Over the past few years, the college football news cycle has been unending. That remains true in 2024.
With the transfer portal opening up, there's movement taking place all over the country. And with Conference Championship Week in the rearview mirror, the same can be said for the coaching carousel.
The player and coach movement can be hard to keep track of at times.
Below, you will find a running log of the all-important news for each individual bowl game. I will continuously update this file as more news comes in regarding transfers, injuries and opt-outs for players with at least 50 snaps this season, so make sure you periodically check back if you want to double-check any game information before placing a bet.
Keep in mind players in the portal can still play in their bowl games. This file will include injuries, opt-outs, potential opt-outs, coaching changes and transfer portal updates.
Many of the potential opt-outs will play, but they're worth monitoring as they declare their NFL aspirations.
For convenience, the bowls are listed in chronological order below.
2024 College Football Roster News Tracker
Salute to Veterans Bowl: South Alabama vs. Western Michigan
South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez left the Jaguars' regular-season finale late in the game with an injury with a trainer holding crutches next to him as he went to the locker room.
If he can’t go, Bishop Davenport would get the start.
Starting guard Reed Buys also didn’t play in the regular-season finale, causing the Jaguars to shuffle the interior of their offensive line with the insertion of true freshman Asher Hale into the starting lineup and moving Kenton Jerido from LG to RG.
Western Michigan Transfer Portal
- Stud TE Blake Bosma (most receptions on team; 37-403-6)
- DE Corey Walker (best edge rusher)
- DL Anterio Thompson (410 snaps)
- WR Devaughn Mortimer (81 snaps)
Potential Western Michigan Opt-Outs
- C Addison West
- G Jake Gideon
South Alabama Transfer Portal
- RB Fluff Bothwell (leading rusher; 111-832-13)
- Starting CB Jordan Scruggs
Potential South Alabama Opt-Out
- WR Jamaal Pritchett
Frisco Bowl: Memphis vs. West Virginia
West Virginia fired head coach Neal Brown. Offensive coordinator Chad Scott will serve as the interim head coach for the bowl game.
West Virginia Injuries (out for year)
- WR Traylon Ray (28-426-4)
- WR Jaden Bray (hasn’t played since Week 6)
- CB Ayden Garnes (original starter but hasn’t played since Week 7)
- S Aubrey Burks (original starter but hasn’t played since Week 7)
West Virginia Transfer Portal
- Top LB Josiah Trotter
- CB TJ Crandall (122 snaps)
West Virginia Potential Opt-Outs
- T Wyatt Milum
- TE Kole Taylor
- C Brandon Yates
- DE TJ Jackson
- CB Garnett Hollis
- DT Fatorma Mulbah
- DE Sean Martin
Memphis Portal
- S Tahj Ra-El (hasn’t played since Week 5)
Memphis Potential Opt-Outs
- RB Mario Anderson
Boca Raton Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. James Madison
Western Kentucky starting LT Travon Taylor got hurt for Western Kentucky in the regular-season finale and didn’t play in the conference championship game. Top cornerback Anthony Johnson Jr. also missed the conference title game.
James Madison's top LB, Jacob Dobbs, missed the last four games — and he still leads the team in tackles. His status for the bowl TBD.
JMU quarterback Alzona Barnett will miss the bowl game with an injury, leaving Billy Atkins to start.
Western Kentucky Transfer Portal
- Starting QB Caden Veltkamp
- Starting WR Easton Messer
- Starting LB Darius Thomas
- Starting DE Deante McCray
- Starting NT Dallas Walker
- Starting DT Hosea Wheeler
- Starting S Demarko Williams
- Starting K Lucas Carneiro
- DE Marcus Patterson ( 344 snaps)
- S Alex Ford (170 snaps)
- WR Moussa Barry (120 snaps)
- DL Jayden Loving (121 snaps)
- DL Jalil Rivera-Harvey (88 snaps)
- RB LT Sanders (80 snaps)
- Backup QB TJ Finley (original starter but lost job)
- Third-string QB Turner Helton
- Tight end River Helms (out for the season with an injury)
Keep in mind that many Western Kentucky players (including quarterbacks) in the portal have played in their bowl games under head coach Tyson Helton.
Western Kentucky Potential Opt-Outs
- DB Upton Stout
James Madison Transfer Portal
- Starting LT Jesse Ramil
- DL Darold DeNgohe (275 snaps)
- WR Max Moss (51 snaps)
LA Bowl: Cal vs. UNLV
UNLV head coach Barry Odom has taken the Purdue job, so WR coach Del Alexander will serve as the interim heac coach for the bowl game. I’d also expect OC Brennan Marion to be off to somewhere else as well, as he scrubbed his socials.
Cal starting LT Nick Morrow, who missed the regular-season finale, will not play in the bowl game. Starting RG Bastian Swinney should play.
Starting LG Sioape Vatikani is questionable. Starting MLB Cade Uluave also missed the final three games but was listed as day-to-day.
