College Football Bowl Games 2022-23: Previews, Injuries, Opt-Outs, Odds, Predictions
Get updated odds, previews, injury news, opt-out updates, and predictions for all the 2022-23 College Football bowl games.
College Football Bowl Games
Bowl season is officially upon us! This article will serve as a hub for each of the 41 bowl matchups where I’ll provide the latest news on injuries, opt-outs, transfer portal information, odds, and more. News will be flowing, and I’ll be updating this page every day leading up to these games. In addition, matchup previews for each bowl game will be linked here once they are posted on our site. Let’s get to work.
Music City Bowl – Kentucky vs. Iowa
Kentucky Wildcats
Opt-Outs:
QB Will Levis, RB Chris Rodriguez, CB Carrington Valentine
Transfer Portal: RB Kavosiey Smoke, WR Rashaan Lewis, WR Chris Lewis, WR Tae Tae Crumes, TE Keaton Upshaw, OL John Young
Player Injuries: RB Ramon Jefferson
Other News: With QB Will Levis off to the NFL, Kentucky will be starting either Destin Wade or Kaiya Sheron. With Chris Rodriguez and Kavosiey Smoke unavailable, and Ramon Jefferson’s preseason injury, Kentucky will be down to Jutahn McClain at running back who had 238 yards this season.
Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello and running backs coach John Settle were fired after the regular season.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Opt-Outs:
S Kaevon Merriweather
Transfer Portal: QB Alex Padilla, LB Jestin Jacobs, S Reggie Bracy, WR Arland Bruce IV, WR Keagan Johnson, RB Gavin Williams, OL Josh Volk, CB Terry Roberts
Player Injuries: QB Spencer Petras, WR Keagan Johnson
Other News: The Hawkeyes had won four straight games before a stunning 24-17 loss to Nebraska in which they trailed 24-0 before making the final margin more flattering. That loss took them out of the running for the Big Ten championship.
QB Joey Labas, who has never attempted a collegiate pass, is expected to get the start with Spencer Petras shut down with a shoulder injury and Alex Padilla in the transfer portal.
TE Sam LaPorta is expected to return from an injury to play in this game, and he’ll be joined by LB Jack Campbell, CB Riley Moss, and LB Seth Benson who are declaring for the draft but are expected to play in this game.
Sugar Bowl – Kansas State vs. Alabama
Kansas State Wildcats
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
CB T.J. Smith
Player Injuries: QB Adrian Martinez didn’t play in the Big 12 Championship but he’s trending towards being fully healthy for this game. Regardless, I’d expect QB Will Howard to get the start after he won the Big 12 Championship.
WR Malik Knowles and CB Ekow Boye-Doe both suffered injuries against TCU but they are expected to play in the Sugar Bowl.
Other News:
Alabama Crimson Tide
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
WR Traeshon Holden, WR Christian Leary, DB Khyree Jackson, OL Javion Cohen, WR Jojo Earle, RB Trey Sanders, OG Tanner Bowles, OT Amari Knight, OT Tommy Brockermeyer, OT Damien George Jr., CB Khyree Jackson
Player Injuries: DT Justin Eboigbe and LB Demouy Kennedy were lost for the season with injuries.
Other News: Alabama won four of its last five games, and Nick Saban has announced that no player is planning on opting out of the bowl game. We’ll see if that was gamesmanship or actually ends up being the case, but it’s worth noting that in the 2020 Citrus Bowl, the last time Alabama missed the Playoff, they still played their important starters who were considered potential opt outs.
The player who have been considered opt outs for this game include QB Bryce Young, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, DE Will Anderson, S Jordan Battle, S Brian Branch, and CB Malachi Moore. However, they are all participating in practice at the moment.
Fiesta Bowl – Michigan Wolverines vs. TCU Horned Frogs
Michigan Wolverines
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
QB Cade McNamara, TE Erick All
Player Injuries: RB Blake Corum has a knee injury that will keep him out of the CFP, and he’s a major loss as a consensus All-American who ran for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.
TE Colston Loveland and LB Junior Colson left the Big Ten Championship game briefly but returned. DE Mike Morris missed the Big Ten Championship with an undisclosed injury, and he leads the team with 7.5 sacks despite being hurt throughout November. DE Eyabi Okie was injured on the last play of the Big Ten Championship.
Other News: DT Mazi Smith is facing a felony weapons charge, but it hasn’t kept him out of any games. His sentencing is scheduled for December 29, two days before the Fiesta Bowl, and there’s a high degree of confidence that the charges will be dropped.
TCU Horned Frogs
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:Player Injuries:Other News:
TCU suffered a narrow 3-point loss in overtime in the Big 12 Championship, but their playoff spot was never in doubt after a magical 12-1 season. They are at full strength entering the Fiesta Bowl.
Peach Bowl – Georgia vs. Ohio State
Georgia Bulldogs
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:Player Injuries:
WR Ladd McConkey suffered a knee injury that forced him out of the SEC Championship, but the team is hopeful he will play. WR A.D. Mitchell returned from injury against LSU and could make an impact in this game.
OT Warren McClendon suffered an injury in the SEC title game. OG Tate Ratledge has been playing through a shoulder issue. Both are expected to play in the Peach Bowl.
DE Nolan Smith was lost for the season to a torn pectoral against Florida, and he was the team’s second-best defender behind only DT Jalen Carter. S Dan Jackson was lost for the season with a foot injury.
