The Hawai'i Bowl marks just the second matchup between the Spartans and Bulls. South Florida won the first game between the two programs, a 44–22 game played in San Jose to open the 2017 season. San Jose State returns to the game for the second year in a row, after losing to Coastal Carolina last season, 24–14.

The 2024-25 college football bowl season begins Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 and continues through Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 with the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. It's the first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff.

Deion Sanders has promised no opt-outs for his star-driven football team, which makes the Buffaloes an attractive bowl team. And while this is a Big 12 vs. Big 12 matchup, the Alamo Bowl still has a Pac-12 legacy tie-in, which makes the Buffaloes eligible here. Colorado and BYU did not meet during the regular season.