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.
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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
GameAbove Sports Bowl: Pitt vs. Toledo
Pittsburgh Logo
Thursday, Dec 26
2 p.m. ET
ESPN
Toledo Logo
Toledo Transfer Portal
WR Larry Stephens (72 snaps)
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)
LB Jordan Bass (115 snaps)
CB Noah Biglow (55 snaps)
DE David Ojiegbe (50 snaps)
Backup QB Nate Yarnell
Pitt Opt-Outs
WR Konata Mumpfield
Pitt Potential Opt-Outs
TE Gavin Bartholomew
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. Narduzzi said they should be healthier for the bowl game than they were in the regular-season finale and expects 90%-plus of his seniors to play unlike the 2022 Sun Bowl.
He confirmed Reid would be ready to go but wasn’t positive on Holstein, although he sounded a bit optimistic. With Yarnell in the portal, the Panthers would turn to redshirt freshman David Lynch if Holstein isn’t healthy enough.
Rate Bowl: Rutgers vs. Kansas State
Rutgers Logo
Thursday, Dec. 26
5:30 p.m. ET
ESPN
K State Logo
Rutgers Transfer Portal
DE Wesley Bailey (150 snaps; signed with Louisville)
WR Chris Long (338 snaps; hasn’t played since Week 8)
LB Timmy Hinspeter (138 snaps)
Rutgers Opt-Outs
RB Kyle Monangai
Rutgers Potential Opt-Outs
CB Robert Longerbeam (looks like he might play based on Instagram story)
S Shaq Loyal (same as Longerbeam)
LT Hollin Pierce
LB Tyreem Powell (same as Monangai)
Starting CB Eric Rogers, starting DE Arron Lewis, and starting S Desmond Igbinosun didn’t play in the finale. Rutgers won’t have a DC for the bowl game.
Kansas State Transfer Portal
Starting RT Carver Willis (committed to Washington)
Starting WR Keagan Johnson
DB Nickendre Stiger (103 snaps)
CB Jordan Dunbar (66 snaps)
Kansas State Opt-Outs
RB DJ Giddens (declared for NFL draft)
CB Jacob Parrish (declared for NFL draft)
RT Andrew Leingang and WR Jadon Jackson will make their second starts of the season. S Colby McCallister (299 snaps) and LT Andrew Pastore (111 snaps) will miss the bowl with injuries.
68 Ventures Bowl: Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green
Arkansas St Logo
Thursday, Dec 26
9 p.m. ET
ESPN
Bowling Green Logo
Bowling Green Transfer Portal
Starting RT Alex Wollschlaeger (first-team All-MAC; signed with Kentucky)
Starting LB Joseph Sipp (first-team All-MAC; signed with Kansas)
RB Terion Stewart (first-team All-MAC; signed with Virginia Tech)
DT Davonte Miles (193 snaps)
CB Edward Rhambo (207 snaps)
LT Billie Roberts (172 snaps; hasn’t played since Week 6)
WR Jaylon Tillman (112 snaps)
Bowling Green Potential Opt-Out
CB Jordan Oladokun (looks like he’ll play based on social media)
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 (318 snaps; hasn’t played since Week 9)
TE Miller McCrumby (198 snaps)
Backup QB Timmy McClain
None of the above are on the bowl depth chart. Starting DT Nate Martey didn’t play in the finale, but is on the bowl depth chart.
Armed Forces Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Navy
Oklahoma Logo
Friday, Dec. 27
12 p.m. ET
ESPN
Navy Logo
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 (signed with Auburn)
Starting WR Brenen Thompson (signed with Miss State)
Starting WR JJ Hester (signed with Kentucky)
Starting WR Jalil Farooq (signed with Maryland)
Starting TE Bauer Sharp (signed with LSU)
CB Kani Walker (424 snaps; signed with Arkansas)
C Josh Bates (164 snaps; signed with SMU)
LB Dasan McCullough (160 snaps)
WR Jaquaize Pettaway (91 snaps)
C Geirean Hatchett (51 snaps; committed to Washington)
WR Nic Anderson (injured)
WR Andrel Anthony (injured)
None of the above are on the bowl depth chart. Neither is CB Dezjhon Malone (371 snaps) or RB Jovantae Barnes (383 snaps; hasn’t played since Week 10).