Cal was also without starting QB Fernando Mendoza and RB Jaivian Thomas (upper body) for its last game against SMU. I’d expect Mendoza to play since it was an illness. His backup, Chandler Rogers, also got hurt in the finale.
UNLV Transfer Portal
- Starting CB Tony Grimes
- QB Matthew Sluka (original starter)
Cal Transfer Portal
- Starting WR Nzyiah Hunter (leading receiver)
- Interior OL Matthew Wykoff (314 snaps)
UNLV Potential Opt-Outs
- WR Ricky White
- LB Jackson Woodard
- DB Jalen Catalon
New Orleans Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston
Sam Houston head coach KC Keeler left for the Temple job, so OC Brad Cornelson will serve as the interim head coach for the bowl. Starting LG MarKendrick Beall hasn’t played since Week 10.
Sam Houston Transfer Portal
- Starting RB Jay Ducker
- Starting WR Simeon Evans (said he’ll play)
- Starting S Isaiah Cash (said he’ll play)
- Starting S Caleb Weaver
- Starting DE Chris Murray
- Starting CB David Fisher
- Starting LB Trey Fields
- Starting DT Richard Outland (349 snaps)
- DE Briceon Hayes (275 snaps)
- DT Denver Warren (262 snaps)
- DT Quincy Wright (255 snaps)
- DE Kendrick DuJour (209 snaps)
- RB DJ McKinney (277 snaps)
- RB John Gentry (90 snaps)
- RB Zach Hrbacek (36 snaps)
- Backup QB Jase Bauer
There are reports out there that most of Sam Houston's portal entries will play. This reminds me a bit of James Madison last year after losing Curt Cignetti. A lot of players in the portal still played, as they were seemingly still excited as a program to be playing in a bowl.
Georgia Southern Transfer Portal
- WR DeAndre Buchannon (63 snaps)
- Backup QB Dexter Williams
Meanwhile, there's not much news on the Georgia Southern side as of now. Starting DE Isaac Walker left the team in November.
Cure Bowl: Ohio vs. Jacksonville State
Tim Albin left Ohio for the head coaching job at Charlotte. OC Brian Smith will serve as the interim for the bowl. We will see if any players follow Albin down south, but no movement yet.
Keep an eye on Jacksonville State head coach Rich Rodriguez, who is also rumored for other jobs.
Jacksonville State Transfer Portal
- Starting S Zechariah Poyser (led defense in snaps)
- Starting LB Reginald Hughes (third in snaps)
- OL K.D. Arnold (215 snaps)
- S Tee Denson (123 snaps)
- WR Tar’varish Dawson (61 snaps)
Gasparilla Bowl: Tulane vs. Florida
Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall recently signed a contract extension, so he appears to be staying in New Orleans. OC Joe Craddock could potentially be on the move.
Tulane Transfer Portal
- Starting QB Darian Mensah
- Starting DE Matthew Fobbs-White
- Third-string QB Kai Horton
Former Oregon transfer Ty Thompson would presumably start at quarterback. He was used in various packages this season.
Tulane Potential Opt-Out
- DB Calen Ransaw
Florida Injuries
- Top CB Jason Marshall (out for year)
- CB2 Devin Moore (hasn’t played since Week 10)
- CB3 Ja'Keem Jackson (hasn’t played since Week 2)
- Nickel Aaron Gates (missed regular-season finale)
- LB Pup Howard (hasn’t played since Week 11)
- S Asa Turner (hasn’t played since Week 1)
Graham Mertz and WR Tre Wilson are also out for the year.
Florida Transfer Portal
- TE Arlis Boardingham (294 snaps)
- DL Jack Pyburn (334 snaps)
- DE Justus Boone (138 snaps)
- DL Kelby Collins (59 snaps)
Florida Potential Opt-Outs
- RT Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson
- RB Montrell Johnson
- WR Elijhah Badger
- DT Cam Jackson
College Football Playoff: Indiana vs. Notre Dame
Notre Dame star RB Jeremiyah Love and stud DT Howard Cross are expected to play, while LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (262 snaps) will be out.
Indiana starting CB Jamier Johnson missed the regular-season finale. He was the first defensive starter to miss a game with an injury this season.
IU starting LG Drew Evans is also out for the season after missing the final three games.
College Football Playoff: SMU vs. Penn State
SMU Transfer Portal
- Backup QB Preston Stone
SMU stud TE RJ Maryland is out for the year, as is Penn State starting RT Anthony Donkoh.
College Football Playoff: Clemson vs. Texas
Texas stud starting LT Kelvin Banks Jr. didn’t play in the SEC Championship, so keep an eye on his status.
Clemson Transfer Portal
- CB Sherrod Covil (124 snaps)
- WR Troy Stellato (314 snaps; currently injured)
- WR Noble Johnson (49 snaps)
Texas Transfer Portal
- WR Johntay Cook (114 snaps)
College Football Playoff: Tennessee vs. Ohio State
Ohio State Transfer Portal
- Backup QB Devin Brown
- WR Kojo Antwi (30 snaps)
- LB Gabe Powers (29 snaps)
Tennessee Transfer Portal
- LB Jalen Smith (256 snaps)
- WR Kaleb Webb (99 snaps)
- CB Jordan Matthews (83 snaps)
- OL Vysen Lang (44 snaps)
- RB Khalifa Keith (34 snaps)
Players in the portal are not currently practicing with Tennessee.