Other News: Kirby Smart is 6-2 ATS in career postseason games.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
S Jaylen Johnson, LB Teradja Mitchell
Player Injuries: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has dealt with a hamstring injury all season, and he will focus on preparing for the draft rather than playing in this game. OG Matt Jones missed the Michigan game with an injury, and his status is unclear.
RB TreVeyon Henderson underwent season-ending foot surgery after missing three of the team’s final four regular season games. RB Miyan Williams dealt with injuries all season, but he played in the finale against Michigan. RB Evan Pryror was lost before the season.
Other News: Ohio State earned a bid to the College Football Playoff despite their home defeat at the hands of rival Michigan. They can thank Utah for that, as USC’s loss in the Pac-12 Championship sealed their fate.
Reliaquest Bowl – Illinois vs. Mississippi State
Illinois Fighting Illini
Opt-Outs:
RB Chase Brown, TE Luke Ford, CB Devon Witherspoon, S Sydney Brown
Transfer Portal:
Player Injuries: Backup RBs Josh McCray and Aidan Laughery are questionable with injuries, and with Chase Brown opting out, they become more important in the offense. LB Ezekiel Holmes and CB Tahveon Nicholson suffered season-ending injuries.
Other News: Brett Bielema is 4-5 in bowl games in his career as a head coach. Former defensive coordinator Ryan Walters has accepted the head coaching vacancy at Purdue, so he won’t coach in this bowl game.
CB Devon Witherspoon and S Sydney Brown had fantastic seasons and are big losses in the secondary. CB Quan Martin could join them as an opt out. DL Johnny Newton has said he will play in the bowl game.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
RB Dillon Johnson RB J.J. Jernigan, RB Ke’Travion Hargrove, WR Rara Thomas, WR Zavion Thomas, WR Scoobie Ford, S Dylan Lawrence
Player Injuries:
Other News: Head coach Mike Leach passed away on Tuesday morning, December 13. He was perhaps the most unique individual in college football, and he’ll be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Former defensive coordinator Zach Arnett has been hired as the permanent head coach in the wake of the Leach tragedy, and he will obviously coaching this game. He’s now the youngest head coach in the FBS at 36 years old.
CB Emmanuel Forbes and S Jackie Matthews have declared for the NFL draft, but they will play in the bowl game. S Collin Duncan has declared for the draft as well, but it’s unclear if he’s playing in this game.
Cotton Bowl – USC vs. Tulane
USC Trojans
Opt-Outs:
WR Jordan Addison
Transfer Portal: LB Ralen Goforth
Player Injuries: C Brett Neilon was carted off with a leg injury in the Pac-12 Championship and likely won’t play in this game. OL Andrew Vorhees has been in and out of the lineup and missed the Pac 12 Championship. Neither will play in this game.
QB Caleb Williams was severely hampered by a lower body injury in the Pac 12 Championship game, but he has been emphatic with the media that he will play in this game if he is physically able.
RB Travis Dye suffered a season-ending knee injury in November. WR Jordan Addison suffered an ankle injury that limited him down the stretch, and he will opt out to prepare for the NFL draft. WR Michael Jackson III is questionable with an undisclosed injury.
Other News: WR Jordan Addison had planned on playing in the Cotton Bowl, but he reportedly had a minor setback with his ankle injury and will not play.
Tulane Green Wave
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:Player Injuries:
WR Dea Dea McDougle is no longer a part of the program.
Other News: Willie Fritz’s Tulane nearly pulled off an upset of Lincoln Riley’s Oklahoma in Norman last season as 31.5-point underdogs. Fritz was the most profitable coach in college football in 2022 with an 11-2 ATS record.
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl – LSU vs. Purdue
LSU Tigers
Opt-Outs:
WR Jaray Jenkins, WR Jack Bech, DE B.J. Ojulari, DE Ali Gaye, DT Jaquelin Roy, CB Mekhi Garner, S Jay Ward
Transfer Portal: DE Phillip Webb, DE Desmond Little, LB Kolbe Fields, LB Phillip Webb, CB Jaelyn Davis-Robinson, CB Damarius McGhee, S Derrick Davis Jr.
Player Injuries: QB Jayden Daniels suffered an ankle injury against Texas A&M and was clearly limited in the SEC Championship before being replaced by Grant Nussmeier. Brian Kelly confirmed that Daniels aggravated the injury against Georgia.
WR Karen Lacy suffered an undisclosed injury against Texas A&M, and his status is unclear.
Other News: Brian Kelly has gone 6-5 in his career in bowl games. WR Kayshon Boutte surprisingly announced he will return for the 2023 season, so he’ll presumably be available for this game.
Purdue Boilermakers
Opt-Outs:
QB Aidan O’Connell, WR Charlie Jones, TE Payne Durham, CB Cory Trice
Transfer Portal: RB Kobe Lewis, OL Spencer Holstege, CB Hayden Ellinger
Player Injuries: WRs Broc Thompson and Elijah Canion, both projected to be significant contributors this season, were limited to 59 combined snaps as they had injury-mired seasons. S Chris Jefferson, who began the season as a starter in the secondary, left the team in October to focus on mental health issues.
Other News: Purdue put up a valiant effort in the Big Ten Championship, ultimately falling by 21 points in a game that was far closer than the final score suggests. Head coach Jeff Brohm has agreed to become the new head coach for Louisville, and will not coach this game. Defensive coordinator Ron English followed Brohm to Louisville. Former Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters will be the new head coach at Purdue, but he’s not involved with bowl prep.