Oklahoma Opt-Outs
LB Danny Stutsman
S Billy Bowman
Oklahoma Potential Opt-Outs
DE Ethan Downs (will play)
DE R Mason Thomas (will play)
S Robert Spears-Jennings (on depth chart)
OLB Trace Ford (on depth chart)
DT Da’Jon Terry (on depth chart)
DT Damonic Williams (on depth chart)
Oklahoma has been ravaged by injuries at WR all season; Deion Burks is the name to keep an eye on for the bowl game, but he is on the depth chart. If he can’t go, it would be eight freshman as the options at wide receiver. Michael Hawkins will start in place of Arnold at quarterback.
Navy Injuries
After suffering injuries earlier in the latter portion of the season, Navy quarterback Blake Horvath started against Army.
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Birmingham Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt
GA Tech Logo
Friday, Dec. 27
3:30 p.m. ET
ESPN
Vanderbilt Logo
Georgia Tech Transfer Portal
Starting WR Eric Singleton (signed with Auburn)
Starting LT Corey Robinson (signed with Arkansas)
Starting OLB Romello Height (signed with Texas Tech)
Starting S Taye Seymore (headed to Auburn)
LT Jordan Brown (209 snaps; hasn’t played since Week 5)
WR Leo Blackburn (67 snaps)
OLB BJ Diakite (65 snaps)
Third-string QB Zach Pyron (headed to Minnesota)
None of the above are on the bowl depth chart.
Georgia Tech Potential Opt-Outs
TE Jackson Hawes (on bowl depth chart)
DT Zeek Biggers (on bowl depth chart)
Haynes King confirmed he will play in the bowl.
Georgia Tech Injuries
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. Shelley and starting LB Kyle Efford will miss the bowl game due to injury, according to head coach Brent Key.
Vanderbilt Transfer Portal
Starting OT Gunnar Hansen (signed with FSU)
OLB BJ Diakite (65 snaps)
Backup QB Nate Johnson
Vanderbilt Potential Opt-OutsLiberty Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Arkansas
Texas Tech Logo
Friday, Dec. 27
7 p.m. ET
ESPN
Arkansas Logo
Texas Tech offensive coordinator Zach Kittley left to take the head-coaching job at FAU. Texas Tech also let go of defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter.
Texas Tech Transfer Portal
Starting OT Ty Buchanan (627 snaps)
OT Dalton Merryman (488 snaps)
OLB Harvey Dyson (367 snaps; last played in Week 11)
DT Trevon McAlpine (284 snaps)
WR Jordan Brown (153 snaps)
CB Jalon Peoples (135 snaps)
WR Micah Hudson (87 snaps; signed with Texas A&M)
OL Sterling Porcher
Texas Tech Injuries
Starting QB Behren Morton will miss the bowl after having surgery. Freshman Will Hammond, who did see some action this season, will start in his place.
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 Opt-Outs
WR Josh Kelly
Texas Tech Potential Opt-Outs
RB Tahj Brooks (listed as RB1 on bowl depth chart)
Arkansas Transfer Portal
Starting C Addison Nichols (signed with SMU)
Starting LG Andrew Kutas (signed with Ole Miss)
Starting RG Joshua Braun (signed with UK)
Starting WR Isaiah Sategna (signed with Oklahoma)
Starting TE Luke Hasz (signed with Ole Miss)
Starting S TJ Metcalf (signed with Michigan)
LB Brad Spence (366 snaps; signed with Texas)
DE Nico Davillier (362 snaps)
RB Rashod Dubinion (175 snaps)
TE Ty Washington (116 snaps)
C Amaury Wiggins (94 snaps)
CB Jaylon Braxton (77 snaps; signed with Ole Miss)
TE Var’Keyes Gumms (57 snaps)
None of the above are on the bowl depth chart.
Arkansas Opt-Outs
Stud WR Andrew Armstrong
RB Ja’Quinden Jackson
DE Landon Jackson
DT Eric Gregory
Arkansas Injuries
Arkansas is down to just six healthy scholarship offensive linemen on the roster. They will have a new starting center and right guard for the bowl game.
Wide receiver Tyrone Broden is also listed as doubtful, as he’s attending to a family matter and is not with the team.