Ohio State starting LT Josh Simmons is out for the year and declared for the NFL Draft after last playing in Week 7, as is starting C Seth McLaughlin, who last played in Week 12.
Tennessee also has some WR injuries. Bru McCoy missed the finale with a hamstring injury, while Dont’e Thornton also got a bit beat up. However, I’d expect both to play.
Myrtle Beach Bowl: Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA
Coastal Carolina Transfer Portal
Both QBs that Coastal used this year — Noah Kim and Ethan Vasko — are in the portal. There are only freshmen on the roster behind those two. I'd assume Tad Hudson gets the start if Kim and Vasko are out.
- Starting TE Kendall Karr
- Top CB Matthew McDoom
- Starting OLB Clev Lubin
- CB Cristian Conyer (362 snaps)
- RB Simeon Price (131 snaps)
- DL Naejuan Barber (293 snaps)
- DL Cohen Fuller (172 snaps)
- CB Jaitlin Hampton (123 snaps)
Coastal Carolina Injuries
Starting RT Zovon Lindsay missed the regular-season finale, and starting LG Anthony Walton also got injured in that game.
WR Cameron Wright and both starting LBs Shane Bruce and Wyatt Gedeon missed the final two games with injuries.
Starting S AJ Williams also missed the finale.
UTSA Transfer Portal
- Starting DE Ronald Triplette
- RB Kevorian Barnes (233 snaps)
- WR Jace Wilson (197 snaps)
- Backup QB Eddie Lee Marburger
Potential UTSA Opt-Outs
- DL Joseph Evans
UTSA Injuries
Starting CB Denver Harris didn’t play in the finale, and neither did RBs Kevorian Barnes and Robert Henry. Third-string back Brandon High took all of the carries against Army.
Starting TE Oscar Cardenas is out for the year (last played in Week 9).
UTSA’s best defensive player and AAC Defensive Player of the Year Jimmori Robinson did get a little banged up at the end of the Army game. Keep an eye on his status.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State
Fresno State hired Matt Entz as its new head coach, but current interim Tim Skipper will coach the bowl.
Fresno State Portal
- Starting QB Mikey Keene
- Starting WR Jalen Moss
- Starting WR Raylen Sharpe
- Starting CB Alzillion Hamilton
- Starting DT Gavriel Lightfoot
- Starting DT Jacob Holmes
- Starting LB Phoenix Jackson
- RB Malik Sherrod (hasn’t played since Week 5)
- WR Tim Grear (90 snaps)
Fresno Potential Opt-Outs
- WR Mac Delena
Starting LG Osmar Velez didn’t play in the finale, while starting CB Cam Lockridge didn’t play in the final three games. Without Keene, you may see both Joshua Wood and Jayden Mandal under center.
Northern Illinois Transfer Portal
- Starting QB Ethan Hampton
- Starting S Santana Banner
- Starting WR Trayvon Rudolph
- DE Raishein Thomas (112 snaps)
- CB Amariyun Knighten (started first eight games)
- OLB Nevaeh Sanders (96 snaps)
- WR Keyshaun Pipkin (70 snaps)
If Hampton doesn't play, Josh Holst would likely get the nod under center, as he did earlier this season when Hampton was injured.
Northern Illinois Potential Opt-Outs
- DT Devonte O’Malley
- LG J.J. Lippe
RB Antario Brown missed the final three games, while DE Raishein Thomas missed the finale.
Hawaii Bowl: South Florida vs. San Jose State
San Jose State Transfer Portal
- Starting CB Michael Dansby
San Jose State Potential Opt-Out
- WR Nick Nash
Starting C Hudson Mesa also missed the finale.
USF Portal
- Starting S Tawfiq Byard
- Starting DT Doug Blue-Eli
- Starting LG Andrew Kilfoyl
- CB Aamaris Brown-Bunkley (75 snaps)
Original starting QB Byrum Brown hasn’t played since Week 5 with a lower-body injury.
GameAbove Sports Bowl: Pitt vs. Toledo
Toledo Transfer Portal
N/A
Toledo Potential Opt-Outs
- TE Anthony Torres
- WR Jerjuan Newton
- S Maxen Hook
- DT Darius Alexander
Starting LT Allen Jones missed the finale, while starting S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren hasn’t played since Week 9
Pitt Transfer Portal
- DT Nahki Johnson (325 snaps)
- DT Elliot Donald (81 snaps)
- WR Daejohn Reynolds (285 snaps)
- C Terrence Moore (119 snaps)
- CB Noah Biglow (55 snaps)
- DE David Ojiegbe (50 snaps)
- Backup QB Nate Yarnell
Pitt Potential Opt-Outs
- TE Gavin Bartholomew
- WR Konata Mumpfield
Starting QB Eli Holstein and starting RB Desmond Reid missed the finale due to injuries. Starting LT Branson Taylor hasn’t played since Week 7.