Rose Bowl – Utah vs. Penn State
Utah Utes
Opt-Outs:
RB Tavion Thomas, TE Dalton Kincaid, CB Clark Phillips III
Transfer Portal: DE Tyler Wegis, LB Ethan Calvert, DB Malone Mataele
Player Injuries:
Other News: Utah dominated USC in the Pac-12 Championship to return to the Rose Bowl for redemption after a close loss to Ohio State last season.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Opt-Outs:
WR Parker Washington, CB Joey Porter Jr.
Transfer Portal: QB Christian Veilleux, DE Rodney McGraw, CB Jeffrey Davis Jr.
Player Injuries: Leading wide receiver Parker Washington is out for the season.
Other News: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu was a potential opt-out candidate, but he’s returning to Penn State for another season. His status is still up in the air, however, after missing the final four games with an injury. DE Nick Tarburton declared for the NFL draft but will play in this game.
Bahamas Bowl – UAB vs. Miami (OH)
UAB Blazers
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:Player Injuries:Other News:
Trent Dilfer has accepted the offer to be the new UAB head coach next season. Interim head coach Bryant Vincent is expected to coach this bowl game, and we should expect a spirited effort from this team as several players fought for him to become the permanent head coach after this year. UAB has been a different team with Dylan Hopkins under center this season.
Miami (OH) RedHawks
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
QB Brett Gabbert, OL Caleb Shaffer, OL Ryan O’Hair
Player Injuries:
Other News: QB Aveon Smith will be the starter with Gabbert on his way out of the program. Miami won three of its final four games as Smith got more comfortable under center, and his mobility offers this offense a different dynamic than Gabbert as a pocket passer.
Cure Bowl – Troy vs. UTSA
Troy Trojans
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
QB Jarrett Doege
Player Injuries: WRs Jabre Barber and Marcus Rogers were out for the Sun Belt Championship game.
Other News: Troy shellacked Coastal Carolina with a final score of 45-26 in the Sun Belt Championship, and they won their final three games by an average of 22 points per game. Scott Cross’s Trojan defense is perhaps the best in the Group of Five. Troy went 10-3 ATS this year, making them the third-most profitable team in the FBS.
UTSA Roadrunners
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
RB Tye Edwards
Player Injuries: RB Brenden Brady missed the C-USA Championship game and was in a sling. TE Gavin Sharp is also dealing with an unspecified injury.
Other News: After losing to Houston and Texas early in the season, UTSA won its final ten games on its way to another C-USA Championship. Jeff Traylor has just an 0-2 record in bowl games, however.
Fenway Bowl – Cincinnati vs. Louisville
Cincinnati Bearcats
Opt-Outs:
WR Tre Tucker, TE Josh Whyle
Transfer Portal: K Ryan Coe, OL Jake Renfro, CB JQ Hardaway, QB Luther Richesson, WR Jojo Bermudez, WR Jadon Thompson, DL Noah Potter
Player Injuries: QB Ben Bryant is out for the season with a foot injury, and Evan Prater will start in this game.
Other News: Former head coach Luke Fickell will assume the same role at Wisconsin, and former Louisville head coach Scott Satterfield will be Cincinnati’s new coach. In the meantime, former Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs will serve as the interim head coach for this game.
Offensive coordinator Gino Guidugli, passing game coordinator Mike Brown, defensive coordinator Mike Tressel, and safeties coach Colin Hitschler are all expected to join Fickell at Cincinnati and not coach in this game.
Cincinnati went 3-8-1 ATS this year, one of the worst rates in the country, as sportsbooks struggled to catch up with the significantly worse roster compared to last year’s CFP team.
Louisville Cardinals
Opt-Outs:
QB Malik Cunningham, RB Tiyon Evans, CB Kei’Trel Clark, WR Tyler Hudson
Transfer Portal: RB Trevion Cooley, RB Jalen Mitchell, LB KJ Cloyd
Player Injuries: QB Malik Cunningham has dealt with a shoulder injury and didn’t start the game against Kentucky, although he played some. Now that he’s declared for the draft and opted out of this game, Brock Domann will get the start for the Cardinals.
Other News: With Scott Satterfield set to become the new Cincinnati head coach, Deion Branch, Louisville’s director of player development, will be the Cardinals’ interim coach for this game. Former Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm has accepted an offer to become the new Louisville head coach. Quarterback coach Pete Thomas, co-defensive coordinators Wesley McGriff and Brian Brown, and offensive coordinator Lance Taylor have also accepted positions at different programs.
New Mexico Bowl – BYU vs. SMU
BYU Cougars
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
OL Campbell Barrington, QB Jacob Conover, TE Dallin Holker, OLB Tate Romney, LB Keenan Pili
Player Injuries: QB Jaren Hall suffered an ankle injury against Stanford. Jacob Conover, his backup, has entered the transfer portal, so BYU could be down to its third-string quarterback. WR Keanu Hill and LB Keenan Pili also suffered injuries in that game against Stanford. LBs Payton Wilgar and Max Tooley have missed the last five games with injuries.
Other News: BYU was a Jekyll and Hyde team this year, but it won its final three games as quarterback Jaren Hall and wide receiver Puka Nacua got healthier. However, Hall’s status is something to monitor here.
SMU Mustangs
Opt-Outs:
WR Rashee Rice
Transfer Portal: RB TJ McDaniel
Player Injuries: OL Jaylon Thomas underwent shoulder surgery while WR Dylan Goffney was ruled out for undisclosed reasons.
Other News: SMU’s final four games this season averaged a combined 83 points, including that absurd record-breaking 77-63 game win over Houston. Still, the over was just 5-7 in SMU’s games this season as sportsbooks were consistently accounting for the shootouts they were involved in. However, with top receiver Rashee Rice out, the offense will be somewhat limited.
Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl – Fresno State vs. Washington State
Fresno State Bulldogs
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
CB Emari Pait, DE Alex Dumais
Player Injuries:
Other News: Fresno State defeated Boise State 28-16 in the Mountain West Championship. Jake Haener missed some time in the middle of the season with an injury, and the Bulldogs are a different team with him under center.
Washington State Cougars
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
WR De’Zhaun Stribling, WR Donovan Ollie, LB Travion Brown, LB Francisco Mauigoa
Player Injuries: WR Renard Bell remains out with an injury.
Other News: Defensive coordinator Brian Ward has accepted the same role at Arizona State and offensive coordinator Eric Morris will be the new head coach at Texas State, leaving Jake Dickert to coach this game on his own down key contributors. De’Zhaun Stribling and Donovan Ollie led the Cougars in targets this season.
LendingTree Bowl – Southern Miss vs. Rice
Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:Player Injuries:Other News:
The Golden Eagles went 9-3 ATS this season, making them one of the most profitable teams in the FBS, and 5-1 ATS in its final six games.
Rice Owls
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:Player Injuries:
QBs Wiley Green and TJ McMahon are injured and possibly out for this game. A.J. Padgett has been seeing first-team reps at practice. WR Luke McCaffrey missed the team’s final two games of the regular season.
Other News: These teams met in 2020 in a 30-6 road win for Rice, but the Eagles have improved a ton since then. Rice lost four of its final five games of the regular season.
Las Vegas Bowl – Florida vs. Oregon State
Florida Gators
Opt-Outs:
QB Anthony Richardson, OL O’Cyrus Torrence, LB Ventrell Miller, WR Justin Shorter
Transfer Portal: LB Chief Borders, LB David Reese, DL Jalen Lee, OT Yousef Mugharbil, OT Josh Braun, RB Nay’Quan Wright, S Donovan McMillon, DB Corey Collier, WR Daejon Reynolds
Player Injuries:
Other News: Florida ended the year with a thud in consecutive road losses to Vanderbilt and Florida State. With a handful of high-profile opt outs, this team is clearly trending down. QB Jack Miller is expected to get the start with Anthony Richardson opting out and Jalen Ketna arrested and off the team.
Oregon State Beavers
Opt-Outs:
TE Luke Musgrave
Transfer Portal: QB Chance Nolan, DB Ron Hardge
Player Injuries: RB Damien Martinez left the game against Oregon with a leg injury.
Other News: Oregon State was the most profitable Power Five team this season with a 10-2 record ATS. They ended the regular season with a come-from-behind upset win over rival Oregon.
Frisco Bowl – Boise State vs. North Texas
Boise State Broncos
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
QB Hank Bachmeier, TE Tyneil Hopper, LB Deven Wright
Player Injuries: RB George Holani suffered a shoulder injury and left the game early, but he’s back at practice.
Other News: Boise State lost to Fresno State in the Mountain West Championship to end their season, but the switch to offensive coordinator Dirk Cotter has been a huge lift for the offense. The Broncos are also dealing with a handful of injuries on the defensive side of the ball.
North Texas Mean Green
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:Player Injuries:Other News:
Head coach Seth Littrell has been fired after finishing with a 44-44 record across seven seasons as head coach. Defensive coordinator Phil Bennett will be the interim head coach for this game. Quarterback Austin Aune is expected to declare for the draft but play in this game.
Myrtle Beach Bowl – Connecticut vs. Marshall
Connecticut Huskies
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
RB Nathan Carter
Player Injuries: WRs Cam Ross and Keelan Marion could return, which would provide a big boost to the passing attack.
Other News: UConn was a wagon in Jim Mora’s first year as head coach, going 9-3 ATS overall. Mora has a 2-2 career record in bowl games.
Marshall Thundering Herd
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
DE Emmanuel Balogun
Player Injuries:
Other News: The total went under in nine of Marshall’s 12 games this season, and they were tied as the fourth-most profitable team to the under.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl – San Jose State vs. Eastern Michigan
San Jose Spartans
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:Player Injuries:Other News:
San Jose State went 0-7 ATS in its final seven games of the season. Camdam McWright, a freshman running back, died in a car crash in the middle of the season. DT Villiami Fehoko is a potential opt-out candidate.
Eastern Michigan Eagles
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
WR Zach Westmoreland, WR Dennis Smith
Player Injuries: QB Taylor Powell returned from injury and started the final game of the season.
Other News: Head coach Chris Creighton boasts a 3-1 ATS record in postseason games. DE Jose Ramirez is a potential opt-out candidate.
Boca Raton Bowl – Toledo vs. Liberty
Toledo Rockets
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
OL Lavel Dumont
Player Injuries: QB Dequan Finn has been injured during the second half of the season, but played through the MAC Championship and should be good to go. QB Tucker Gleason wasn’t available for the MAC Championship due to injury.
Other News: Toledo ended their season with a 17-7 win over Ohio in the MAC Championship.
Liberty Flames
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
LB Ahmad Walker, DT Dre Butler, WR Jaivian Lofton
Player Injuries:
Other News: Former head coach Hugh Freeze has accepted an offer for the same position at Auburn, leaving interim head coach Josh Aldridge in charge for the bowl game. It’s unclear who will start at quarterback for the bowl game after all three quarterbacks on the roster – Charlie Brewer, Johnathan Bennett, and Kaiden Salter – played in the regular season finale.
New Orleans Bowl – South Alabama vs. Western Kentucky
South Alabama Jaguars
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:Player Injuries:
WR Devin Voisin had his arm in a sling during the team’s last game, and his status is questionable.