Here are the season snap counts for the starting skill positions on the bowl depth chart:
RB Rodney Hill: 115
WR Isaac TeSlaa: 360
WR Monte Harrison: 58
WR CJ Brown: 42
TE Andreas Paaske: 153
Holiday Bowl: Syracuse vs. Washington State
Syracuse Logo
Friday, Dec. 27
8 p.m. ET
FOX
Washington St Logo
Washington State head coach Jake Dickert left to take the same position at Wake Forest. The Cougars also 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.
Wazzu is now without its head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach and running backs coach.
Washington State Transfer Portal
Starting QB John Mateer (committed to Oklahoma)
Starting RB Wayshawn Parker (signed with Utah)
Starting WR Kris Hutson (signed with Arizona)
Starting RT Fa’alili Fa’amoe
Starting CB Ethan O’Connor
Starting CB Stephen Hall
Starting LB Taariq Al-Uqdah
Starting S Adrian Wilson
Starting DT Ansel Din-Mbuh
Starting DT David Gusta
Starting P Nick Haberer
S Jackson Lataimua (400 snaps)
DL Khalil Laufau (371 snaps)
WR Tre Shackelford (179 snaps)
CB Jamorri Colson (132 snaps)
CB Warren Smith (67 snaps)
In all, 10 starters have entered the portal for Washington State, which says it won’t opt out of bowl as of Dec. 18.
With Mateer out it sounds like Zevi Eckhaus will get the start at quarterback for the Cougars.
Syracuse Transfer Portal
Starting CB Jayden Bellamy
LB Anwar Sparrow (126 snaps)
CB Marcellus Barnes (133 snaps)
S Jaeden Gould (92 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 Logo
Friday, Dec 27
10:30 p.m. ET
ESPN
USC Logo
Texas A&M Transfer Portal
Starting WR Cyrus Allen
iOL TJ Shanahan (285 snaps)
OG Kam Dewberry (261 snaps; signed with Alabama)
DE Malick Sylla (60 snaps)
Backup QB Conner Weigman (original starter; signed with Houston))
Texas A&M Opt-Outs
DE Nic Scourton
DE Shemar Stewart
DT Shemar Turner
Head coach Mike Elko said he doesn’t expect any other opt-outs for the Aggies.
USC Transfer Portal
Starting RT Mason Murphy (signed with Auburn)
Starting WR Kyron Hudson (signed with Penn State)
Starting WR Duce Robinson (signed with FSU)
Starting WR Zachariah Branch
Backup RB Quinten Joyner (210 snaps; signed with Texas Tech)
TE Kade Eldridge (234 snaps; signed with Washington)
S Zion Branch (217 snaps)
OLB Sam Greene (205 snaps; signed with UK)
DL Elijah Hughes (126 snaps)
OG Amos Talalele (60 snaps)
QB Miller Moss (original starting QB; signed with Louisville)
DL Bear Alexander (opted out earlier this season; signed with Oregon)
USC Opt-Outs
CB Jaylin Smith
RB Woody Marks
USC Potential Opt-Outs
LG Emmanuel Pregnon (returning to USC; will play)
S Kamari Ramsey (returning to USC; will play)
Starting RB Woody Marks also got hurt in the finale but is off to the NFL. With Joyner in the portal and likely headed to Ohio State, Bryan Jackson will lead the backfield. USC should get one of its better defenders back from injury in Eric Gentry.
Fenway Bowl: UConn vs. North Carolina
UConn Logo
Saturday, Dec. 28
11 a.m. ET
ESPN
UNC Logo
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. Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsay also left for the same job at Michigan. Wide receivers coach Lonnie Galloway is scripting plays in practice, but the OC for the bowl game is still TBD. Galloway did call plays in the Holiday Bowl (L, 28-27 to Oregon) two years ago after Phil Longo departed.
UNC Transfer Portal
Starting LB Amare Campbell
Starting LT Harold Sampson (signed with Texas Tech)
Starting WR Kobe Paysour (withdrawn)
Starting LG Aidan Banfield (withdrawn)
OT Jakiah Leftwich (91 snaps)
DT Travis Shaw (301 snaps)
Backup QB Conner Harrell
UNC Opt-Outs
RB Omarion Hampton (declared for NFL Draft)
DE Kaimon Rucker (declared for NFL Draft)
DT Jahvaree Ritzie (declared for NFL Draft)
UNC Potential Opt-Outs
RG Willie Lampkin
TE Bryson Nesbit is also out for the year.