Rate Bowl: Rutgers vs. Kansas State
Rutgers Transfer Portal
- DE Wesley Bailey (150 snaps)
Rutgers Potential Opt-Outs
- CB Robert Longerbeam
- RB Kyle Monangai
- LT Hollin Pierce
Starting CB Eric Rogers, starting DE Arron Lewis, and starting S Desmond Igbinosun didn’t play in the finale.
Kansas State Transfer Portal
- Starting RT Carver Willis
- CB Jordan Dunbar (66 snaps)
Kansas State Potential Opt-Outs
- RB DJ Giddens
- CB Jacob Parrish
68 Ventures Bowl: Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green
Bowling Green Transfer Portal
- RB Terion Stewart (244 snaps but said he'll play)
- Starting LB Joseph Sipp
- WR Jaylon Tillman (112 snaps)
Bowling Green Potential Opt-Out
- CB Jordan Oladokun
Star TE Harold Fannin Jr. said he’ll play in the 68 Ventures Bowl. Reports have also surfaced that all Bowling Green starters are expected to play.
Starting S Darius Lorfils dealt with an injury late in the season.
Arkansas State Transfer Portal
- Starting CB Dontay Joyner
- DE Jayden Jones
- Backup QB Timmy McClain
DL Nate Martey didn’t play in the finale. DE Jayden Jones hasn’t played since Week 9.
Armed Forces Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Navy
Oklahoma hired Ben Arbuckle as OC, but he won’t be part of bowl preparations. Joe Jon Finley will continue to call plays and the rest of the offensive staff will be retained.
Oklahoma Transfer Portal
- Starting QB Jackson Arnold
- Starting WR JJ Hester
- Starting WR Jalil Farooq
- Starting TE Bauer Sharp
- CB Kani Walker (424 snaps)
- C Josh Bates (164 snaps)
- WR Jaquaize Pettaway (91 snaps)
- C Geirean Hatchett (51 snaps; committed to Washington)
- WR Nic Anderson (hurt all year)
Oklahoma Potential Opt-Outs
- DE Ethan Downs
- DE Mason Thomas
- LB Danny Stutsman
- S Billy Bowman
- S Robert Spears-Jennings
Oklahoma has been ravaged by injuries at WR all season; Deion Burks is the name to keep an eye on for the bowl game. Michael Hawkins would start in place of Arnold at quarterback.
Navy Injuries
Navy quarterback Blake Horvath and starting right guard Cam Nichols have been dealing with injuries late in the season, but Horvath is reportedly good to go for Army-Navy.
Birmingham Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt
Georgia Tech Transfer Portal
- Starting WR Eric Singleton (headed to Auburn)
- Starting LT Corey Robinson
- Starting S Taye Seymore
- WR Leo Blackburn (67 snaps)
- OLB BJ Diakite (65 snaps)
Georgia Tech Potential Opt-Outs
- TE Jackson Hawes
- RT Jordan Williams
- DT Zeek Biggers
CB Rodney Shelley and CB Zachary Tobe got hurt during the Georgia game, while CB Warren Burrell returned for the finale after getting banged up. S Taye Seymore also didn’t play in the final few games due to an injury.
Vanderbilt Transfer Portal
- Starting OT Gunnar Hansen
- Backup QB Nate Johnson
Vanderbilt Potential Opt-Outs
- TE Eli Stowers
- S De’Rickey Wright
Liberty Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Arkansas
Texas Tech offensive coordinator Zach Kittley left to take the head-coaching job at FAU.
Texas Tech Transfer Portal
- WR Micah Hudson (87 snaps)
Texas Tech Injuries
Starting OLB Harvey Dyson hasn’t played since Week 9, while starting DTs De’Braylon Carroll and Quincy Ledet Jr. missed the finale. LB Bryce Ramirez (110 snaps) hasn’t played since Week 8. S Devynn Cromwell also didn’t play in the final few games.
Texas Tech Potential Opt-Outs
- RB Tahj Brooks
Arkansas Transfer Portal
- Starting LG Andrew Kutas
- Starting RG Joshua Braun
- Starting WR Isaiah Sategna
- Starting TE Luke Hasz
- Starting S TJ Metcalf
- DE Nico Davillier (362 snaps)
- TE Ty Washington (116 snaps)
- C Amaury Wiggins (94 snaps)
- CB Jaylon Braxton (77 snaps)
- TE Var’Keyes Gumms (57 snaps)
Arkansas Opt-Outs
- Stud WR Andrew Armstrong
Arkansas Potential Opt-Outs
- DT Eric Gregory
- RB Ja’Quinden Jackson
- DE Landon Jackson
Holiday Bowl: Syracuse vs. Washington State
Washington State lost OC Ben Arbuckle to Oklahoma. Also, keep an eye on the offense, as starting C Devin Kylany missed the final two games of the season.
