College Football Bowl Game Guide: Roster, Opt-Out, Injuries, Transfer and Coaching Tracker
College football's bowl season officially starts on Friday, Dec. 16 and continues with games on Jan. 2 and the national championship slated for Jan. 9 in Inglewood, California. With 41 bowl games, keeping track of the latest for all 82 teams, roster movement, transfers, injuries, opt-outs and coaching news can be difficult. Athlon Sports has compiled an extensive guide to bowl season to help with confidence or betting pools this year.
Below are roster tidbits, the latest in injuries, opt-outs, and other key news to successfully bet and predict this bowl season. (Note: This article will be updated daily to account for the latest bowl news).
College Football Bowl Game Guide: Roster, Opt-Out, Injuries, Transfer and Coaching Tracker
HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl - Miami (Ohio) vs. UAB
Fri., Dec. 16 – ESPN at 11:30 a.m. (Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas)
Miami, Ohio: QB Brett Gabbert entered portal but opted to return. His status is uncertain. Starting offensive guard Caleb Shaffer also entered portal.
UAB: Leading rusher DeWayne McBride is not expected to play in the Bahamas Bowl.
Duluth Trading Cure Bowl - UTSA vs. Troy
Fri., Dec. 16 – ESPN at 3 p.m. (Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Fla.)
UTSA: Running back Brenden Brady (699 yards) did not play in the Conference USA Championship Game win over North Texas. Offensive coordinator Will Stein left to take the same position at Oregon. Receiver Joshua Cephus (87 catches) was ruled out prior to kickoff.
Troy: WR Jabre Barber missed the last seven games of the season. His status is uncertain for Friday's game.
Wasabi Fenway Bowl - Cincinnati vs. Louisville
Sat., Dec. 16 – ESPN at 11 a.m. (Fenway Park in Boston)
Cincinnati: Head coach Luke Fickell left for Wisconsin and won't coach in the bowl. Kerry Coombs will remain on staff under new coach Scott Satterfield and is the interim head coach for this game. Tight ends Leonard Taylor (18 catches) and Josh Whyle (32) and receivers Tyler Scott (51 catches) and Tre Tucker (52 catches) won't play to prepare for the NFL Draft. Jadon Thompson (26 catches) and center Jake Renfro entered the portal. Quarterback Ben Bryant is out for the rest of the year due to injury. Evan Prater will start on Dec. 16. Kicker Ryan Coe also opted to transfer.
Louisville: The Cardinals lost coach Scott Satterfield and a couple of assistants to Cincinnati. Deion Branch will work as the team's interim coach for this game. Quarterback Malik Cunningham opted out for the draft. Backup Brock Domann (866 passing yards in '22) is expected to start. Top cornerback Kei'Trel Clark entered the NFL Draft and won't play on Dec. 16. Running back Tiyon Evans (525 yards) and receiver Tyler Hudson (1,034 receiving yards) are also not expected to play in the bowl.
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl - Florida vs. Oregon State
Sat., Dec. 16 – ESPN at 2:30 p.m. (Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas)
Florida: Quarterback Anthony Richardson opted out to prepare for the NFL draft. Jack Miller III will make his first start under center for the Gators. Florida will also be without first-team All-SEC offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence (NFL) and linebacker Ventrell Miller (NFL). Defensive lineman Gervon Dexter declared for the NFL but plans to play in this game. Receiver Justin Shorter declared for the NFL and opted out.
Oregon State: Running back Damien Martinez (970 yards) was injured in the regular-season finale against Oregon but is expected to play. Cornerback Rejzohn Wright won't play due to injury (thumb surgery).
Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented by Stifel - Washington State vs. Fresno State
Sat., Dec. 16 – ABC at 3:30 p.m. (SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.)
Washington State: Defensive coordinator Brian Ward departed to take the same position at Arizona State. Head coach Jake Dickert will call the defensive signals on Dec. 16. The Cougars are also down four key contributors, as receivers Donovan Ollie and De'Zhaun Stribling and linebackers Travion Brown and Francisco Mauigoa entered the portal. Linebacker Daiyan Henley (first-team All-Pac-12) and receiver Renard Bell (27 catches) is a gametime decision. Offensive coordinator Eric Morris left to take over as head coach at North Texas. It's unclear who will call plays for the Cougars.
Fresno State: Defensive back Cale Sanders (32 tackles) entered the portal.