UConn Transfer Portal
Starting DE Langston Hardy
Starting CB Malcolm Bell (signed with Michigan State)
Starting WR Skyler Bell (leading receiver)
RB Durrell Robinson (295 snaps; signed with Auburn)
Head coach Jim Mora Jr. did say most of the players in the portal would play in the bowl, but that could obviously change as kids sign elsewhere. Robinson hasn’t been practicing with team. DE Pryce Yates withdrew his name from the portal after entering earlier in the month.
Potential UConn Opt-Outs
RT Chase Lundt
LT Valentin Senn
Mora confirmed starting DT Dal’mont Gourdine (missed finale) is out for the year, but starting LB Tui Faumuina-Brown should be good to go after suffering an injury in the finale. UConn has also dealt with some injuries at guard throughout the season.
Pinstripe Bowl: Boston College vs. Nebraska
Boston Col Logo
Saturday, Dec. 28
12 p.m. ET
ABC
Nebraska Logo
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)
CB Ryan Turner (168 snaps)
QB Thomas Castellanos (lost job late in season; signed with FSU)
Boston College Potential Opt-Outs
RT Ozzy Trapilo (on bowl depth chart)
DE Donovan Ezeiruaku (on bowl depth chart, but I’d guess he sits)
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 and isn’t on depth chart. Everybody else on defense is on the bowl depth chart, but Bill O’Brien said he wouldn’t comment on opt outs.
BC also dealt with other injuries at CB and WR late in the season.
Nebraska Opt-Outs
Starting WR Isaiah Neyor
Nebraska Transfer Portal
Starting LB Mikai Gbayor (signed with Missouri)
Starting DE Jimari Butler (signed with LSU)
Starting TE Nate Boerkircher (363 snaps)
RB Dante Dowdell (273 snaps)
LB Stefon Thompson (175 snaps; signed with FSU)
OLB Princewill Umanmielen (203 snaps; signed with Ole Miss)
OLB James Williams (188 snaps)
DE Kai Wallin (89 snaps)
S Koby Bretz (51 snaps)
None of the above are on the bowl depth chart.
New Mexico Bowl: Louisiana vs. TCU
Louisiana Logo
Saturday, Dec. 28
2:15 p.m. ET
ESPN
TCU Logo
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.
For what it’s worth, Wooldridge’s original timeline would put him close to being available for this game. Head coach Michael Desormeaux said there’s a chance he could play.
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 (signed with Houston)
Starting TE Terrence Carter (signed with Texas Tech)
Starting LB Carmycah Glass
TE Ty Stamey (138 snaps)
RB Dre’lyn Washington (207 snaps)
TCU Transfer Portal
Starting C James Brockermeyer (signed with Miami)
RB Cam Cook (373 snaps)
RB Dominique Johnson (93 snaps)
WR JoJo Earle (76 snaps)
Starting S Jamel Johnson withdrew from portal.
TCU Opt-Outs
WR Jack Bech
WR Savion Williams
Both are dealing with injuries and won’t play.
Pop-Tarts Bowl: Iowa State vs. Miami
Iowa State Logo
Saturday, Dec 28
3:30 p.m. ET
ABC
Miami (FL) Logo
Iowa State Transfer Portal
Starting DE Tyler Onyedim
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 and is unlikely to play in the bowl. LB Caleb Bacon is not expected to be back from injury, but LB Cael Brezina is. RB Jaylon Jackson (232 snaps) is currently suspended and his status for the bowl is uncertain.
Miami Transfer Portal
Starting WR Isaiah Horton (signed with Alabama)
RB Ajay Allen (51 snaps)
Miami Potential Opt-Outs
QB Cam Ward
TE Elijah Arroyo
OT Jalen Rivers
WR Xavier Restrepo (says he’s not sure)
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) Logo
Saturday, Dec 28
4:30 p.m. ET
The CW
Colorado St Logo
Miami (OH) Transfer Portal
Starting LT Will Jados (signed with Texas Tech)
Starting WR Reggie Virgil (signed with Texas Tech)
Starting WR Javon Tracy (signed with Minnesota)
Top CB Raion Strader (committed to Auburn)
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 (signed with Cincinnati)
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.
