Bowl Opt Outs as reported by GROK

bones

bones

Sic Semper Tyrannis!
I will post these if and as I remember to do so:

Sports Bowl - CMU vs Northwestern

Any "opt outs" on CMU vs Northwestern Sports Bowl?

No major opt-outs have been reported for the 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl (formerly Quick Lane Bowl) between Central Michigan (CMU) and Northwestern, played today (December 26, 2025) at Ford Field in Detroit.Sources consistently describe both teams as largely at full strength, with minimal impact from the transfer portal or NFL draft preparations—unlike higher-profile bowls.Central Michigan Chippewas
  • Minor absences via transfer portal: DL Kade Kostus and P David Chapeau.
  • Injuries: QB Angel Flores and CB Bryce Rowe (but reports note Flores is expected back or playing).
  • Overall: No notable or star player opt-outs; the team is described as having "no real notable opt-out players."
Northwestern Wildcats
  • No reported opt-outs or transfer portal losses affecting the roster.
  • Some injuries: RB Cam Porter, RB Dashun Reeder, WR Drew Wagner, DL Aidan Hubbard, DL Richie Hagarty, CB Evan Smith, CB Fred Davis.
  • Boosts: RBs Caleb Komolafe and Joseph Himon II are expected to play.
  • Overall: "No notable opt-outs listed," and the team is bringing nearly everyone.
Both coaches (Matt Drinkall for CMU and David Braun for Northwestern) have emphasized enthusiasm for playing in the bowl, contrasting with teams that have seen mass opt-outs elsewhere. This should make for a competitive, full-strength matchup between these non-playoff teams.
 
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Any opt outs for Game Rate Bowl between New Mexico and Minnesota?

Minimal major opt-outs have been reported for the 2025 Rate Bowl (today, December 26, 2025) between the New Mexico Lobos and Minnesota Golden Gophers at Chase Field in Phoenix. Both teams are largely intact, with no high-profile NFL draft-related opt-outs. Minnesota's key players, including QB Drake Lindsey and DL Anthony Smith (10.5 sacks), are participating enthusiastically.

Minnesota Golden Gophers
  • Transfer portal entries (effectively opting out): RB Fame Ijeboi, WR Malachi Coleman, WR Kenric Lanier.
  • Some injuries reported in sources: RB AJ Turner, OG Marcellus Marshall, LB Matt Kingsbury, CB Za'Quan Bryan (but other reports indicate the team is healthy overall with no major concerns).
  • Overall: Minor depth losses on offense; starters and core players available. No notable NFL prep opt-outs.
New Mexico Lobos
  • No players reported as opting out or entering the transfer portal.
  • Minor injuries: WR Michael Buckley, OL Richard Pearce, DL Xavier Slayton, CB Abraham Williams (depth players, not starters).
  • Overall: Described as at full strength with no significant absences.
This low-impact opt-out situation contrasts with many other bowls and should lead to a competitive game featuring most key contributors from both sides.
Minnesota aims to extend its eight-game bowl winning streak.
 
Opt Outs for First Responder bowl between FIU and UTSA?


Significant opt-outs and absences reported for the 2025 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl (December 26, 2025) between the FIU Panthers and UTSA Roadrunners at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas.

Both teams face notable impacts from the transfer portal (players intending to transfer often sit out) and some injuries, with FIU particularly hit hard in the secondary and UTSA missing depth across multiple positions (reportedly down ~16 players total from injuries and portal-related absences).

FIU Panthers
  • Transfer portal opt-outs: Mister Clark (CB, first-team All-CUSA with 16 PBUs), Victor Evans III (CB), Jessiah McGrew (SAF, second-team All-CUSA with team-high 4 INTs), Brian Blades II (DB), Daniel Michel (OT, injured but also portal).
  • Injuries: Keyone Jenkins (QB, groin—status uncertain but earlier reports suggested trending toward playing), Joe Pesansky (QB, foot—also uncertain), Toddrick Brewton (DL), Dwight Nunoo (LB).
  • Overall: Heavy losses in the secondary (critically shorthanded, thrusting backups into larger roles); offense relies heavily on RB Kejon Owens (1,298 yards), who is expected to play.
UTSA Roadrunners
  • Transfer portal opt-outs: Chidera Otutu (DL), Daemian Wimberly (EDGE), KK Meier (DB), Houston Thomas (TE), Kenny Ozowalu (DL), Davin Martin (CB), Jimmy Wyrick (SAF—though some reports note he may play despite portal plans).
  • Injuries: QB Owen McCown (shoulder/leg/groin—expected to play but not 100%).
  • Overall: Multiple defensive losses and depth issues; coach Jeff Traylor noted the team will be a "shell of themselves" with 10-20 absences; key offensive players like McCown and receivers expected available.
No high-profile NFL draft opt-outs for either side, as these are non-playoff teams without projected early-round prospects.

