The Unlikely Origin of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl: A Look at the Condiment Tradition in College Football

Everyone’s favorite college football tradition is back: the Duke’s Mayo Bowl bath. This quirky celebration has quickly become a staple of the college football postseason, and fans eagerly anticipate the moment when the winning coach gets doused in mayonnaise. Not only does the victor of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl earn bragging rights to end the season, but it also comes with the infamous mayo dump. It’s one of the many beloved food-related college football bowl game traditions that fans have come to cherish.

The mayo bath tradition

What exactly is the mayo bath at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl? The winning coach receives a hefty 4.5 gallons of mayonnaise poured over them in a jubilant celebration. This unconventional ritual has made headlines and sparked laughter across the nation. Maryland’s Mike Locksley was the most recent recipient of this unique honor, and the images of him covered in mayo are sure to be talked about for years to come.

Will this be the first year a coach refuses the mayo bath? North Carolina’s Mack Brown has yet to comment on whether he would accept the mayo dump if the Tar Heels emerge victorious. However, it seems unlikely that his players would let him dodge this sticky situation. Even West Virginia’s Neal Brown has expressed his willingness to take the mayo dump, despite his personal dislike for the condiment. In fact, Wren Baker, the Mountaineers’ athletic director, has also agreed to a mayo bath if their NIL collective, Country Roads Trust, reaches a certain fundraising goal.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl history

The Duke’s Mayo Bowl has a relatively short but colorful history, having only begun its current tradition in 2021 when Duke’s took over as the title sponsor. This bowl game has seen various sponsors throughout the years. It started as the Continental Tire Bowl (2002-04), then transitioned to the Meineke Car Care Bowl (2005-10), and later became the Belk Bowl (2011-19). Each change brought new excitement, but none have been quite as memorable as the mayo bath.

Since its inception, the Duke’s Mayo Bowl has seen a range of winners. The inaugural winner, Paul Chryst, did not receive a mayo bath due to concerns about mayonnaise on the field at Bank of America Stadium. However, the tradition has since taken off, with coaches embracing the fun and fans loving the spectacle. Here’s a look at the winners of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl since 2020:

Official mayo dumpers contest

For the second consecutive year, Duke’s Mayo is hosting a contest to determine the “Official Mayo Dumpers.” This fun initiative allows fans to engage with the tradition in a unique way. The two lucky winners will be selected from a combine held before the bowl game. To enter the combine, Duke’s Mayo has been running weekly challenges on social media, resulting in five finalists who will compete for the chance to be part of this hilarious celebration.

The mayo bath has become more than just a quirky tradition; it’s a symbol of the fun and camaraderie that college football embodies. Fans love the spectacle, and players enjoy the lightheartedness that comes with it. As the bowl season approaches, the anticipation builds not just for the games, but for the mayo bath that follows.

In a world where college football traditions often revolve around serious rivalries and intense competition, the Duke’s Mayo Bowl bath stands out as a refreshing reminder that sports can also be about fun and celebration. So, as teams prepare to battle it out on the field, fans will be eagerly watching to see who will embrace the mayo bath next. Will it be a coach who dives headfirst into the tradition, or will we witness a surprising refusal? Regardless of the outcome, one thing is for sure: the Duke’s Mayo Bowl will continue to be a highlight of the college football landscape, bringing joy and laughter to fans everywhere.