Jay Norvell dismissed defensive coordinator Freddie Banks at the end of the regular season. LB Coach Adam Pilapil will call the defense in the bowl.
Military Bowl: East Carolina vs. NC State
E. Carolina Logo
Saturday, Dec. 28
5:45 p.m. ET
ESPN
NC State Logo
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 (signed with Iowa State)
Starting CB Isaiah Brown-Murray (signed with VT)
Starting LB Zakye Barker
DL CJ Mims (339 snaps; signed with UNC)
East Carolina Potential Opt-Outs
WR Winston Wright (declared for NFL draft; likely out)
Wright is also an All-American kick returner.
East Carolina Injuries
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; signed with Miss State)
LB Jayland Parker (68 snaps)
WR Jakolbe Baldwin (52 snaps)
WR Jalen Coit (53 snaps; also punt returner)
NC State Potential Opt-Outs
DE Davin Vann
LT Anthony Belton
RG Tim McKay
All three are on the bowl depth chart.
NC State Injuries
Starting CB Aydan White didn’t play in the finale, and fellow starting CB Brandon Cisse left with an injury. However, both are on the bowl depth chart. 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
BYU Logo
Saturday, Dec. 28
7:30 p.m. ET
ABC
Colorado Logo
Colorado Transfer Portal
Starting LB Nikhai Hill-Green (signed with Alabama)
DE Dayon Hayes (163 snaps; signed with Texas A&M)
LB Trevor Woods (95 snaps)
Hayes has been out for a while with an injury, but hinted he’d return to play in the bowl before transferring.
Colorado Potential Opt-Outs
QB Shedeur Sanders
WR Jimmy Horn
WR LaJohntay Webster
WR Will Sheppard
WR/DB Travis Hunter
DT Chidozie Nwankwo
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 and RB Isaiah Augustave missed the finale, while WR Jimmy Horn missed the final few games.
BYU Transfer Portal
Starting S Crew Wakley
LB Aisea Moa (142 snaps)
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, but is on bowl depth chart. It looks like the BYU defense will have everybody available except for Wakley.
Starting RT Brady Keim missed the last three games and his backup, Isaiah Jatta, was also out in the finale, so they moved LG Weylin Lepuaho to RT. With Jatta and Keim not listed on the depth chart, it will be Lepuaho at RT once again.
Starting RG Austin Leausa was also out, but is on depth chart listed as the starting LG with Bruce Mitchell at RG since Connor Pay did recently come back from injury at center. RB Hinckley Ropati (247 snaps) also missed the finale and is not on bowl depth chart.
WR Darius Lassiter will play in the bowl but will have to sit out the first half after receiving an unsportsmanlike conduct call in the regular-season finale against Houston.
college football-news tracker-injuries-opt outs-transfer portal-bowls-colorado vs byu
Andrew Wevers/Getty Images. Pictured: Colorado’s Travis Hunter.
Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs. Army
Louisiana Tech Logo
Saturday, Dec. 28
9:15 p.m. ET
ESPN
Army Logo
Louisiana Tech will replace Marshall in the Independence Bowl after the Thundering Herd opted out.
Louisiana Tech Transfer Portal
Starting DT David Blay (signed with Miami)
Starting CB Cedric Woods (still expected to play)
Starting DE J’Dan Burnett
S Pig Cage (60 snaps)
Backup QB Jack Turner (will still be with team)
WR Tru Edwards
Sonny Combie said he expects most of his defense to play despite the late notice except for Blay, Burnett, and starting LB Kolbe Fields (injured). Starting LG Bert Hale will also miss the bowl with an injury.
Louisiana Tech hired Tony Franklin as its new offensive coordinator, but Cumbie was non-committal on how involved he’d be in the bowl game. He does expect defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson to still be with team for bowl game.
Army Transfer Portal
Starting RB Kanye Udoh (signed with Arizona State)
Army Injuries
Edge Kyle Lewis is out for the year. Starting NT Kody Harris-Miller returned from injury for Navy game. Backup NT Jacob Tuioti suffered an injury in the Navy game after missing the AAC championship.
Army does have a couple of potential intriguing pro prospects along the offensive line, but I doubt we’d see any opt-outs.