LendingTree Bowl - Rice vs. Southern Miss
Sat., Dec. 16 – ESPN at 5:45 p.m. (Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala.)
Rice: Wide receiver Luke McCaffrey missed the last two games of the regular season and his status is uncertain for the bowl. Quarterbacks Wiley Green and T.J. McMahon missed time late in the year with injuries. Their status is uncertain for Dec. 16. True freshman AJ Padgett is the likely starter for Rice under center against Southern Miss.
Southern Miss:
New Mexico Bowl - SMU vs. BYU
Sat., Dec. 16 – ABC at 7:30 p.m. (University Stadium, Albuquerque, N.M.)
SMU: Standout receiver Rashee Rice (96 catches for 1,355 yards and 10 TDs) won't play due to a toe injury. Starting offensive lineman Jaylon Thomas and receiver Dylan Goffney (18 catches) have also been ruled out for Dec. 16.
BYU: Quarterback Jaren Hall won't play in Saturday's game against SMU. Additionally, backup Jacob Conover transferred to Arizona State. The Cougars could go with one of three quarterbacks, with Boise State transfer Cade Fennegan expected to start. Receiver Keanu Hill's (36 catches in '22) status was unclear after leaving the game against Stanford on Nov. 26 due to injury. However, he's likely to play on Dec. 16. However, BYU could be without Puka Nacua (48 catches) on Saturday. Linebacker Keenan Pili (team's second-leading tackler) entered the portal. Fellow linebacker Payton Wilgar is also out.
Frisco Bowl - North Texas vs. Boise State
Sat., Dec. 16 – ESPN at 9:15 p.m. (Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas)
North Texas: Head coach Seth Littrell was fired at the end of the regular season. Defensive coordinator Phil Bennett will work as the team's interim coach for the postseason.
Boise State: Wide receiver Stefan Cobbs missed the last two games of the season due to injury.
Myrtle Beach Bowl - Marshall vs. UConn
Mon., Dec. 19 – ESPN at 2:30 p.m. (Brooks Stadium in Conway, S.C.)
Marshall:
UConn: Third-leading rusher Nathan Carter (405 yards) entered the transfer portal. Receivers Cam Ross and Keelan Marion (missed most of 2022) could play in the bowl.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - Eastern Michigan vs. San Jose State
Tues., Dec. 20 – ESPN at 3:30 p.m. (Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho)
Eastern Michigan:
San Jose State:
RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl - Liberty vs. Toledo
Tues., Dec. 20 – ESPN at 7:30 p.m. (FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla.)
Liberty: Head coach Hugh Freeze left to take over at Auburn. Co-defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge will work as the team's interim coach. Linebacker Ahmad Walker (64 tackles), defensive lineman Dre Butler and receiver Jaivian Lofton (10 catches) entered the portal.
Toledo: Quarterbacks Dequan Finn and Tucker Gleason were both injured at the end of the '22 season. Finn started and played in the MAC Championship Game and should be good to go on Dec. 20.
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl - WKU vs. South Alabama
Wed., Dec. 21 – ESPN at 9 p.m. (Caesars Superdome in New Orleans)
WKU: Starting quarterback Austin Reed (4,247 yards and 36 TDs) entered the portal but has opted to return to team. He's expected to play on Dec. 21. The Hilltoppers lost tight end Joshua Simon (18 catches) and two starting linemen (Rusty Staats and Gunner Britton) to transfer. Receiver Daewood Davis and defensive back Kahlef Hailassie declared for the NFL Draft. Western Kentucky received good news when linebacker JaQues Evans opted to remove his name from the transfer portal.
South Alabama:
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl - Baylor vs. Air Force
Thurs., Dec. 23 – ESPN at 7:30 p.m. (Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas)
Baylor: Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts was fired at the end of the regular season. Safety Devin Neal (41 tackles) opted to transfer. Defensive lineman Siaki Ika and defensive back Mark Milton are both out on Dec. 23.
Air Force:
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl - Louisiana vs. Houston
Fri., Dec. 23 – ESPN at 3 p.m. (Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La.)
Louisiana: Starting quarterback Ben Wooldridge suffered a season-ending injury in mid-November. Chandler Fields (originally the starter to open '22) has started the last two games for the Ragin' Cajuns. Receiver Michael Jefferson (51 catches) and end Andre Jones (8.5 TFL) won't play to prepare for the NFL Draft. Running back Chris Smith declared for the next level but plans to play on Dec. 23.