Washington State Transfer Portal
- Starting RB Wayshawn Parker
- Starting CB Ethan O’Connor
- Starting DT Ansel Din-Mbuh
- DL Khalil Laufau (371 snaps)
- CB Warren Smith (67 snaps)
Starting QB John Mateer is also expected to enter the transfer portal but hasn’t officially done so yet.
Syracuse Transfer Portal
- LB Anwar Sparrow (126 snaps)
- CB Marcellus Barnes (133 snaps)
Fran Brown said he expects everybody on Syracuse to play, including QB Kyle McCord. His exact quote was, “We don’t opt out around here.”
Starting center J’Onre Reed missed the finale with an ankle injury, as did WR Umari Hatcher (359 snaps).
Las Vegas Bowl: Texas A&M vs. USC
Texas A&M Transfer Portal
- Starting WR Cyrus Allen
- OG Kam Dewberry (261 snaps)
- DE Malick Sylla (60 snaps)
- Backup QB Conner Weigman (original starter)
Texas A&M Potential Opt-Outs
- DE Nic Scourton
- DT Shemar Turner
- DE Shemar Stewart
- RB Le'Veon Moss
USC Transfer Portal
- Starting RT Mason Murphy
- Starting WR Kyron Hudson
- Starting WR Duce Robinson
- Backup RB Quinten Joyner (210 snaps)
- TE Kade Eldridge (234 snaps)
- OG Amos Talalele (60 snaps)
- QB Miller Moss (original starting QB)
- DL Bear Alexander (opted out earlier this season)
USC Potential Opt-Outs
- LG Emmanuel Pregnon
- CB Jaylin Smith
- S Kamari Ramsey
Starting RB Woody Marks also got hurt in the finale (looked like a concussion).
Fenway Bowl: UConn vs. North Carolina
UNC fired head coach Mack Brown, who will not be with the team for the Fenway Bowl. TE coach Freddie Kitchens will serve as the interim head coach.
UNC Transfer Portal
- Starting LB Amare Campbell
- Starting LG Aidan Banfield
- Starting LT Harold Sampson
- Backup QB Conner Harrell
- DT Travis Shaw (301 snaps)
UNC Potential Opt-Outs
- RB Omarion Hampton
- DE Kaimon Rucker
- RG Willie Lampkin
TE Bryson Nesbit is also out for the year.
UConn Transfer Portal
- RB Durrell Robinson (295 snaps)
Potential UConn Opt-Outs
- RT Chase Lundt
- LT Valentin Senn
CB Jordan Wright got banged up in the finale, and starting DT Dal’mont Gourdine didn’t play. UConn has also dealt with some injuries at guard throughout the season.
Pinstripe Bowl: Boston College vs. Nebraska
Dana Holgorsen took over as Nebraska’s OC late in the year and recently signed a longer-term deal. DC Tony White left for the same job at FSU, so DB coach John Butler will coach the defense in the bowl.
Boston College Transfer Portal
- WR Jerand Bradley (170 snaps)
- QB Thomas Castellanos (lost job late in season)
Boston College Opt-Outs
- RT Ozzy Trapilo
- DE Donovan Ezeiruaku
Boston College Injuries
CB Amari Jackson is out for the year (last played Week 6), as is LB Owen McGowan (last played Week 11). LB Kam Arnold hasn’t played since Week 8.
BC also dealt with other injuries at CB and WR late in the season.
Nebraska Transfer Portal
- Starting LB Mikai Gbayor
- Starting DE Jimari Butler
- LB Stefon Thompson (175 snaps)
- DL Keona Davis (90 snaps)
- OLB Princewill Umanmielen (203 snaps)
- OLB James Williams (188 snaps)
- DE Kai Wallin (89 snaps)
There have been rumors about QB Dylan Raiola but nothing confirmed — and he did post on his Instagram that he’s all in with Nebraska on Monday night.
New Mexico Bowl: Louisiana vs. TCU
Louisiana's original starting QB, Ben Wooldridge, was already out with an injury before new starter Chandler Fields got hurt in the conference title game and was carted off. If Wooldridge isn’t back, true freshman Daniel Beale would likely get the start.
WR Robert Williams (379 snaps) was also carted off in the conference championship game.
Starting S Tyree Skipper — the team's best defender — missed the last four games with an injury.
Louisiana Transfer Portal
- Starting WR Harvey Broussard
- Starting TE Terrence Carter
- RB Dre'lyn Washington (207 snaps)
TCU Transfer Portal
- Starting S Jamel Johnson
TCU Potential Opt-Outs
- WR Jack Bech
- WR Savion Williams
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes said he doesn’t expect any opt-outs, but Bech and Williams — who will both enter the NFL Draft — are also dealing with injuries.
Bech suffered an MCL injury in the finale and was expected to miss 4-6 weeks, but Dykes said there’s a chance he plays.