Music City Bowl: Iowa vs.
Missouri
Iowa Logo
Monday, Dec 30
2:30 p.m. ET
ESPN
Missouri Logo
Missouri Transfer Portal
WR Mekhi Miller (337 snaps)
Missouri Opt-Outs
WR Luther Burden
RT Armand Membou
LB Chuck Hicks (270 snaps)
Missouri Potential Opt-Outs
WR Theo Wease (should play)
Missouri Injuries
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.
TE Brett Norfleet is having surgery and will miss the bowl game.
Iowa Transfer Portal
QB Cade McNamara
QB Marco Lainez
Iowa Opt-Outs
Starting CB Jermari Harris
Starting RB Kaleb Johnson
Ferentz didn’t expect any other opt-outs.
Iowa Potential Opt-Outs
DB Sebastian Castro (should play)
Starting RT Gennings Dunker missed the final two games, while DE Brian Allen missed the finale.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz says Brendan Sullivan is healthy now and will start in the bowl. Wide receiver Reece Vander Zee should also return from inury.
ReliaQuest Bowl: Alabama vs. Michigan
Alabama Logo
Tuesday, Dec 31
12 p.m. ET
ESPN
Michigan Logo
Michigan TE coach Steve Casula will serve as interim OC in place of the let go Kirk Campbell.
Alabama Transfer Portal
Starting CB DeVonta Smith
RB Justice Haynes (305 snaps)
WR Kendrick Law (252 snaps)
WR Kobe Prentice (129 snaps)
WR Emmanuel Henderson (146 snaps)
WR Caleb Odom (145 snaps)
OLB Keanu Koht (106 snaps)
TE Danny Lewis (89 snaps)
DL Jaheim Oatis (68 snaps; committed to Colorado)
While the top two are available in Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard, Alabama is very thin at wide receiver due to injuries and transfers.
Alabama Potential Opt-Outs
QB Jalen Milroe (says he’ll play)
LB Jihaad Campbell (says he’ll play)
LG Tyler Booker (says he’ll play)
S Malachi Moore (out with injury)
CB Domani Jackson (says he’ll play)
C Parker Brailsford (returning next year)
Alabama LB Deontae Lawson, S Keon Sabb and All-American S Malachi Moore will miss the game 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 (signed with Florida)
Backup QB Alex Orji
Michigan Opt-Outs
DT Mason Graham
DE Josiah Stewart
TE Colston Loveland
RB Donovan Edwards
CB Will Johnson
DL Kenneth Grant
Michigan Potential Opt-Outs
RB Kalel Mullings
DT Kenneth Grant
OLB Derrick Moore
LB Jaishawn Barham (leaning toward returning in 2025)
I’d guess Grant is out, but he has yet to declare for the NFL Draft. Star CB Will Johnson has been out with an injury and won’t play in the bowl.
Sun Bowl: Louisville vs. Washington
Louisville Logo
Tuesday, Dec. 31
2 p.m. ET
CBS
Washington Logo
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
S/LB Benjamin Perry (307 snaps)
DT Jared Dawson (294 snaps)
TE Jamari Johnson (176 snaps)
RB Don Chaney (163 snaps)
RB Keyjuan Brown (116 snaps)
WR Jadon Thompson (69 snaps)
S Devin Neal (99 snaps; signed with Virginia)
Louisville Opt-Outs
QB Tyler Shough
WR Ja’Corey Brooks
WR Ahmari Huggins-Bruce V
DE Ashton Gillotte
CB Quincy Riley
Senior Harrison Bailey is listed as the starting quarterback. WR Caulin Lacy is listed on the bowl depth chart after sitting out the remainder of the regular season after four games to preserve his redshirt status.
Washington Transfer Portal
Starting LT Kahlee Tafai (committed to Minnesota)
Starting LG Gaard Memmelaar
LB Khmori House (317 snaps; committed to Minnesota)
CB Elijah Jackson (162 snaps)
DE Lance Holtzclaw (114 snaps)
RB Cam Davis (158 snaps; signed with Minnesota)
LB Bryun Parham (104 snaps)
WR Keith Reynolds (62 snaps)
P Jack McCallister
Washington Potential Opt-Outs
RB Jonah Coleman (says he’s returning in 2025)
QB Will Rogers was benched for the finale, and head coach Jedd 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.
