Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the cupcake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, 1 cup of Dr Pepper, vanilla extract, and oil (or melted butter). Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to whisk the ingredients together until smooth.

Fill the cupcake pans: Pour about ¼ cup of batter into each cup of a prepared cupcake pan. This recipe makes approximately 18 cupcakes.

Bake according to the package directions, typically 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the frosting: Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl and beat with a mixer until light and fluffy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add the remaining frosting ingredients: ½ cup Dr Pepper, vanilla extract, cherry juice, and cocoa powder. Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Frost the cupcakes: Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, frost the cupcakes in a back-and-forth pattern.

Optional football decoration: For a football theme, use vanilla icing in a piping bag with a small round tip to pipe white laces on top of each cupcake. If not making a football theme, skip this step and decorate the cupcakes however you like.