Other News: Despite missing out on the Sun Belt Championship, South Alabama ended the regular season with five straight wins over conference opponents.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Opt-Outs:
CB Kahlef Hailassie, WR Daewood Davis
Transfer Portal: QB Darius Ocean, OL Gunner Britton, OL Rusty Staats, DB B.J. Wagner, TE Joshua Simon
Player Injuries:
Other News: Austin Reed, the number two passer in the FBS with 4,247 yards and 36 touchdowns, entered the transfer portal and later pulled his name. He’ll return to Western Kentucky next season and play in this game.
Armed Forces Bowl – Air Force vs. Baylor
Air Force Falcons
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
CB David Eure
Player Injuries:
Other News: With wins over Army and Navy, Air Force took him the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy this season. The Falcons won their final four games of the regular season.
Baylor Bears
Opt-Outs:
DT Siaki Ika, CB Mark Milton
Transfer Portal: QB Kyron Drones, S Devin Neal, WR Seth Jones, RB Josh Fleeks
Player Injuries:
Other News: Baylor ended their regular season with three straight losses, although one of those was a near upset win over TCU, who is now in the College Football Playoff. Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts was fired to end the year.
Independence Bowl – Houston vs. Louisiana
Houston Cougars
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
QB Holman Edwards
Player Injuries: Stud defensive end Derek Parish is out for the year with a torn bicep.
Other News: The total went over in 10 of Houston’s 12 games this season. Houston ended the regular season with a thud of a home loss to Tulsa in which they were 13-point favorites. WR Nathaniel Dell has declared for the NFL draft and will participate in the Senior Bowl, but he will play in this bowl game. Head coach Dana Holgorsen is 2-7 ATS in postseason games.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
Opt-Outs:
WR Michael Jefferson, DE Andre Jones
Transfer Portal: S Damon Youngblood, WR Dontae Fleming
Player Injuries: QB Ben Woolridge is out for the season, and Chandler Fields returned from his early-season injury to start the team’s last game. RB1 Chris Smith, who has declared for the draft, will play in the bowl game.
Other News: In Michael Desormeaux’s first year as head coach, the Cajuns went 6-6 and needed a win over Texas State in the final week to reach bowl eligibility.
Gasparilla Bowl – Missouri vs. Wake Forest
Missouri Tigers
Opt-Outs:
DL Isaiah McGuire, DL D.J. Coleman, S Martez Manuel
Transfer Portal: WR Dominic Lovett, LB Zach Lovett, DB L.J. Hewitt, DB D.J. Jackson, DL Travion Ford, S Jalani Williams
Player Injuries:
Other News: There were reports that Missouri ducked an opportunity to face longtime rival Kansas in the Liberty Bowl. Before Missouri moved to the SEC, the Border War was a storied Big 12 rivalry. Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz gave up play-calling to quarterbacks coach Derek Dooley in the last three games, and Brady Cook played his best football of the season.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
RB Quinton Cooley, RB Christian Turner, CB Gavin Holmes
Player Injuries:
Other News: Wake Forest lost four of their final five games this season, going 1-4 ATS over that span. Cooley is expected to transfer but will play in this bowl game.
Hawaii Bowl – San Diego State vs. Middle Tennessee
San Diego State Aztecs
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:Player Injuries:Other News:
San Diego State beat Hawaii in Honolulu last year, so Brady Hoke’s team will likely be more prepared than their opponent. They will reportedly depart for the island six days before kickoff for this game.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:Player Injuries:Other News:
Middle Tennessee won its final three games of the regular season to secure bowl eligibility.
Quick Lane Bowl – New Mexico State vs. Bowling Green
New Mexico State Aggies
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:Player Injuries:
Diego Pavia suffered a hamstring injury against Valparaiso, but should be ready to play in this game.
Other News: Head coach Jerry Kill is 0-5 in five previous bowl game appearances. The Aggies were granted a waiver by the NCAA to compete as a five-win team as they were unable to schedule a 12th game this season following their game against San Jose State being cancelled.
Bowling Green Falcons
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
WR/TE Javonte Kinsey
Player Injuries: TE Harold Fannin suffered a lower body injury and didn’t return in the last game.
Other News: Bowling Green secured a massive upset win over eventual MAC champions Toledo to reach six wins and achieve bowl eligibility.
First Responder Bowl – Utah State vs. Memphis
Utah State Aggies
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
RB John Gentry
Player Injuries: RB Robert Briggs missed the last two games of the season and had season-ending shoulder surgery. Cornerbacks Michael Anyanwu and Ajani Carter are dealing with injuries and are questionable for this game. With quarterbacks Logan Bonner and Levi Williams still injured, third-stringer Cooper Legas will get the start.
Other News: Cooper Legas became the starting quarterback midseason and led Utah State to a 5-2 record as a starter. Calvin Tyler Jr., who ran for 1,043 yards this year and made the All-Mountain West Second Team, was reported as an opt-out as he has entered the NFL Draft. However, he will play in this game.
Memphis Tigers
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
DB Joshua Hastings
Player Injuries: Running back Brandon Thomas, who still leads the team with nine rushing touchdowns, was lost for the season in November. Wide receivers Koby Drake and Joe Scates are questionable with injuries.
Other News: Memphis went just 3-5 in conference play this season, but the program has confirmed that head coach Ryan Silverfield and quarterback Seth Heingan will be back for another season. Silverfield had reportedly been on the hot seat.