Pop-Tarts Bowl: Iowa State vs. Miami
Iowa State Transfer Portal
- DE Kenard Snyder (123 snaps)
- DE Trent Jones (101 snaps)
Iowa State Potential Opt-Outs
- CB Darien Porter
- CB Myles Purchase
- C Jarrod Hufford
- WR Jayden Higgins
- WR Jaylin Noel
Noel said he expects to play and expects all of the seniors to play as well. Purchase echoed those sentiments.
TE Benjamin Brahmer returned from injury for the Big 12 Championship game. S Malik Verdon missed most of the conference championship with an injury. LB Caleb Bacon could also return for the bowl.
Miami Transfer Portal
- RB Ajay Allen (51 snaps)
Miami Potential Opt-Outs
- QB Cam Ward
- TE Elijah Arroyo
- OT Jalen Rivers
- WR Xavier Restrepo
Cam Ward stated he will play, but that obviously could change for the potential top-five NFL Draft pick.
CB Jadais Richard hasn’t played since Week 10, and CB Dyoni Hill hasn't since Week 11. DE Elijah Alston did return for the finale.
Arizona Bowl: Miami (OH) vs. Colorado State
Miami (OH) Transfer Portal
- Starting WR Reggie Virgil
- Starting WR Javon Tracy
- Top CB Raion Strader
- CB William Hardrick (258 snaps; started at end of year)
Miami (OH) Potential Opt-Outs
- WR Cade McDonald
- RT Reid Holskey
RB Dylan Downing (194 snaps) didn’t play in the MAC Championship game. CB Mychal Yharbrough is out for the year (last played week 8).
Colorado State Transfer Portal
- Starting LB Buom Jock
- Starting DE Mukendi Wa-Kalonji
- Starting DE Nuer Gatkuoth
- Starting WR Caleb Goodie
Colorado State Potential Opt-Outs
- RG Drew Moss
Colorado State Injuries
Stud WR Tory Horton is out for the year. Starting DT Cam Bariteau missed finale, as did starting WR Caleb Goodie. Starting RB Avery Morrow played in the finale but had a knee brace. Fellow RB Justin Marshall also dealt with a late injury.
Military Bowl: East Carolina vs. NC State
NC State lost longtime DC Tony Gibson to Marshall as its new head coach. Nickels coach Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay will call plays in the bowl.
ECU interim head coach Blake Harrell, who took over midseason, has recently been named full-time head coach.
East Carolina Transfer Portal
- Starting WR Chase Sowell
- Starting CB Isaiah Brown-Murray
- Starting LB Zakye Barker
- DL CJ Mims (339 snaps)
East Carolina Potential Opt-Outs
- WR Winston Wright
East Carolina Injuries
Chase Sowell missed the finale with an injury. Stud CB Shavon Revel is out for the year after playing three games this season.
NC State Transfer Portal
- Starting WR KC Concepcion
- DE Red Hibbler (84 snaps)
- LB Jayland Parker (68 snaps)
NC State Potential Opt-Outs
- DE Davin Vann
- LT Anthony Belton
- RG Tim McKay
NC State Injuries
Starting CB Aydan White didn’t play in the finale, and fellow starting CB Brandon Cisse left with an injury. LB Caden Fordham is out for the year after last playing in Week 6. CB Corey Coley Jr. hasn’t played since Week 6.
Alamo Bowl: BYU vs. Colorado
Colorado Transfer Portal
- DE Dayon Hayes (163 snaps)
Colorado Potential Opt-Outs
- QB Shedeur Sanders
- WR Jimmy Horn
- WR LaJohntay Webster
- WR Will Sheppard
- WR/DB Travis Hunter
- DT Chidozie Nwankwo
However, head coach Deion Sanders has stated he expects everybody on Colorado to play, but that could change.
Colorado Injuries
Starting CB Preston Hodge missed the final three games with an injury. Starting DL Amari McNeil missed the finale, but Shane Cokes returned.
Starting RT Phillip Houston missed the finale. RB Isaiah Augustave missed the finale, and WR Jimmy Horn missed the final few games.
BYU Transfer Portal
- Starting DT John Nelson
- Starting S Crew Wakley
- S Micah Harper (104 snaps)
- WR Kody Epps (135 snaps; hurt at end of year)
- RB Miles Davis (66 snaps)
BYU Injuries
Starting LB Harrison Taggart missed the finale, while starting RT Brady Keim missed the last three games. His backup, Isaiah Jatta, was also out in the finale, so they moved their LG to RT.
Starting RG Austin Leausa was also out. Connor Pay did recently come back at center. RB Hinckley Ropati (247 snaps) also missed the finale.
Independence Bowl: Marshall vs. Army
Charles Huff took the head coaching job at Southern Miss after dominating Louisiana in the Sun Belt Championship. RB coach Telly Lockette will serve as the interim head coach for the Independence Bowl.