Maximum McCree will return from injury to play left tackle, where he started before dislocating his thumb on the first drive vs. Iowa. Defensive coordinator Steve Belichick will stay with the team before leaving for UNC.
Citrus Bowl: South Carolina vs. Illinois
S. Carolina Logo
Tuesday, Dec. 31
3 p.m. ET
ABC
Illinois Logo
Illinois Transfer Portal
TE Henry Boyer (135 snaps; signed with Kentucky)
WR Kenari Wilcher (55 snaps; also returned kicks)
Backup QB Donovan Leary
Wilcher stated he still would play in bowl.
Illinois Opt-Outs
WR Pat Bryant
Head coach Bret Bielema said he expects no other opt-outs. 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 (staying with team for bowl)
South Carolina Opt-Outs
DE Kyle Kennard
Head coach Shane Beamer said he does not believe Kennard will play in the Citrus Bowl.
South Carolina Potential Opt-Outs
S Nick Emmanwori (says he’ll play)
RB Raheim Sanders (declared for NFL Draft; not sure on status)
DT TJ Sanders
DT Tonka Hemingway
LB Demetrius Knight (will play)
WR Gage Larvadain
WR Vandrevius Jacobs (273 snaps) missed the finale with a hamstring injury, as did TE Brady Hunt (149 snaps), but Shane Beamer said he doesn’t expect anybody to miss the bowl due to injury. DE Dylan Stewart will return in 2025.
Texas Bowl: Baylor vs. LSU
Baylor Logo
Tuesday, Dec 31
3:30 p.m. ET
ESPN
LSU Logo
Baylor Transfer Portal
S Corey Gordon (376 snaps)
DE Trey Wilson (228 snaps; committed to SMU)
OL Alvin Ebosele (176 snaps)
DL Kaian Roberts Day (91 snaps)
Backup QB Dequan Finn
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. Linton and Williams were seen recently at practice in full pads.
LSU Transfer Portal
Starting WR CJ Daniels (committed to Miami)
Starting S Sage Ryan (committed to Ole Miss)
TE Ka’Morreun Pimpton (141 snaps)
DL Jay’viar Suggs (133 snaps)
WR Shelton Sampson (104 snaps)
CB JK Johnson (113 snaps; last played Week 5)
OLB Da’Shawn Womack (103 snaps; signed with Ole Miss)
S Jordan Allen (111 snaps)
S Kylin Jackson (50 snaps)
LSU Opt-Outs
LT Will Campbell
OT Emery Jones
TE Mason Taylor
WR Kyren Lacy
LSU has now seen both of its starting offensive tackles and its tight end declare early for the NFL Draft. Trey’Dez Green will be the only scholarship tight end available. They could kick Miles Frazier out to tackle.
LSU Potential Opt-Outs
OG Garrett Dellinger (been injured, but cleared to play)
LB Greg Penn (still undecided; been playing with a broken rib)
S Major Burns
OG Miles Frazier (looks like he’ll play and could slide out to tackle)
DE Sai’vion Jones
CB Zy Alexander (says he’ll play)
DE Bradyn Swinson (says he’ll play)
It looks like QB Garrett Nussmeier will play since he’s returning next season.
college football-news tracker-bowl opt outs-injuries-transfer portal-lsu vs baylor
Sean Gardner/Getty Images. Pictured: LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
Gator Bowl: Duke vs. Ole Miss
Duke Logo
Thursday, Jan. 2
7:30 p.m. ET
ESPN
Ole Miss Logo
Ole Miss Transfer Portal
Starting CB Jadon Canady
Third-string QB Walker Howard (committed to Louisiana)
RT Preston Cushman *(64 snaps)
Ole Miss Opt-Outs
LB Chris Paul Jr.
Ole Miss Potential Opt-Outs
WR Juice Wells
WR Tre Harris (also dealing with injury)
DE Princely Umanmielen (plans to play)
DE Jared Ivey (plans to play)
DT Walter Nolen (plans to play)
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
Backup QB Grayson Loftis
Duke Opt-Outs
Starting QB Maalik Murphy (committed to Auburn)
Henry Belin IV will start.
Duke Potential Opt-Outs
WR Jordan Moore
CB Chandler Rivers
Duke head coach Manny Diaz said he doesn’t expect any opt-outs.
