The 45th annual DIRECTV Holiday Bowl will showcase an intriguing matchup between Syracuse (9-3) from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Washington State (8-4) from the Pac-12. The game is set to kick off on Friday, Dec. 27, at 5 p.m. PST and will be broadcast live nationally on FOX from San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium.
This marks the first appearance by Syracuse and fifth appearance for Washington State in the Holiday Bowl series. Syracuse and Washington State have met only once before in 1979 when Syracuse won 52-25.
“What a terrific matchup for the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl,” said Mark Neville, CEO of Sports San Diego, the producers of the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl. “Syracuse and Washington State are tremendous football programs and to have them square off right here in San Diego on Dec. 27 is so great. Snapdragon Stadium is going to be rocking! I’m happy for the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl! I’m happy for San Diego!”
“As a leader in sports, DIRECTV streamed the entire 2024 college football season to customers across the country, complete with all the close calls and upsets,” said Vince Torres, chief marketing officer at DIRECTV. “If the 2024 DIRECTV Holiday Bowl is anything like last year’s game, fans Syracuse and Washington State are in for a real Holiday treat, whether they join us live in San Diego or watch from the comfort of their homes.”
Washington State will provide a notable homecoming for former Valhalla/Mater Dei Catholic standout Josh Meredith, now a redshirt junior on the Cougars roster.
In 12 games this season, Meredith had made 34 catches for 442 yards and two touchdowns. In three years with the Cougars, he has logged 29 games played, 38 catches for 500 yards and three touchdowns.
As a junior at Valhalla, he was named to the All-Grossmont Hills Second Team after catching 13 passes for 180 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 13.8 yards-per-catch and also rushed for 210 yards and two touchdowns. He picked off two passes on defense.
He attended Mater Dei Catholic High School in Chula Vista as a senior, though the season was delayed until January because of the coronavirus pandemic. As a prep, he was rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and 247Sports.com.
As a red-shirt freshman in 2022, he appeared in six games, made his collegiate debut, caught a five-yard pass in a win over Cal and appeared on offense at No. 6 USC, at Stanford, Arizona State, at Arizona and against Fresno State in LA Bowl.
He appeared in all 12 games as a red-shirt sophomore in 2023, each in a reserve role. He recorded three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown, made first two catches of the season in a win over Northern Colorado, including his first touchdown as a Cougar, a 15-yard pass from John Mateer. He also recorded 17-yard catch against Arizona State.
Quick facts
•This is Washington State’s 19th bowl game appearance.
•The Cougars have had eight consensus All-Americans, have 584 all-time wins and 200 players who have been drafted by the NFL.
•This is Syracuse’s 29th all-time bowl game appearance. The Orangemen have had 18 consensus All-Americans and 204 players drafted by the NFL (four other players were strictly AFL draft picks during AFL/NFL era) and have won 763 games all-time.
For third consecutive year, the 101.5 KGB Sky Show will follow the game with a fireworks display synchronized to San Diego’s Classic Rock at 101.5 FM, at 101KGB.com, and on the free iHeartRadio App.
Other Bowl Week events, including the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente, the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl’s Port of San Diego Game Day 5K Walk/Run, and the Bowl Bash can be found at www.HolidayBowl.com. Game tickets range from $50 to $330.
For information and tickets visit www.HolidayBowl.com.
Former Aztec Hillman named to San Diego Bowl Games Hall of Fame
San Diego State University alum Ronnie Hillman has been inducted into the San Diego Bowl Games Hall of Fame for his performance in the 2010 Poinsettia Bowl
Hillman was formally inducted as the 37th member of the San Diego Bowl Games Hall of Fame at the annual DIRECTV Holiday Bowl Directors Dinner on Dec. 11.
Hillman, who passed away in 2022 after battling kidney cancer, will be recognized and inducted by Brady Hoke, his head football coach at San Diego State University.
In the 2010 Poinsettia Bowl, Hillman led San Diego State to a victory over Navy 35-14. He set a bowl record with 228 rushing yards, tied the record of three rushing touchdowns, and also caught a touchdown pass en route to winning the Offensive MVP honors.
Hillman, a member of the Denver Broncos 2016 Super Bowl team, was a third-round draft choice. He played five seasons in the NFL with Denver, Minnesota and San Diego.
“We’re excited to induct Ronnie into the San Diego Bowl Games Hall of Fame,” said Mark Neville, Sports San Diego CEO. “He had an amazing performance in front of a home crowd here in San Diego, and one that was emblematic of the offensive explosions the Holiday and Poinsettia Bowl games are known for each year.”
“I certainly wish Ronnie was alive to accept this honor. He’s had such a tremendous impact on our team that season and the win over Navy was spectacular.” said Brady Hoke, his head coach at SDSU. “It was a magical night. Ronnie was the most dominant player on the field. I miss his smile and energy and he will be an Aztec For Life.”
Joey Chesnut, the world’s top competitive eater, will serve as the Grand Marshal of the iconic Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente.