Marshall Transfer Portal
- Starting QB Braylon Braxton
- Backup QB Stone Earle
- Third-string QB Cole Pennington
- Starting CB Josh Moten
- Starting RB AJ Turner
- Starting WR Chuck Montgomery
- Starting S AG McGhee
- Starting CB Jacobie Henderson
- Starting LB Landyn Watson
- Starting LB Jaden Yates
- S Ahmere Foster (417 snaps)
- CB Ian Foster (371 snaps)
- DE Jabari Ishmael (293 snaps)
- WR Elijah Metcalf (219 snaps)
- OT Tariq Montgomery (80 snaps)
- TE Cade Conley (79 snaps)
- CB Tashawn Jeter (30 snaps)
Marshall Potential Opt-Out
- DE Mike Green
Green did say he would be attending bowl, but I'm not entirely sure how to decipher that exact meaning.
Marshall will just be down to a pair of freshmen on the roster at QB in JacQai Long and Colin Parachek.
Stud RB AJ Turner missed the Sun Belt Championship game with an undisclosed injury, and LB Landyn Watson didn’t play in the conference championship either.
Army Injuries
Edge Kyle Lewis is out for the year. Starting NT Kody Harris-Miller missed the past two games. Backup NT Jacob Tuioti missed AAC Championship game. Army does have a couple potential intriguing pro prospects along the offensive line, but I doubt we'd see any opt outs.
Music City Bowl: Iowa vs. Missouri
Missouri Transfer Portal
- WR Mekhi Miller (337 snaps)
Missouri Opt-Outs
- WR Luther Burden
- RT Armand Membou
Missouri Potential Opt-Outs
- QB Brady Cook
- WR Theo Wease
Starting C Connor Tollison is out for the year after missing the past three games. The same is true for WR Mookie Cooper, who last played in Week 8. I'd assume Cook plays, but he did accept an invite to the Hula Bowl.
Iowa Transfer Portal
- QB Cade McNamara
- QB Marco Lainez
Iowa Opt-Outs
- Starting CB Jermari Harris
- Starting RB Kaleb Johnson
Iowa Potential Opt-Outs
- DB Sebastian Castro
Starting RT Gennings Dunker missed the final two games, while DE Brian Allen missed the finale.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz says Jackson Stratton and Brendan Sullivan will compete over the next three weeks to determine who will start in the bowl.
He leans toward Sullivan — the only remaining scholarship QB on the roster, who should be healthy by then.
ReliaQuest Bowl: Alabama vs. Michigan
Michigan TE coach Steve Casula will serve as interim OC in place of the let go Kirk Campbell.
Alabama Transfer Portal
- DL Jaheim Oatis (68 snaps)
- OLB Keanu Koht (106 snaps)
- TE Danny Lewis (89 snaps)
- WR Kendrick Law (252 snaps)
- WR Kobe Prentice (129 snaps)
Alabama Potential Opt-Outs
- QB Jalen Milroe
- LB Jihaad Campbell
- LG Tyler Booker
- DE LT Overton
- S Malachi Moore
- CB Domani Jackson
- C Parker Brailsford
Alabama LB Deontae Lawson and S Keon Sabb are out with injuries. Head coach Kalen DeBoer said he would let players like Milroe and Booker make their announcements on their own but feels good about the situation.
Michigan Transfer Portal
- Starting WR Tyler Morris
- C Dominick Giudice (317 snaps)
- OT Andrew Gentry (115 snaps)
- P Tommy Doman
Michigan Potential Opt-Outs
- RB Donovan Edwards
- RB Kalel Mullings
- TE Colston Loveland
- DE Josiah Stewart
- DT Mason Graham
- DT Kenneth Grant
- OLB Derrick Moore
- LB Jaishawn Barham
Star CB Will Johnson has been out with an injury and won’t play in the bowl.
Sun Bowl: Louisville vs. Washington
Washington head coach Jedd Fisch said he doesn’t expect anybody to sit out. Meanwhile, Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm said he wasn’t sure as of now.
Louisville Transfer Portal
- RB Don Chaney (163 snaps)
- WR Jadon Thompson (69 snaps)
- S Devin Neal (99 snaps)
Louisville Potential Opt-Outs
- DE Ashton Gillotte
- WR Ja’Corey Brooks
- WR Ahmari Huggins-Bruce V
- QB Tyler Shough
- CB Quicy Riley
Washington Transfer Portal
- Starting LT Kahlee Tafai
- RB Cam Davis (158 snaps)
- LB Bryun Parham (104 snaps)
- DE Lance Holtzclaw (114 snaps)
Washington Potential Opt-Outs
- RB Jonah Coleman
QB Will Rogers was benched for the finale, and Fisch stated Demond Williams will start in the bowl. DE Zach Durfee, DL Jayvon Parker and DL Russell Davis won’t play in the bowl game after sustaining injuries.
Citrus Bowl: South Carolina vs. Illinois
Illinois Transfer Portal
- N/A
Illinois Opt-Outs
- WR Pat Bryant
Head coach Bret Bielema said he expects everybody else to play. DE Seth Coleman did miss the finale, and starting LB Dylan Rosiek missed the final three games. Starting CB Kalen Patterson also missed the finale.