Duke Injuries
Starting CB Kimari Robinson and RB Peyton Jones didn’t play in the finale.
First Responder Bowl: North Texas vs. Texas State
North Texas Logo
Friday, Jan. 3
4 p.m. ET
ESPN
Texas St Logo
Texas State Transfer Portal
Starting RB Ismail Mahdi (committed to Arizona)
Starting RT Alex Harkey (committed to Oregon)
Starting CB Josh Eaton (committed to Michigan State)
DL Dominique Ratcliff (318 snaps)
DE Ben Bell (opted out earlier in season)
DT Tavian Coleman
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 (committed to Virginia)
Starting WR DT Sheffield (committed to Rutgers)
Starting TE Oscar Hammond
Starting C Tyler Mercer (committed to Kansas)
LG Leke Asenuga (585 snaps; been injured)
RT MaKyi Lee (246 snaps)
S Jayven Anderson (181 snaps)
CB Kerry Williams (113 snaps)
WR Jeremiah Aaron (97 snaps)
RB Ikaika Ragsdale (58 snaps; injured Week 2)
RB Shane Porter (listed on bowl depth chart)
Without Morris, the Mean Green will turn to true freshman Drew Mestemaker, who came in for Morris as the backup this season.
North Texas Injuries
Jett Duncan and Leke Asenuga suffered late-season injuries on the interior offensive line, but Duncan is back on the depth chart as the starting C. UNT also lost starting OT Larry Moore midway through the season. Starting TE Oscar Hammond didn’t play the finale and entered the portal. True freshman Brandon Young is listed as starter at TE on depth chart. Another true freshman will start at one of the wide receiver positions as well (and left tackle).
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Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech
Minnesota Logo
Friday, Jan 3
7:30 p.m. ET
ESPN
VA Tech Logo
Minnesota Transfer Portal
Starting RT Phillip Daniels (signed with Ohio State)
RB Jordan Nubin (60 snaps)
Minnesota Potential Opt-Outs
DE Danny Stiggow
OT Aireontae Ersery (sounds like he won’t play)
DE Jah Joyner
CB Justin Walley (declared for NFL Draft)
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 (signed with Auburn)
Starting C Braelin Moore (likely to sign with LSU)
Starting CB Mansoor Delane (committed to LSU)
Starting S Mose Phillips (signed with Missouri)
LB Keli Lawson (276 snaps)
RB Malachi Thomas (168 snaps)
DE C.J. McCray (64 snaps)
S Jalen Stroman (hurt all year)
Virginia Tech Opt-Outs
DE Antwaun Powell-Ryland
DT Aeneas Peebles
WR Da’Quan Felton
WR Jaylin Lane
CB Dorian Strong
Virginia Tech Potential Opt-Outs
RB Bhayshul Tuten
Tuten, RG Kaden Moore, DT Wilfried Pene and SS Keonta Jenkins all weren’t spotted at a recent practice. Virginia Tech could be down 14 starters.
Keep an eye on Virginia Tech’s QB situation, as both QB1 Kyron Drones and QB2 Collin Schlee ended the year injured. As of Dec. 13, Drones is not expected to play, according to head coach Brent Pry. It will either be Schlee or Pop Watson at QB.
Shawn Quinn will serve as DC for the bowl.
Pry said players in the portal could potentially play.
Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo vs. Liberty
Buffalo Logo
Saturday, Jan. 4
11 a.m. ET
ESPN2
Liberty Logo
Liberty Transfer Portal
Starting QB Kaidon Salter (signed with Colorado)
Starting DL Bryce Dixon
Starting LG Jordan White
Starting RT Xavior Gray
Starting LT Jordan Hall
DL Eliyt Nairne (298 snaps)
Former App State transfer Ryan Burger will get the start at quarterback. Head coach Jamey Chadwell also stated that players in the portal won’t play in the bowl game and he expects some more opt outs.
Liberty Injuries
Starting S Quinton Reese didn’t play in the finale. Neither did starting TE Bentley Hanshaw.
Buffalo Transfer Portal
K Upton Bellenfant (committed to Texas Tech)
WR Javien Cuff (210 snaps)
Buffalo Injuries
Starting CB Marquis Cooper didn’t play in the finale
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