The absences (especially FIU's secondary) could lead to a higher-scoring affair, favoring UTSA's passing attack.

( I took over 59.5 about a week ago FWIW. See it is up to 61)
 
Are there opt out in the Pitt vs ECU military bowl?

Yes, there are several player opt-outs and transfer portal entries affecting both teams in the 2025 Military Bowl (Pittsburgh vs. East Carolina, played today, December 27)

Pittsburgh Panthers opt-outs:
  • RB Desmond Reid — Declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • LB Kyle Louis — Declared for the 2026 NFL Draft (top NFL prospect, led team in tackles).
  • Depth/transfer portal losses: RB Juelz Goff, WR Zion Fowler-El, WR Jesse Anderson, OL Jackson Brown.
Pitt's starting QB Mason Heintschel and lead RB Ja'Kyrian Turner are expected to play, but the run game depth is thinned.

East Carolina Pirates opt-outs:East Carolina has been hit harder, especially on offense:
  • QB Katin Houser → Starting QB (3,300 passing yards, 19 TD) opted out and is entering the transfer portal.
  • RB London Montgomery → Leading rusher (742 yards, 7 TD) opted out after not returning from break.
  • WR Yannick Smith → Key receiver (583 yards, 5 TD) entering transfer portal.
  • TE Jayvontay Conner → Entering transfer portal.
  • Other potential absences mentioned in reports include OT Jimarion McCrimon and additional depth losses.
Backup options like Mike Wright Jr. and Chaston Ditta are expected at QB for ECU, with increased roles for others like Marlon Gunn Jr. at RB.

These absences (especially Houser's for ECU) have shifted betting lines significantly in Pitt's favor.
 
Are there opt outs for Penn State vs Clemson in Pinstripe Bowl?

Yes, both Penn State and Clemson have numerous player opt-outs, transfer portal entries, and other absences (including injuries) for the 2025 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl (played today, December 27 at Yankee Stadium).

Penn State Nittany Lions opt-outs/absences:

Penn State is significantly impacted, especially on the offensive line (missing four of five starters) and defense.

Interim coach Terry Smith confirmed at least 15 players out as of December 26.

Key notables:
  • Offensive line: Vega Ioane (LG, NFL Draft prep), Drew Shelton (LT, opt-out), Nolan Rucci (RT, opt-out), Nick Dawkins (C, opt-out). Only Anthony Donkoh expected to start from the regular OL.
  • RB Nick Singleton — Opted out (preparing for NFL Draft or rest).
  • TE Khalil Dinkins — Opted out.
  • DT Zane Durant — Opted out (NFL Draft prep).
  • S Zakee Wheatley — Opted out (NFL Draft prep).
  • DE Zuriah Fisher — Out (reason not fully specified, but absent from prep).
  • CB AJ Harris — Transfer portal (will not play).
  • Additional transfers/injuries/depth losses: Elliot Washington II (CB, portal), others contributing to ~15 total absences.
Stars expected to play include RB Kaytron Allen (leading rusher), DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, and QB Ethan Grunkemeyer.

The makeshift OL is a major concern for the run game.

Clemson Tigers opt-outs/absences:

Clemson has been hit even harder, with coach Dabo Swinney reporting 27 scholarship players unavailable (mix of opt-outs, transfers, and injuries), including seven offensive and seven defensive starters.Key notables:
  • DT Peter Woods — Opt-out (NFL Draft hopeful, projected high pick).
  • CB Avieon Terrell — Opt-out (NFL Draft hopeful).
  • DE T.J. Parker — Opt-out.
  • DT DeMonte Capehart — Opt-out.
  • WR Antonio Williams — Out (injury/NFL prep).
  • S Khalil Barnes — Transfer portal.
  • Other starters/injuries: LB Wade Woodaz, OL Collin Sadler, and many more depth pieces.
QB Cade Klubnik is confirmed playing (veteran leader), along with RB Adam Randall and OT Blake Miller.

