Once college football championship weekend wraps up, the excitement of bowl season begins to take center stage. Fans of bowl-eligible teams are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating two crucial announcements: the bowl game their favorite program will participate in and the list of players who will — and won’t — be suiting up. This time of year is filled with anticipation, but it also brings a wave of decisions that can impact the landscape of college football.
The trend of opting out
In recent years, a noticeable trend has emerged in college football: top NFL Draft prospects and players planning to transfer are opting out of non-playoff bowl games. Why? To avoid injury and focus on preparing for the next steps in their football careers. This year is no exception, and fans should brace themselves for some high-profile absences.
Despite the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams this season, several marquee players’ teams did not make the cut. Additionally, a significant number of starters have entered the transfer portal following the end of the regular season. This combination means that while many matchups look promising on paper, they might not deliver the excitement fans hope for.
Key players opting out for the 2024-25 bowl season
As we approach bowl season, the list of players choosing to sit out is starting to take shape. Here are some of the biggest names who have made the decision to skip their bowl games:
- Missouri WR Luther Burden III
- Michigan DT Mason Graham
- Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson
- Michigan CB Will Johnson (injury, draft)
Luther Burden III: A rising star
Luther Burden III was among the first big names to announce his decision to opt out of a bowl game. The talented wide receiver is projected as a top-10 pick in SN’s latest Mock Draft. His performance this season has been impressive, catching 61 passes for 676 yards and six touchdowns for the Tigers. Burden’s decision reflects his desire to prepare for the next level, and fans can expect to see more of him in the NFL soon.
Mason Graham’s standout season
Another player making waves is Mason Graham, a projected top-five pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Michigan defensive tackle has opted out of the ReliaQuest Bowl, choosing to focus on his future. This season, Graham was a unanimous First Team All-Big Ten selection, finishing his college career with 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks. His decision underscores the importance of prioritizing health and preparation as he transitions to the professional ranks.
Kaleb Johnson: A dynamic force
Kaleb Johnson is another standout player whose decision to skip bowl season is rooted in NFL Draft preparation. This season, he emerged as one of the most dynamic running backs in college football, carrying the ball 240 times for an impressive 1,537 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. Johnson’s remarkable performance has put him on the radar of NFL scouts, and his focus now shifts to showcasing his skills at the next level.
Will Johnson’s early exit
Lastly, we have Will Johnson, who last played on October 5. His declaration for the NFL Draft has put to rest any speculation about a return for the ReliaQuest Bowl. Johnson is also projected to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and his decision to opt out highlights the growing trend among elite players to prioritize their future over a single bowl game.
The impact of the transfer portal
As bowl season approaches, the transfer portal is buzzing with activity. Many players are seeking new opportunities, which can significantly alter team dynamics. The influx of talent into the portal means that teams will need to adjust their rosters and strategies as they prepare for their bowl games. This ever-evolving landscape adds another layer of intrigue to the bowl season.
Keeping fans informed
As announcements and declarations continue to roll in, The Sporting News is dedicated to keeping fans updated on the biggest names who will not be suiting up during bowl season in December and January. The excitement of bowl games is undeniable, but the absence of key players can change the narrative of these matchups.
So, what does this mean for fans? It means that while the thrill of bowl season is upon us, it’s essential to stay informed about who will be on the field and who will be watching from the sidelines. The decisions made now will shape the future of college football and the NFL landscape.
MORE: Full list, schedule for all 41 college football bowl games.
As we gear up for the bowl season, the excitement is palpable. Will your favorite team rise to the occasion? Will they be able to overcome the challenges posed by missing star players? One thing is for sure: the world of college football is as unpredictable as ever, and fans wouldn’t want it any other way.