Houston: Receiver Nathaniel Dell declared for the NFL draft but plans to play in the Independence Bowl. Cornerback Jayce Rogers also declared but intends to suit up on Dec. 23. Receiver Samuel Brown is suspended for the matchup against the Ragin' Cajuns.
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl - Wake Forest vs. Missouri
Fri., Dec. 23 – ESPN at 6:30 p.m. (Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.)
Wake Forest: Running back Christian Turner (516 yards) opted to transfer after ranking second on the team in rushing yardage and won't be available on Dec. 23. No. 3 back Quinton Cooley is also transferring but plans to play on Dec. 23. Defensive back Gavin Holmes (23 tackles) opted to transfer. End Jacorey Johns is also out against Missouri.
Missouri: Receiver Dominic Lovett (56 catches for 846 yards) entered the transfer portal. Three key defenders - linemen Isaiah McGuire and D.J. Coleman and safety Martez Manuel - have opted out to prepare for the NFL draft.
EasyPost Hawaii Bowl - Middle Tennessee vs. San Diego State
Sat., Dec. 24 – ESPN at 8 p.m. (Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu)
Middle Tennessee:
San Diego State:
Quick Lane Bowl - New Mexico State vs. Bowling Green
Mon., Dec. 26 – ESPN at 2:30 p.m. (Ford Field in Detroit)
New Mexico State: Quarterback Diego Pavia was banged up in the Dec. 3 win over Valparaiso but is expected to start on Dec. 26. Punter Josh Carlson (40.5 average) transferred to Arizona State.
Bowling Green:
Camellia Bowl - Georgia Southern vs. Buffalo
Tues., Dec. 27 – ESPN at 12 p.m. (Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala.)
Georgia Southern:
Buffalo: Running backs Ron Cook Jr. and Al-Jay Henderson - a combined 901 yards this year - did not play in the regular-season finale against Akron. Receiver Jamari Gassett (28 catches) and tight end Trevor Borland entered the portal. Safety Keshawn Cobb (66 tackles and 1 INT) entered the transfer portal.
SERVPRO First Responder Bowl - Memphis vs. Utah State
Tues., Dec. 27 – ESPN at 3:15 p.m. (Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas)
Memphis: Wide receiver Javon Ivory (46 catches) won't play on Dec. 27.
Utah State: Leading rusher Calvin Tyler Jr. (1,043 yards) entered the NFL Draft but will play on Dec. 27. Cornerback Andre Grayson (27 tackles) is out.
TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl - Coastal Carolina vs. East Carolina
Tues., Dec. 27 – ESPN at 6:45 p.m. (Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala.)
Coastal Carolina: Head coach Jamey Chadwell left Coastal Carolina to take over at Liberty. Defensive coordinator Chad Staggs will work as the interim coach for the bowl. Starting center Willie Lampkin (first-team All-Sun Belt) entered the portal. Quarterback Grayson McCall returned from injury to play in the Sun Belt Championship Game against Troy but did not appear to be 100 percent. Although McCall has entered the transfer portal, he will play in the Birmingham Bowl. End Josaiah Stewart (10 TFL) and cornerbacks Manny Stokes (25 tackles) and Zxaequan Reeves transferred.
East Carolina: Starting center Avery Jones and safety Shawn Dourseau (26 tackles) entered the transfer portal. Tight end Ryan Jones (41 catches) won't play to prepare for NFL draft.
Guaranteed Rate Bowl - Wisconsin vs. Oklahoma State
Tues., Dec. 27 – ESPN at 10:15 p.m. (Chase Field in Phoenix)
Wisconsin: Starting quarterback Graham Mertz transferred. Chase Wolf or Myles Burkett will start under center. The Badgers will also be without starters Joe Tippman (C), Keeanu Benton (DL) and Jay Shaw (CB). Linebacker Nick Herbig declared for the NFL Draft. Interim coach Jim Leonhard won't be retained as the full-time coach but will lead Wisconsin for this game.
Oklahoma State: Starting quarterback Spencer Sanders (2,642 passing yards this year) entered the portal. Gunnar Gundy or Garret Rangel will start under center. The Cowboys also lost starting linebacker Mason Cobb (96 tackles), running back Dominic Richardson (543 yards), end Trace Ford, and safety Thomas Harper to transfer.