This has thinned both lines and the secondary heavily.

These absences have made the game highly unpredictable, with betting lines shifting toward Clemson despite their larger losses, due to Penn State's OL decimation.
 
Are there opt outs for Conneticutt vs Army in Fenway Bowl?

Yes, there are player opt-outs and transfer portal-related absences for the 2025 Wasabi Fenway Bowl (UConn vs. Army, played today, December 27 at Fenway Park), but they are heavily lopsided toward UConn due to coaching changes and portal activity.

UConn Huskies opt-outs/absences:UConn has been significantly affected, with the departure of head coach Jim Mora (to Colorado State) triggering a wave of transfers and opt-outs. Interim coach Gordon Sammis is leading the team.

Key confirmed absences include:
  • QB Joe Fagnano — Opted out (preparing for NFL showcase events/all-star bowls; had ~3,400 passing yards).
  • Offensive line depth: Multiple starters/rotations out via transfer portal (e.g., Ben Murawski (OT), Carsten Casady (OT), Brady Wayburn (OG)).
  • Other transfers/portal entries (status for playing varies): RBs Mel Brown, Victor Rosa, MJ Flowers; LBs Oumar Diomande; DBs Osiris Gilbert; DL Vincent Carroll-Jackson.
However, several key players are confirmed or expected to play despite portal plans:
  • RB Cam Edwards (leading rusher, ~1,100+ yards) — Expected to play.
  • WR Skyler Bell (1,000+ yard receiver, All-American) — Confirmed playing (initial reports of opt-out were reversed).
  • Defense: Reported as having minimal opt-outs; e.g., DB Cam Chadwick (in portal) said he is playing.
QB situation is uncertain: Likely freshman Ksaan Farrar starting, with possible backups limited (Nick Evers expected in portal, Tucker McDonald injured).

Army Black Knights opt-outs/absences:Army has no notable opt-outs or transfer portal absences.

The Black Knights rarely experience these due to their service academy structure and commitments.

The team is fully intact and motivated after a close loss to Navy.

These factors (UConn's QB change, OL thinning, and chaos vs. Army's continuity) have made Army a heavy favorite (~9.5 points).
 
The answer "Yes" shows weakness of AI - the answer is actually "No" but there are injuries

Are there opt outs for GaTech vs BYU Pop Tarts Bowl?

Yes, both Georgia Tech and BYU are largely at full strength for the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl (played today, December 27 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando), with no major voluntary opt-outs reported for either team—a rarity in the current bowl season era.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets absences:
  • No significant opt-outs or transfer portal-related skips among key players.
  • Injury/surgery absences:
    • S Clayton Powell-Lee (ruled out, ankle injury from regular-season finale).
    • DE Brayden Manley (ruled out, elected shoulder surgery).
    • WR Isiah Canion (doubtful, injury).
  • Star QB Haynes King and most of the roster are expected to play fully motivated.
BYU Cougars absences:
  • No voluntary opt-outs (confirmed by coach Kalani Sitake; BYU players have largely committed to playing despite CFP snub).
  • Key injury/surgery absence: RB L.J. Martin (leading rusher, out after shoulder surgery from earlier injury).
  • Minor notes: A few players ailing (game-time decisions possible), and rumors about limited snaps for LB Jack Kelly, but no confirmed skips.
Both teams are motivated after missing the CFP, making this one of the more intact non-playoff bowls.
 
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Are there opt outs for Miami (Ohio) vs Fresno in Arizona Bowl?

Yes, there are several player opt-outs and transfer portal-related absences for the 2025 Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl (Miami (OH) vs. Fresno State, played today, December 27 in Tucson), but they are primarily impacting Miami (OH).Miami (OH)

RedHawks opt-outs/absences:

Miami has been hit notably harder, with key players skipping due to transfer portal entries or earlier departures:
  • QB Dequan Finn — Opted out/left the team in early November (former starter).
  • WR Kam Perry — Leading receiver (966 yards, 6 TD); entered transfer portal and will not play.
  • DL Adam Trick — Leading sacker (8.5 sacks, All-MAC); entered transfer portal and will not play.
  • CB Mychal/Michael Yharbrough — Entered transfer portal and will not play.
  • Additional notes: Earlier season-ending injury to RB Kenny Tracy, but the above are the main bowl-specific losses.
QB situation likely features Brett Gabbert or alternatives like Henry Hesson/others stepping up, with RB Jordan Brunson expected to lead the ground game.

