“The local nature of this year’s matchup will undoubtedly generate even more excitement for the game and reinforce its status as a premier sports tradition in Boston,” said Michael Welts, chief marketing officer for Fenway Bowl sponsor Wasabi Technologies.

UConn coach Jim Mora led the Huskies to an 8-4 record this season, the program’s first winning season since 2010, when it lost to Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl of the Bowl Championship Series. The Huskies managed a five-win turnaround from last season and posted a 6-1 home record.

“We are excited to represent UConn in this year’s Wasabi Fenway Bowl and have the opportunity to compete against a quality opponent like the Tar Heels at such an iconic venue,” Mora said in a statement. “The opportunity to play in Boston will give our players, marching band, cheer team, students, fans and the entire UConn Nation the chance to experience an unforgettable experience close to home.”

UNC finished the 2024 regular season 6-6 and qualified for a bowl game for the sixth straight year thanks to the efforts of Omarion Hampton, a two-time Doak Walker Award finalist who finished the season second nationally in rushing with 1,660 yards completed.

The Tar Heels fired coach Mack Brown at the end of the regular season and former Browns coach Freddie Kitchens is serving as interim coach. Former Patriots coach Bill Belichick has reportedly applied for the job.

“We are incredibly excited to compete in this year’s Wasabi Fenway Bowl and bring Tar Heel football to one of the sport’s most iconic venues,” Kitchens said in the press release. “Fenway Park provides a truly unique and historic setting, and this game is a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work of our student-athletes while creating unforgettable memories for our fans, families and alumni.”

North Carolina has been to Boston before this season, losing 41-21 to Boston College on Nov. 23 at Alumni Stadium.

Emma can be reached at [email protected] or at @_EmmaHealy_.