The second edition of the Fenway Bowl featured SMU from the American Athletic Conference (The American) and Boston College from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
[7] The Eagles and Mustangs entered the game due to become conference opponents starting with the 2024 season, as SMU committed to join the ACC.
[8] Boston College finished the regular season 6–6, going 3–5 in ACC conference play.
SMU finished the regular season 11–2, going 8–0 in conference play in The American.
[9] The Mustangs entered the bowl 17th in the AP poll and 24th in the College Football Playoff rankings.