Charlotte, N.C.- On Aug. 29, 2025, the Bank of America Stadium hosted Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte football teams for the 23rd annual Dukes Mayo Bowl Classic.
It was the first meeting between schools, which play in different conferences. Charlotte competes in the American Conference ,d while App State plays in the Sun Belt East Conference .
The event featured several promotional activities. Padding around the uprights were designed to look like Duke’s Mayo jars and the Dukes Mayo mascot held a sign stating “Taylor’s Mayo of Honor,” energizing the crowd.
Students also took part in competitions, including a mayonnaise-eating contest in which an App State student won by consuming the most mayo in one minute.
The game marked the season opener for both programs, as well as the debut of their head coaches. Charlotte head coach, Tim Albin, previously led Ohio University before joining the 49ers on Dec. 8, 2024. App State head coach, Dowell Loggains, came from the University of South Carolina, joining the Mountaineers on Dec. 7, 2024.
Charlotte opened with quarterback Conner Harrell, who transferred from the University of North Carolina. Quarterback AJ Swann started for the Mountaineers.
Charlotte kicked a field goal to take the 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. App State responded the second with two touchdowns and a late interception that set up a 47-yard field goal by Dominic DeFreitas. The Mountaineers led 17-3 at halftime.
App State extended its lead with a field goal early in the third quarter and another touchdown with 4:27 left. The period also saw two ejections for targeting against App State players Elijah McCantos and Thomas Davis. Charlotte fumbled immediately after the first ejection, but App State did not capitalize. The third quarter ended 27-3.
Charlotte finally scored its first touchdown of the season with 10:25 left in the fourth quarter. The 49ers converted a two-point attempt, narrowing the score to 27-11. But App State added another touchdown late, sealing a 34-11 victory.