South Carolina Transfer Portal
- Backup QB Robby Ashford
South Carolina Potential Opt-Outs
- S Nick Emmanwori
- DT TJ Sanders
- RB Raheim Sanders
- LB Demetrius Knight
- DE Kyle Kennard
- WR Gage Larvadain
WR Vandrevius Jacobs (273 snaps) missed the finale with a hamstring injury, as did TE Brady Hunt (149 snaps).
Texas Bowl: Baylor vs. LSU
Baylor Transfer Portal
- OL Alvin Ebosele (176 snaps)
- DL Kaian Roberts Day (91 snaps)
Baylor Potential Opt-Outs
- N/A
Baylor Injuries
CB Carl Williams hasn’t played since Week 10. OLB Steve Linton and OLB Garmon Randolph also missed the finale.
LSU Transfer Portal
- Starting WR CJ Daniels
- WR Shelton Sampson (104 snaps)
- CB JK Johnson (113 snaps; last played Week 5)
- DE Dashawn Womack (103 snaps)
- S Jordan Allen (111 snaps)
- S Kylin Jackson (50 snaps)
LSU Potential Opt-Outs
- DE Bradyn Swinson
- OG Garrett Dellinger (been injured)
- LB Greg Penn
- S Major Burns
- TE Mason Taylor
- OG Miles Frazier
- DE Sai’vion Jones
- OT Will Campbell
- CB Zy Alexander
As of now, I’d expect most to play, but these are some of the NFL hopefuls.
It looks like Garrett Nussmeier will play at QB.
Gator Bowl: Duke vs. Ole Miss
Ole Miss Transfer Portal
- Third-string QB Walker Howard (committed to Louisiana)
Ole Miss Potential Opt-Outs
- WR Juice Wells
- WR Tre Harris
- DE Princely Umanmielen
- DE Jared Ivey
- DT Walter Nolen
- LB Chris Paul Jr.
CB Trey Amos confirmed he’ll play, as did QB Jaxson Dart.
Ole Miss Injuries
S Yam Banks and S Louis Moore didn’t play in the finale. RB Henry Parrish and WR Tre Harris finished the year injured.
Duke Transfer Portal
- QB Grayson Loftis
Duke Opt-Outs
- Starting QB Maalik Murphy
- Henry Belin IV will likely start
Duke Potential Opt-Outs
- WR Jordan Moore
- CB Chandler Rivers
Duke Injuries
Starting CB Kimari Robinson and RB Peyton Jones didn’t play in the finale.
First Responder Bowl: North Texas vs. Texas State
Texas State Transfer Portal
- Starting RB Ismail Mahdi
- Starting CB Josh Eaton
- Starting C Tyler Mercer
- DL Dominique Ratcliff (318 snaps)
Texas State Potential Opt-Out
- LG Nash Jones
Starting TE Konner Fox didn’t play in the finale. DE Steven Parker (367 snaps) missed the final three games.
North Texas Transfer Portal
- Starting QB Chandler Morris
- Starting WR DT Sheffield
Without Morris, the Mean Green would be down to freshman Drew Mestemaker.
North Texas Injuries
Jett Duncan and Leke Asenuga suffered late-season injuries on the interior offensive line. UNT also lost starting OT Larry Moore midway through the season. Starting TE Oscar Hammond didn’t play the finale.
Duke's Mayo Bowl: Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech
Minnesota Transfer Portal
- RB Jordan Nubin (60 snaps)
Minnesota Potential Opt-Outs
- DE Danny Stiggow
- OT Aireontae Ersery
- DE Jah Joyner
- CB Justin Walley
- QB Max Brosmer
- OG Tyler Cooper
OL Quinn Carroll said he will play in a bowl, while S Aidan Gousby missed the final three games.
Virginia Tech Transfer Portal
- Starting LT Xavier Chaplin
- Starting C Braelin Moore
- Starting S Mose Phillips
- LB Keli Lawson (276 snaps)
- RB Malachi Thomas (168 snaps)
- S Jalen Stroman (hurt all year)
Virginia Tech Potential Opt-Outs
- DE Antwaun Powell-Ryland
- DT Aeneas Peebles
- RB Bhayshul Tuten
- WR Da’Quan Felton
- CB Dorian Strong
- CB Mansoor Delane
- WR Jaylin Lane
Keep an eye on Virginia Tech's QB situation, as both QB1 Kyron Drones and QB2 Collin Schlee ended the year injured.
Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo vs. Liberty
Liberty Transfer Portal
- Starting QB Kaidon Salter
- Starting DL Bryce Dixon
- Starting LG Jordan White
- Starting RT Xavior Gray
- Starting LT Jordan Hall
Former App State transfer Ryan Burger would likely get the nod at QB.
Liberty Injuries
Starting S Quinton Reese didn’t play in the finale. Neither did starting TE Bentley Hanshaw.
Buffalo Transfer Portal
- N/A
Buffalo Injuries
Starting CB Marquis Cooper didn’t play in the finale.