Fresno State Bulldogs opt-outs/absences:

Fresno State has no major voluntary opt-outs reported:
  • Injuries (not opt-outs): TE Jake Tarwater (season-ending) and OL Edward Fonua (season-ending from regular-season finale).
  • Minor depth transfers mentioned (e.g., safeties Jayden Davis, RL Miller), but no impact on key starters.
  • QB E.J. Warner and most of the core roster are expected to play fully.
These factors (Miami's key losses on both sides of the ball vs. Fresno's relative intactness) have made Fresno State a moderate favorite.
 
OPt outs for North Texas vs Sandiego State in New Mexico Bowl?

Yes, there are a limited number of player opt-outs and absences (primarily transfer portal entries and one key injury) for the 2025 Isleta New Mexico Bowl (No. 25 North Texas vs. San Diego State, played today, December 27 in Albuquerque), making this one of the more intact non-playoff bowls.

North Texas Mean Green opt-outs/absences:

North Texas is largely at full strength despite coaching changes (head coach Eric Morris left for Oklahoma State; interim Drew Svoboda coaching).
  • EDGE Jared Badie — Entered transfer portal.
  • EDGE August Salvati — Entered transfer portal.
  • No other major opt-outs reported; depth losses on the defensive line are the primary impact.
  • Star QB Drew Mestemaker (FBS passing leader, ~4,129 yards, 31 TD) is confirmed playing despite transfer portal plans.
The Mean Green are motivated to end a 7-game bowl losing streak.

San Diego State Aztecs opt-outs/absences:

San Diego State has no major voluntary opt-outs (minimal impact overall, with key defenders confirming they are playing).
  • QB Jayden Denegal — Out (non-throwing shoulder surgery in mid-December; not an opt-out).
  • WR Jordan Napier — Out (injury; team's leading receiver).
  • Minor note: WR Jacob Bostick also out (injury).
  • Backup QB Bert Emanuel Jr. expected to start, with emphasis on the run game (RB Lucky Sutton, ~1,237 yards).
Both teams are relatively healthy and motivated, with North Texas favored due to their high-powered offense vs. SDSU's strong defense.
 
Are there opt outs for today's Gator Bowl?

Today's TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (December 27, 2025) features Missouri Tigers vs. Virginia Cavaliers.

Opt-outs and absences remain minimal for both teams compared to many other non-playoff bowls.
  • Missouri: No major NFL draft-related opt-outs reported. Backup QB Beau Pribula (transfer portal) and TE Brett Norfleet plus LB Josiah Trotter (injuries) will miss the game. The team expects to be near full strength otherwise, with key players like RB Ahmad Hardy available.
  • Virginia: Only confirmed absence is CB Ja'Son Prevard. RB J’Mari Taylor and WR Trell Harris are deliberating or contemplating opting out (per recent reports as of Dec. 26), influenced by factors like Senior Bowl invites, but no final confirmation they are sitting out.
Overall, both teams appear motivated with low opt-out numbers, setting up a competitive game.
 
Are there opt outs for LSU vs U.H. in Texas Bowl?

Today's Kinder’s Texas Bowl (December 27, 2025) features LSU Tigers vs. No. 21 Houston Cougars at NRG Stadium.

Player opt-outs and absences are notably higher for LSU due to the ongoing coaching transition (Brian Kelly fired, Lane Kiffin hired but not coaching the bowl), NFL draft preparations, and the transfer portal. Houston is largely at full strength and highly motivated for a 10-win season in their home city.
  • LSU: Significant opt-outs among key starters, especially on defense and skill positions. Confirmed absences include:
    • QB Garrett Nussmeier (NFL draft prep/injury considerations)
    • LB Harold Perkins Jr. (NFL draft)
    • LB Whit Weeks (injury/NFL prep)
    • CB Mansoor Delane (NFL draft)
    • WR Aaron Anderson (NFL draft)
    • DE Jack Pyburn (opt-out consideration confirmed out)
    • S AJ Haulcy (NFL draft)
    • Additional transfers/portal entries likely sitting out (e.g., OL Carius Curne, DL Ahmad Breaux, several backups).
    The Tigers will rely on backups like QB Michael Van Buren Jr. and younger players, but depth is thinned.