Chestnut holds over 50 world records for eating a wide variety of foods. He is a 16-time champion of the July 4th hot dog eating contest and holds the all-time record of 83 hot dogs eaten in 10 minutes.
Chestnut will serve as the bowl game’s “Chief Eggnog Official,” overseeing the second annual celebratory “eggnog dump” on the winning coach.
PORT OF SAN DIEGO GAME DAY 5K TO KICK OFF DIRECTV HOLIDAY BOWL FESTIVITIES
The 29th annual Port of San Diego Game Day 5K along San Diego’s scenic downtown bayfront will help kick off the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl festivities on Dec. 27.
The race begins at 9:45 a.m. in front of the Wyndham Hotel on Harbor Drive, taking participants on a route southward with lively cheering from spectators. After the run, participants and attendees can enjoy the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente, featuring vibrant floats, marching bands, and massive inflatable characters.
All participants will receive a finisher medal, with awards presented to the top three finishers in each division. A post-race celebration will include parade performances, live music, and refreshments.
Registration Details:
- $52 online ($20 for youth 15 and under) through December 27 at holidaybowl.com/5k-walk-run.
- Fees increase by $5 on race day.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early or use public transportation, as downtown parking is available in paid lots.
The 5K Run/Walk is part of the lead-up to the 45th annual DIRECTV Holiday Bowl, airing nationally on FOX at 5 p.m., featuring #21 Syracuse against Washington State.
FIRST 10,000 FANS THROUGH GATE AT SNAPDRAGON STADIUM AT THE 2024 DIRECTV HOLIDAY BOWL GAME TO RECEIVE FREE TICKETS TO SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO
Longtime bowl partner SeaWorld San Diego will provide one-day park admission tickets to the first 10,000 fans through the gates at Snapdragon Stadium for the 2024 DIRECTV Holiday Bowl on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. It’s one park admission ticket per person, while supplies last; gates open at 3 p.m. Kickoff for the 45th annual DIRECTV Holiday Bowl is set for 5 p.m. PST.
The game features #21 Syracuse Orange versus Washington State Cougars. The iconic 101.5 KGB Sky Show follows immediately after the game with its iconic fireworks display.
“We are so grateful to SeaWorld San Diego, partners of the non-profit bowl game effort for decades,” said Mark Neville, CEO of the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl. “In what already is a premium fan event, this year’s DIRECTV Holiday Bowl fan experience was just made even better thanks to our friends at SeaWorld. What a great opportunity for fans to learn more about marine mammals and enjoy all the fun rides and attractions the park has to offer!”
SeaWorld San Diego is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike, and a dedicated partner of the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl for over 35 years. This is the third year in a row SeaWorld San Diego is offering park admission tickets to bowl game fans.
“We’re thrilled to bring back the SeaWorld exclusive FREE ticket game day promotion to enhance the Holiday Bowl experience for fans traveling from Washington, New York, or those local to the area who are excited to see the game at Snapdragon Stadium,” said Tyler Carter, Park President of SeaWorld San Diego. “With so many exciting events throughout Bowl week, adding SeaWorld to the itinerary is a must! We’re excited to be a part of the festivities, including the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl parade presented by Kaiser Permanente on game day morning, featuring a giant inflatable jellyfish in celebration of our upcoming Jewels of the Sea: A Jellyfish Experience, opening in Spring 2025. We’re also honored to host the teams on Christmas Day, providing a fun and festive atmosphere as they celebrate the season away from home.”
SeaWorld San Diego one-day general admission tickets will be distributed to the first 10,000 2024 DIRECTV Holiday Bowl attendees at Snapdragon Stadium on Friday, December 27th, 2024. SeaWorld tickets will be distributed at each of the four main entrances at Snapdragon, limited to one SeaWorld ticket per game attendee, on a first-come, first-served basis, and while supplies last. Each ticket holder must be present to pick up their free SeaWorld ticket. SeaWorld San Diego admission is valid December 28th through January 31, 2025. Additional restrictions may apply. Not for resale. Non-transferable. Nonrefundable. Will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Snapdragon Stadium reserves all rights including ticket distribution. For more information on SeaWorld visit www.SeaWorldSanDiego.com.
Most inspirational award
Madison High School’s Ryan Jackson has been selected from a pool of San Diego County senior student-athletes to receive the 2024 Dr Pepper Most Inspirational Player Award. Jackson, a standout in football, basketball and baseball, will be presented with a $2,000 tuition scholarship award on the field at the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl.
“Ryan has been a student leader his entire time here at Madison High School,” said Rick Jackson, the school’s athletic director and head football coach. “He’s overcome adversity and never wavered in the face of challenges, including several injuries. Through it all he maintained a winner’s attitude and he never missed a team event including practices. He has remained positive, maintaining his academics (4.46 GPA) and his leadership traits on our campus.”
“The Dr Pepper Most Inspirational Player program aims to recognize a San Diego County high school senior football player who, through their presence, actions and words of encouragement, serves as an inspirational example to their teammates,” said Brian Kleinsmith, Dr Pepper division sales manager. “Ryan is a well-deserved winner of the scholarship.”