Birmingham Bowl – East Carolina vs. Coastal Carolina
East Carolina Pirates
Opt-Outs:
TE Ryan Jones
Transfer Portal: OL Avery Jones, DB Shawn Dourseau, DE Elijah Robinson
Player Injuries:
Other News:
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
CB Manny Stokes, DT Travis Geiger, DE Josiah Stewart, CB Zxaequan Reeves
Player Injuries: QB Grayson McCall made a valiant return from injury to start the Sun Belt Championship against Troy, but he was clearly very limited. He’s planning on entering the transfer portal, but is expected to start this game still.
Other News: Former head coach Jamey Chadwell has accepted an offer to become Liberty’s new head coach. Former NC State offensive coordinator Tim Beck has been hired as the new head coach, but current defensive coordinator Chad Staggs will serve as the interim coach for this game.
Center Willie Lampkin was a First-Team All-Sun Belt selection, and his absence would have been massive, but he will reportedly still play in this game despite entering the transfer portal.
Camellia Bowl – Georgia Southern vs. Buffalo
Georgia Southern Eagles
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
CB Derrick Canteen
Player Injuries:
Other News: QB Kyle Vantrease is facing his former team in Buffalo whom he transferred from last year.
Buffalo Bulls
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
TE Trevor Borland, CB Logic Hudgens, WR Jamari Gassett, QB Casey Case
Player Injuries: RBs Al-Jay Henderson and Ron Cook Jr. suffered injuries against Akron in the final game of the regular season.
Other News: Buffalo secured a one-point win over Akron last week in a rescheduled game to reach a 6-6 record and achieve bowl eligibility.
Guaranteed Rate Bowl – Wisconsin vs. Oklahoma State
Wisconsin Badgers
Opt-Outs:
LB Nick Herbig, DT Keanu Benton, CB Justin Clark, LG Tyler Beach
Transfer Portal: QB Graham Mertz, OT Logan Brown, QB Deacon Hill, C Joe Tippman, DT Keanu Benton, WR Markus Allen, TE Jaylan Franklin, KR Isaac Guerendo, CB Semar Melvin
Player Injuries: RB Braelon Allen isn’t transferring as some had speculated, but he has a right leg injury that gives him a questionable tag for this game. Tight ends Clay Cundiff and Cole Dakovich were lost to injury earlier in the season.
Other News: Interim head coach Jim Leonhard will reportedly coach remain on the staff for this game, but new head coach Luke Fickell is expected to be involved in some capacity. In addition, Wisconsin will be without starting quarterback Graham Mertz and top backup Deacon Hill. Chase Wolf or Myles Burkett will get the start under center.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Opt-Outs:
DE Tyler Lacy, DT Brendon Evers
Transfer Portal: QB Spencer Sanders, LB Mason Cobb, RB Dominic Richardson, DE Trace Ford, CB Thomas Harper, WR Braylin Presley, S Kanion Williams, C Eli Russ
Player Injuries: Oklahoma State is one of the least healthy teams in the country as entering the game against West Virginia the following players were all dealing with injuries: QB Spencer Sanders, RB Dominic Richardson, WR Jaden Bray, WR Bryson Green, OL Jason Brooks Jr., DE Trace Ford, DE Tyler Lacy, and DB Thomas Harper. Gunnar Gundy or Garret Rangel will start at quarterback.
Other News: DE Brock Martin, an All-Big 12 player, has declared for the NFL Draft but is reportedly planning on playing in this game.
Military Bowl – Duke vs. Central Florida
Duke Blue Devils
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
LB Rocky Shelton II, DB Tony Davis, WR Darrell Harding Jr.
Player Injuries:
Other News: Duke finished the year strong, winning four of its final five games in Mike Elko’s first season as head coach.
Central Florida Knights
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
QB Mikey Keene, CB Davonte Brown, WR Ryan O’Keefe, LB Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, LB Terrence Lewis
Player Injuries: QB John Rhys Plumlee was limited with a hamstring injury against Tulane, and it severely hampered his mobility. With Mikey Keene transferring, Thomas Castellanos is the backup.
Other News: Gus Malzahn is 3-5 straight up in bowl games in his career. Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste was the team’s third-leading tackler this season. Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey accepted the same job at UNC.
Liberty Bowl – Arkansas vs. Kansas
Arkansas Razorbacks
Opt-Outs:
LB Drew Sanders, LB Bumper Pool, WR Jadon Haselwood, C Ricky Stromberg
Transfer Portal: WR Ketron Jackson, DB Myles Slusher, QB Malik Hornsby, WR Warren Thompson, CB Khari Johnson, TE Trey Knox, DT Isaiah Nichols, DE Eric Thomas Jr., CB Keanu Parker, S Khari Johnson
Player Injuries: QB KJ Jefferson dealt with injuries this season, but he should be healthy for this bowl game, and he’s returning to Arkansas for another season, so he’ll play. Defensive coordinator Barry Odom has accepted an offer to become the new head coach at UNLV.
Other News:
Kansas Jayhawks
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
WR Steven McBride
Player Injuries: RB Daniel Hishaw suffered a season-ending injury in October. WR Lawrence Arnold hurt his leg in the final game against Kansas State and his status is unclear for this game. K Jacob Borcila is also listed as questionable.
Other News: Head coach Lance Leipold has agreed to an extension through 2029 after significant interest from other programs. Kansas hasn’t been to a bowl game since 2008, but Lance Leipold is 2-1 in his career in bowl games.