  • Houston: Virtually no major opt-outs reported. Coach Willie Fritz confirmed the team has "everybody playing" or close to full roster availability. Minor absences possible but nothing impacting key starters significantly.
This imbalance has made Houston a favorite, with the Cougars expected to field a more complete and motivated team.
 
When I saw Hou drop to -1 I expected to see some major news but nothing. Still not sure I understand that move.

Thanks for posting these.
 
majent said:
AI engines prone to hallucinations so I'd check more than just GROK to be safe.
Click to expand...
Ain't that the truth. I was using chatgpt to try and compile stats and thought it was awesome until I realized that included in the dataset was games listed in the future with full stats etc. Looking deeper, many of the others had simply never happened at all.

Thats my biggest problem with AI. Great if you can trust it but you have to spend so much time checking results, it eats up much of the time saved.
 
majent said:
AI engines prone to hallucinations so I'd check more than just GROK to be safe.
Click to expand...
Agree in general with this. But if you look at the search it is using it is all the major sports reporting sites

* Plus, I am lazy re doing more
 
bones said:
Agree in general with this. But if you look at the search it is using it is all the major sports reporting sites

* Plus, I am lazy re doing more
Click to expand...
vcavs and I had a discussion about this
I had asked a ? in week 3 of the NFL.
The response was "when the NFL starts in 2025....."
 
Opt outs in Birmingham Bowl between GA Southern and Appalachin State?

Appalachian State has been heavily impacted by player opt-outs and transfers ahead of the JLab Birmingham Bowl on December 29, 2025.
  • Both primary quarterbacks (AJ Swann and JJ Kohl) entered the transfer portal and are not expected to play.
  • Multiple skill position players (including the team's best receiver) are opting out, injured, or unavailable.
  • Additional losses in the secondary (back seven) further weaken the defense.
This roster depletion contributed to the betting line shifting significantly (from Georgia Southern -2.5 to -7.5 or more), as App State was not anticipating a postseason game until late invitations due to other teams declining bowls.

Georgia Southern appears to have a relatively complete roster with no major reported opt-outs or significant transfer losses affecting key positions. Their starting QB JC French IV and core offense are expected to play, giving them a clear advantage in this Sun Belt rematch (Georgia Southern won the regular-season meeting 25-23).

Sources include betting analysis trackers (OddsChecker, Covers) and previews noting App State's "decimation" via the portal, while highlighting Georgia Southern's stability.
 
App State's full opt-out list

Appalachian State's Opt-Out/Transfer Situation for the 2025 Birmingham BowlAppalachian State has been significantly impacted by the transfer portal, with reports indicating over 25-31 players entering or intending to enter the portal since the regular season ended. This includes at least 10 starters from the 2025 season. The late bowl invitation (after App State finished 5-7 and initially thought their season was over) led to many players making portal decisions before the bid was accepted.Key confirmed unavailable players (transfers/opt-outs):
  • QB AJ Swann (primary starter earlier in season) – Entered transfer portal; not expected to play.
  • QB JJ Kohl (top backup/recent starter) – Entered transfer portal; not expected to play.
  • DL Rondo Porter (All-Sun Belt performer) – Transfer portal.
  • CB Elijah Mc-Cantos – Transfer portal.
Additional impacts:
  • The team's leading/best receiver is reported as unavailable (either transferred, opted out, or injured).
  • Multiple skill position players on offense are out due to transfers, opt-outs, or injuries.
  • Losses in the secondary (defensive back seven) further deplete the defense.
Coach Dowell Loggains has stated that players in the portal are welcome to return and play in the bowl if they choose, and some may surprise by suiting up. However, the consensus from previews and betting analysis is that the roster is heavily depleted, contributing to the line shifting heavily toward Georgia Southern.

Likely QB options if top two are out: Billy Wiles (redshirt senior transfer) or freshman Noah Gillon.

No comprehensive public list names every single player, as many portal entries are ongoing and not all have confirmed bowl absence. The situation reflects the chaos of the late invitation and portal timing.
 
