By Heather Taylor, Editor-in-Chief, PopIcon
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl will be more than a football game this year. It’s a homecoming celebration for Cheez-It’s beloved, and previously retired, mascot Prince Cheddward.
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For readers with fuzzy memory banks, Prince Cheddward debuted as the first-ever Cheez-It Citrus Bowl mascot in 2021. Though the orange-blooded heir was an instant hit with college football and snack fans alike, he was determined to expand his cheesy empire. But, as the Cheez-It lore shared via Instagram goes, Prince Cheddward found no more bowl events left to conquer. He passed the football to Ched-Z, Cheez-It’s younger mascot, and retreated into retirement in 2022.
While retirement was good to Prince Cheddward, the people missed their former ruler. Maybe the changing of the guard happened too quickly? Ched-Z traveled to find the Prince and convince him of his true destiny. Only Prince Cheddward can restore the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl to its rightful glory.
There’s been a lot of online chatter about Prince Cheddward’s unretirement, and with good reason. Prince Cheddward’s much-anticipated return pairs him alongside Ched-Z, marking the first time the pair have ever been seen together. It also speaks to the power Cheez-It fans have when it comes to their cravings — and the brand’s responsiveness to give them what they want.
What can fans expect ahead of Game Day? We chatted with Cara Tragseiler, senior brand director at Cheez-It, for an insider’s look at bringing Prince Cheddward out of retirement and the “double the mascot entertainment” sneak peek for the 2025 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
How does it feel to have not one but two Cheez-It mascots and preparing for their homecoming game together?
Prince Cheddward enjoyed a well-earned, three-year retirement, but now that he’s back, we’re excited to have both mascots sharing the field for the first time ever. Together, he and Ched-Z will put their absurd energy on full display with a homecoming celebration fit for royalty, complete with a must-see mascot entrance and over-the-top in-game surprises that will keep fans entertained from kickoff to the final whistle.
Was it difficult to bring a mascot out of retirement? Or did you suspect the character would eventually make a grand return?
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While Prince Cheddward made the most of his retirement, taking up hobbies like pickleball, traveling the world and even searching for Princess Cheddward, eventually the growing wave of fan pleas and rally cries couldn’t be ignored. It was clear fans weren’t just asking; they were demanding his return! When Cheez-It fans crave something, their passion has the power to make it happen, and the prince’s comeback to the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl is proof of that.
What is it about Prince Cheddward that makes him such a popular mascot with Cheez-It and college football fans?
Prince Cheddward instantly captivated the college football community when he debuted, ziplining his way into the stadium.
His larger-than-life charisma combined with his love for Cheez-It and college football made him a cultural icon during bowl season. Fans fell in love with his over-the-top moments and interactions that added fun, excitement and a unique Cheez-It twist to every game.
Was Prince Cheddward always meant to be a prince?
Could Prince Cheddward trade in his crown for a king’s? Maybe someday. But for now, he’s living his best life as the perfect ruler of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, leading fans with wit, whimsy, and just the right amount of cheddar.
How did the Prince Cheddward’s look — a fine blend of regal meets cheesy — come about?
Prince Cheddward’s design blends timeless royal elegance with the brand’s playful, absurd identity.
Inspired by classic Victorian storybooks, his look includes whimsical details like a wheel of cheese for his head, cheese boots, epaulettes, a scepter and an embroidered robe. The toughest challenge was balancing regal sophistication with humor, but the result is a character who embodies everything Cheez-It fans love: fun, over-the-top personality and 100% real cheesy goodness.
We know the fans love Prince Cheddward, but how do they feel about Ched-Z?
@espn This happened during a timeout at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl 🙌 #love #football #cfbpostseason
Fans adore both Ched-Z and Prince Cheddward. Since Ched-Z’s debut, we’ve updated his look each year with fun new twists, like his new hairstyle and last year’s wedding officiant outfit, that keep fans engaged and excited for what comes next.
This year, we’re bringing both Prince Cheddward and Ched-Z’s personalities together for double the mascot entertainment and a game day experience fans won’t forget.
Does Prince Cheddward’s return mean Ched-Z is stepping out of the spotlight? Or is there enough room for both mascots to represent Cheez-It?
There is always room for both mascots to shine.
While Prince Cheddward’s return marks a major moment, Ched-Z is stepping into a playful new role as royal jester, bringing his signature energy and some spirited rivalry to the game.
Any sneak peeks from the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl you can share with us?
Prince Cheddward and Ched-Z will be putting their absurd energy on full display. Prince Cheddward first earned his crown as an undisputed college football legend in 2021 when he famously ziplined onto the field and Ched-Z was kicked through a field goal last year.
Fans should prepare for an even bigger grand entrance, a mascot joust between Prince Cheddward and Ched-Z to determine who’s truly Feelin’ the Cheeziest and many more more surprises throughout the game.
Looking ahead, what’s happening with Cheez-It in 2026?
After rumors swirled on social media, we confirmed Gluten Free Cheez-It crackers will be hitting shelves in early 2026.
We’re also very excited to launch our newest innovation and boldest crunch yet, Cheez-It Crunch. While currently available in single-serves at 7-Eleven, full-sized Cheez-It Crunch bags will hit shelves at retailers nationwide early next year as well, including new flavor Sharp White Cheddar.
Watch the 2025 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl live on ABC Dec. 31 at 3 PM EST.
Image Credits: Cheez-It
About the Author
Heather Taylor is the senior writer and editor-in-chief of PopIcon, Advertising Week’s blog about brand mascots. Got a pitch on brand mascots or want to wax nostalgic about characters? Drop her a line at howveryheather@gmail.com.
