game.
• National ESPN broadcast exposure, featuring six television commercials, including IPC’s newest spot, “The Astronaut,” supported by four radio placements reaching audiences nationwide.
• High-frequency in-stadium messaging, including eight video board advertisements and eight public address announcements highlighting Idaho potatoes.
• Signature fan favorite post-game traditions, the legendary French fry bath and the crystal bowl trophy presentation filled with Idaho potatoes, celebrating both the winning team and Idaho’s agricultural legacy.

The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl once again underscored IPC’s ability to drive sustained national visibility for Idaho potatoes and Idaho growers through sports sponsorship.

About the Idaho Potato Commission
Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich volcanic soil give Idaho potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance. These ideal growing conditions are what differentiate them from potatoes grown in other states. For more information, visit idahopotato.com.