Opt-Outs and Absences for the 2025 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl(Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs – December 30, 2025)

In college football bowl season, "opt-outs" often include players entering the transfer portal (effectively making them unavailable), NFL Draft declarations, injuries, or coaching changes. This non-CFP bowl game has seen moderate impact from the transfer portal and coaching transitions, but no major NFL Draft opt-outs reported for either team.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
  • Head Coach Tim Beck: Fired (interim HC Jeremiah Johnson coaching the bowl).
  • Nick Del Grande (OT): Transfer portal (one of the starting offensive tackles).
  • Joseph Hanson (OL): Transfer portal (likely the other starting offensive tackle; sources note Coastal losing both starting OTs, impacting pass protection).
  • Additional notes: Some reports mention potential absences like QB uncertainty or key skill players (e.g., leading receiver or defender), but these are not consistently confirmed across trackers. Overall, the offensive line depletion is the biggest concern.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
  • Evan Bullock (QB): Transfer portal (backup QB; starting QB Blake Baker is already out for the season with injury, so Trey Kukuk is expected to start).
  • Michael Richard (DB): Transfer portal.
  • Jacob Fields (DB): Transfer portal.
  • Mekhi Mason (LB): Transfer portal.
  • Omiri Wiggins (RB): Transfer portal.
  • Additional notes: Losses are concentrated in the secondary and back seven (described as a "trio of heavily-used players"), potentially weakening pass defense.
These absences reflect typical Group of Five bowl dynamics, with transfers more common than pure NFL opt-outs. The game is considered a quasi-home contest for Louisiana Tech in Shreveport, LA. Information is current as of late December 2025 from bowl opt-out trackers and previews.
 
Opt-Outs and Absences for the 2025 TransPerfect Music City Bowl(Tennessee Volunteers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini – December 30, 2025)

Bowl season opt-outs typically involve NFL Draft declarations, transfer portal entries, injuries, or other absences. Tennessee has been hit harder, particularly on defense, with multiple starters declaring for the NFL Draft or entering the portal. Illinois has fewer but impactful losses on both sides of the ball. No major coaching changes directly affect the game aside from Tennessee's prior defensive coordinator firing.

Tennessee Volunteers
  • NFL Draft Declarations/Opt-Outs:
    • Chris Brazzell II (WR): Leading receiver (1,017 yards, 9 TDs; All-SEC).
    • Joshua Josephs (EDGE): Top pass rusher (4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles).
    • Arion Carter (LB): Leading tackler (76 tackles; All-SEC).
    • Colton Hood (CB): All-SEC cornerback.
    • Jermod McCoy (CB): Missed most of season with ACL injury but declared.
  • Transfer Portal:
    • Peyton Lewis (RB).
    • Jake Merklinger (QB, backup).
    • Marcus Goree (DB).
    • Brenden Anes (LB).
    • Jamal Wallace (DL).
    • Kellen Lindstrom (DL).
  • Injuries/Other:
    • Wendell Moe (OL): Lower leg injury.
    • Jaxson Moi (DL): Arm injury.
    • Rickey Gibson (CB): Upper body injury.
  • Additional notes: Significant defensive depletion; freshmen and backups expected to see increased roles. TE Miles Kitselman is questionable but trending toward playing.
Illinois Fighting Illini
  • NFL Draft Declarations/Opt-Outs:
    • Gabe Jacas (EDGE/LB): Big Ten sack leader (11 sacks; All-Big Ten; program No. 2 all-time in sacks).
    • J.C. Davis (LT): All-Big Ten first-team; started every game, elite pass/run blocker.
  • Injuries:
    • Matthew Bailey (DB/S): Shoulder surgery; led team in tackles.
  • Additional notes: Losses hit the pass rush, offensive line protection, and secondary leadership. QB Luke Altmyer and core skill players are expected to play.
Tennessee faces more overall absences (around 11 players), especially on defense, potentially leading to a higher-scoring game.

Information current as of December 30, 2025, from previews, trackers, and reports. The game is at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
 
Opt-Outs and Absences for the 2025 Valero Alamo Bowl(No. 16 USC Trojans vs. TCU Horned Frogs – December 30, 2025)

Bowl opt-outs include NFL Draft declarations, transfer portal entries, injuries, and other absences. USC has been significantly impacted with multiple key players opting out for the NFL or out due to injury/portal, leading to reports of around a dozen absences (including starters). TCU's losses are fewer but highlighted by their starting quarterback entering the portal. QB Jayden Maiava is confirmed playing for USC; most of TCU's defense is intact.