Holiday Bowl – Oregon vs. North Carolina
Oregon Ducks
Opt-Outs:
CB Christian Gonzalez, DE DJ Johnson, LB Noah Sewell
Transfer Portal: LB Justin Flowe, WR Dont’e Thornton Jr., RB Byron Cardwell, WR Seven McGee, LB Adrian Jackson, LB Brandon Buckner, QB Jay Butterfield
Player Injuries: QB Bo Nix dealt with an injury towards the end of the year, but Dan Lanning said he expects him to play in this game, and he should be more mobile by the time this game kicks off. Offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham took the head coach opening at Arizona.
Other News: Former offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham left to become the new head coach for Arizona State. Will Stein, former UTSA offensive coordinator, will take over for Dillingham.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Opt-Outs:
WR Josh Downs
Transfer Portal: DB Cam’Ron Kelly, LB Raneiria Dillworth, S Dontavius Nash, QB Jacolby Chriswell, RB Devon Lawrence, CB Tony Grimes, CB Storm Duck, DE Chris Collins
Player Injuries: RB Caleb Hood is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury.
Other News: Former offensive coordinator Phil Longo has accepted an offer for the same position at Wisconsin. After rumors circled about Drake Maye entering the transfer portal, he reportedly will stay at UNC.
Texas Bowl – Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
QB Donovan Smith, S Reggie Pearson
Player Injuries: QB Behren Morton is still recovering from injury, so Tyler Shough is expected to be the starter in this game. TE Mason Tharp is questionable with an undisclosed injury.
Other News: Texas Tech won its final three games of the regular season, including an overtime thriller against Oklahoma on rivalry week.
Ole Miss Rebels
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
CB Miles Battle, DE Demon Clowney, S MJ Daniels
Player Injuries:
Other News: After rampant rumors of head coach Lane Kiffin accepting the opening at Auburn, he agreed to a contract extension with Ole Miss. The Rebels went 1-5 ATS in their final six games of the regular season.
Pinstripe Bowl – Syracuse vs. Minnesota
Syracuse Orange
Opt-Outs:
RB Sean Tucker, OT Matthew Bergeron
Transfer Portal: CB Darian Chestnut, WR Courtney Jackson, DE Steve Linton, S Ja’Had Carter
Player Injuries: CB Garrett Williams was lost to a knee injury in Week 7.
Other News: Syracuse went 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS in its final five games and needed a win over Boston College to snap their five-game losing streak and make a bowl game. Offensive coordinator Robert Anae has accepted an offer for the same position at NC State and defensive coordinator Tony White did the same at Nebraska.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
S Michael Dixon, DB Steven Ortiz, LB Braelen Oliver
Player Injuries: QB Tanner Morgan suffered a head injury against Nebraska on November 11, and Athan Kaliakmanis has started the team’s three games since. However, Morgan is reportedly practicing and planning on playing in this game, but it’s unclear if he will be at full capacity. WR Chris Autman-Bell underwent season-ending surgery in October, leaving the team’s wide receiver room in bad shape.
Other News: Despite the Morgan injury, Minnesota won four of its last five games to close the year strong. Head coach P.J. Fleck has agreed to a new seven-year contract extension that takes him through the 2029 season. Fleck has a career 3-0 ATS record in bowl games.
Cheez-It Bowl – Florida State vs. Oklahoma
Florida State Seminoles
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
LB Amari Gainer, DB Sam McCall, WR Keyshawn Helton, LB Amari Gainer
Player Injuries:
Other News: Florida State won its final five games of the season, going 4-1 ATS over that span. QB Jordan Travis announced he will return for the 2023 season. DE Jared Verse and S Jammie Robinson announced they would play in the bowl game after previous speculation about potential opt-outs.
Oklahoma Sooners
Opt-Outs:
RB Eric Gray, OT Anton Harrison, OT Wayne Morris, DT Jalen Redmond
Transfer Portal: QB Nick Evers, WR Theo Wease Jr.
Player Injuries:
Other News: In a turbulent first season with new head coach Brent Venables, Oklahoma finished with a 6-6 record, barely achieving bowl eligibility.
Alamo Bowl – Washington vs. Texas
Washington Huskies
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
S Cameron Williams, DL Kuao Peihopa
Player Injuries: TE Jack Westover suffered a concussion against Washington State as a result of a helmet-to-helmet hit.
Other News: QB Michael Penix has said he will not opt out since he has never played in a bowl game.
Texas Longhorns
Opt-Outs:
RB Bijan Robinson, RB Roschon Johnson, LB DeMarvion Overshown
Transfer Portal: QB Hudson Card, WR Troy Omerie, DB JD Coffey II, OL Andrej Karic, LB Prince Durban, DE D.J. Harris
Player Injuries:
Other News: LB Jaylan Ford, WR Jordan Whittington, DT Moro Oromo, and DT Keondre Coburn are reportedly practicing with the team, but they are all potential opt-outs worth monitoring.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl – NC State vs. Maryland
NC State Wolfpack
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
QB Devin Leary, WR Devin Carter
Player Injuries: Fourth-string quarterback Ben Finley started the final two games of the regular season, but M.J. Morris might be able to return for this game. C Grant Gibson and DE Savion Jackson will miss this game. RB Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, WR Tyler Baker-Williams, TE Trent Pennix, and CB Divan Boykin are all listed as questionable.
Other News: Former offensive coordinator Tim Beck has been hired as Coastal Carolina’s new head coach. NC State has a handful of other rumored opt outs, and I’ll update this page when anything becomes official. Those players include the following: WR Thayer Thomas, IOL Chandler Zavala, LB Drake Thomas, LB Isaiah Moore, DL Cory Durden.