USC Trojans
  • NFL Draft Declarations/Opt-Outs:
    • Makai Lemon (WR): Top receiver, All-American.
    • Ja'Kobi Lane (WR): Second-leading receiver.
    • Eric Gentry (LB): Key linebacker.
    • Kamari Ramsey (S): Starting safety.
  • Injuries/Surgery:
    • Elijah Paige (OT): Surgery.
    • Killian O'Connor (C): Surgery/lower body injury.
    • Jahkeem Stewart (DL): Surgery.
    • Anthony Lucas (DE): Injury (status was questionable but out).
    • Lake McRee (TE): Not expected to play (top three pass-catchers out overall, combining for >2,300 yards and 19 TDs).
    • Additional portal entries (e.g., Devon Thompkins DL) contributing to depth losses.
  • Additional notes: Heavy depletion on offense (top receivers and OL starters) and defense (back seven gutted). Freshmen and backups will see major roles.
TCU Horned Frogs
  • Transfer Portal:
    • Josh Hoover (QB): Starting QB (3,472 yards, 29 TDs); Ken Seals (former Vanderbilt starter) expected to start.
  • Injuries:
    • Jordan Dwyer (WR): Foot injury (second-leading receiver).
  • Additional notes: Opt-outs and transfers described as minimal beyond QB. Key defensive players (e.g., safeties Bud Clark and Jamel Johnson, LBs) intend to play. Leading receiver Eric McAlister is playing.
USC faces more significant absences overall, particularly in skill positions and the secondary, potentially favoring a run-heavy or adjusted offensive approach. TCU benefits from home-state advantage in San Antonio but lacks its primary QB. Information current as of December 30, 2025, from previews, trackers, and reports. The game is at the Alamodome.

Additional note: There's no basement at the Alamo

 
The 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl features Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) vs. Vanderbilt Commodores (10-2) on December 31, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida (kickoff at noon ET on ESPN).

Opt-Outs and AvailabilityBoth teams are largely at full strength, with minimal opt-outs compared to many other bowl games.
  • Iowa Hawkeyes — No opt-outs reported. All 27 seniors, including several potential NFL draft picks (e.g., QB Mark Gronowski, C Logan Jones, DB Xavier Nwankpa, DE Aaron Graves), are expected to play. Head coach Kirk Ferentz has repeatedly confirmed the roster is intact and motivated for one final game together.

  • Vanderbilt Commodores — One notable opt-out: All-American TE Eli Stowers (John Mackey Award winner, 62 receptions, 769 yards, 4 TDs in 2025), who declared for the NFL Draft to protect his draft stock.
    Minor absences: Backup QBs Drew Dickey and Jeremy St-Hilaire (both entering transfer portal but already injured and unlikely to play anyway).
    Key players like QB Diego Pavia are confirmed to participate, and the team is otherwise nearly full strength.
This matchup stands out in bowl season for both teams' commitment, making it one of the more competitive and complete non-playoff games.
 
The 2025 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl (December 31, 2025, at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas; 2:00 p.m. ET on CBS) features the Duke Blue Devils (ACC Champions) vs. the Arizona State Sun Devils (8-4).

Opt-Outs and AvailabilityBoth teams are impacted by opt-outs, transfers, injuries, and portal entries, but Arizona State is significantly more depleted (approximately 35 players unavailable, mostly injuries but including key opt-outs).
  • Duke Blue Devils
    Notable opt-outs (NFL Draft declarations):
    • EDGE Vincent Anthony Jr. (7.5 sacks, key pass rusher)
    • CB Chandler Rivers
    • OL Brian Parker II (All-ACC selection)
      The rest of the roster is largely intact, with star players like QB Darian Mensah expected to play      . Duke is in strong shape relative to many bowl teams.

  • Arizona State Sun Devils
    Heavily impacted roster:
    • QB Sam Leavitt (transfer portal/injured)
    • WR Jordyn Tyson (NFL Draft opt-out; team's leading receiver)
    • RB Raleek Brown (opt-out)
    • CB Keith Abney II (NFL Draft)
    • S Xavion Alford (opt-out)
    • Other notables: Max Iheanachor (RB), Keyshaun Elliott, Chamon Metayer (TE)
      Positions hit hardest: RB and secondary (very thin). Expect heavy reliance on backups and freshmen, with Jeff Sims at QB.
This game highlights the challenges of non-playoff bowls, with Arizona State giving extensive opportunities to younger players while Duke fields a more complete lineup.
 
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