Maryland Terrapins
Opt-Outs:
WR Dontay Demus, WR Jacob Copeland, WR Rakim Jarrett, CB Deonte Banks
Transfer Portal: LB Ahmad McCullough, DB Isaiah Hazel
Player Injuries: QB Taulia Tagovailoa played in the regular season finale, but spent the latter part of the year dealing with a knee injury. Backup QB Billy Edwards is questionable with an ankle injury.
Other News: Head coach Mike Locksley said he’s “all-in” on getting mayonnaise dumped on him if his team wins. He received a one-year contract extension that runs through 2027. Demus, Copeland, and Jarrett combined for 87 catches for 1,080 yards this season. LB Durrell Nchami is declaring for the draft but is planning on playing in this game.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl – Pittsburgh vs. UCLA
Pittsburgh Panthers
Opt-Outs:
RB Israel Abaninkanda, OT Gabe Honey, OT Carter Warren, DT Calijah Kancey, DE Deslin Alexandre, LB SirVocea Dennis, S Brandon Hill
Transfer Portal: QB Kedon Slovis, DE John Morgan III
Player Injuries: DE Habakkuk Baldonado missed the last few games of the regular season and accepted an invite to the Shrine Bowl, so his status for this game is unclear.
Other News: Pitt finished the year strong, winning four of its final five games on its way to bowl eligibility. However, with Slovis transferring, the Panthers will lean on the combination of Nick Patti and Nate Yarnell who have 32 pass attempts between them this season.
Pitt will be without several starters for this game, including all four captains in Slovis, Warren, Alexandre, and Dennis. WR Jared Wayne is another player to watch for a potential opt-out.
UCLA Bruins
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
K/P Nicholas Barr-Mira
Player Injuries:
Other News: UCLA dropped that heartbreaker to USC and barely escaped the Bay with a win. However, QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, RB Zach Charbonnet, and WR Jake Bobo are notable players who could opt out to prepare for the draft.
Gator Bowl – Notre Dame vs. South Carolina
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Opt-Outs:
TE Michael Mayer, DE Isaiah Foskey
Transfer Portal: QB Drew Pyne, DL Jacob Lacey, DB Jayden Bellamy
Player Injuries: QB Tyler Buchner was thought to have suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in September, but he returned to practice earlier this month and there’s a chance he returns for this game. CB Cam Hart, a solid starter, has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Other News: While Drew Pyne and Michael Mayer won’t be participating, this young team will likely fight hard for Marcus Freeman in his first bowl game as a head coach.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Opt-Outs:
OT Dylan Wonnum, DT Zacch Pickens, CB Cam Smith, CB Darius Rush, S Devonni Reed
Transfer Portal: TE Jaheim Bell, TE Austin Stogner, RB MarShawn Lloyd
Player Injuries: WR Josh Vann suffered a knee injury and is considered questionable for this game. RB Christian Beal-Smith, the RB2 in the offense, has been limited in practices and has reportedly been seen on campus in a walking boot. Third-string RB Lovasea Carroll has been ruled out.
Other News: Shane Beamer led South Carolina to a win in his first bowl game against North Carolina last year. However, offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield left to join Matt Rhule’s staff at Nebraska. CB Cam Smith is a potential opt out to watch here.
MarShawn Lloyd and Jaheim Bell were South Carolina’s first and second-leading rushers this season, and they combined for 834 yards. South Carolina finished the year with outright upset wins over Tennessee and Clemson as double-digit underdogs.
Arizona Bowl – Ohio vs. Wyoming
Ohio Bobcats
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
S Tyler Mullins
Player Injuries: QB Kurtis Rourke remains out, and C.J. Harris will get his third start of the season for Ohio.
Other News: Ohio went 7-1 in conference play and 9-4 overall before losing to Toledo in the MAC Championship. Head coach Tim Albin was named the MAC Coach of the Year.
Wyoming Cowboys
Opt-Outs:Transfer Portal:
RB Titus Swen, RB Joey Braasch, CB Cam Stone, DE Oluwaseyi Omotosho, WR Joshua Cobbs, CB Cam Stone
Player Injuries: RBs Dawaiian McNeely and D.Q. James are injured and expected to miss this game.
Other News: Wyoming lost its final two games of the regular season to Boise State and Fresno State, the two teams that faced off in the Mountain West Championship. The total went under in Wyoming’s final five games of the season.
Orange Bowl – Clemson vs. Tennessee
Clemson Tigers
Opt-Outs:
DE Myles Murphy, LB Trenton Simpson
Transfer Portal: QB DJ Uiagalelei, RB Kobe Pace, WR E.J. Williams, CB Fred Davis II, LB LaVonta Bentley
Player Injuries: WR Beaux Collins underwent shoulder surgery and will miss this bowl game. DE Xavier Thomas was lost for the season with a foot injury and DE Justin Foster is out with an unknown injury.
Other News: While Murphy and Simpson have opted out, DT Bryan Bresee, DE K.J. Henry, DE Justin Mascoll, and DT Tyler Davis are all practicing and have said they will play in the bowl game.
Tennessee Volunteers
Opt-Outs:
WR Cedric Tillman, WR Jalin Hyatt
Transfer Portal: WR Jimmy Calloway, WR Jimmy Holiday, TE Miles Campbell, DT Jordan Phillips
Player Injuries: QB Hendon Hooker is out for the season with a torn ACL.
Other News: Former offensive coordinator Alex Golesh has accepted an offer to become USF’s new head coach. OT Darnell Wright has declared for the NFL draft but has said he will play in this game.