Military Bowl Presented by Peraton - UCF vs. Duke
Wed., Dec. 28 – ESPN at 2 p.m. (Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md.)
UCF: Starting quarterback John Rhys Plumlee has been dealing with a hamstring and shoulder injury during the last half of the season. No. 1 receiver Ryan O'Keefe (73 catches), top linebacker Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste (52 tackles), and defensive back Davonte Brown (30 tackles) transferred. Defensive coordinator Travis Williams left to take over the same role at Arkansas. Addison Williams was promoted to fill the play-caller role on defense.
Duke:
AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Kansas vs. Arkansas
Wed., Dec. 28 – ESPN at 5:30 p.m. (Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn.)
Kansas: Starting quarterback Jalon Daniels returned for the final two games of the year after missing the previous four matchups due to injury. The time off between the end of the regular season and Dec. 28 could help him get closer to 100 percent. Receiver Trevor Wilson is not expected to play.
Arkansas: Defensive coordinator Barry Odom took the head-coaching job at UNLV. Linebackers coach Michael Scherer is slated to call plays on Dec. 28. Linebacker Drew Sanders (first-team All-SEC) and center Ricky Stromberg (first-team All-SEC) opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Fellow linebacker Bumper Pool is also out due to injury. Defensive back Myles Slusher, tight end Trey Knox (26 catches) and receiver Ketron Jackson entered the portal. Leading receiver Jadon Haselwood (59 catches) entered the NFL Draft and won't play on Dec. 28. Defensive lineman Isaiah Nichols (started all 12 games in 2022) entered the portal on Dec. 17.
San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl - Oregon vs. North Carolina
Wed., Dec. 28 – FOX at 8 p.m. (Petco Park in San Diego)
Oregon: Offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham left to take over as head coach at Arizona State. Assistants Junior Adams and Drew Mehringer will work as the play-callers on offense. Linebacker Justin Flowe and receiver Dont'e Thornton transferred. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez (first-team All-Pac-12) and standout linebacker Noah Sewell opted out to prepare for the NFL draft.
North Carolina: Offensive coordinator Phil Longo left to take over the play-calling duties at Wisconsin. Lonnie Galloway is expected to call plays for North Carolina on Dec. 28. No. 1 receiver Josh Downs opted out to prepare for the NFL draft. The Tar Heels also lost a handful of players to the portal, including defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver and cornerbacks Tony Grimes and Storm Duck (starters).
TaxAct Texas Bowl - Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss
Wed., Dec. 28 – ESPN at 9 p.m. (NRG Stadium in Houston)
Texas Tech: Linebacker/end Tyree Wilson (14 TFL) suffered a season-ending injury in the Nov. 12 game against Kansas.
Ole Miss:
Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl - Syracuse vs. Minnesota
Thurs., Dec. 29 – ESPN at 2 p.m. (Yankee Stadium in Bronx, N.Y.)
Syracuse: Offensive coordinator Robert Anae left to take over the play-calling duties at NC State. Quarterbacks coach Jason Beck was promoted to fill Anae's role. Receiver Courtney Jackson (15 catches) and defensive lineman Steve Linton (six tackles for a loss) entered the portal. Defensive coordinator Tony White departed to take the same position at Nebraska. Nick Monroe is listed as the interim defensive signal-caller. Running back Sean Tucker (1,060 rushing yards and 11 TDs) opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. LeQuint Allen (180 yards) is likely to work as the No. 1 back on Dec. 29. Linebacker Mikel Jones declared for the NFL Draft and won't play against Minnesota.
Minnesota: Starting quarterback Tanner Morgan missed the last three games of the year due to injury. It's uncertain if Morgan will return or if Athan Kaliakmanis will start in the bowl. A couple of key defenders - linebacker Braelen Oliver and safety Michael Dixon - entered the portal. Starting center John Michael Schmitz won't play on Dec. 29.
Cheez-It Bowl - Oklahoma vs. Florida State
Thurs., Dec. 29 – ESPN at 5:30 p.m. (Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.)
Oklahoma: Starting tackles Anton Harrison and Wanya Morris, defensive lineman Jalen Redmond and running back Eric Gray have opted out to prepare for the NFL draft. Receiver Theo Wease (19 catches) entered the transfer portal. The Sooners will also be without offensive lineman Andrew Raym and running back Marcus Major.
Florida State: Safety Jammie Robinson and end Jared Verse (both NFL prospects) will play in the Cheez-It Bowl.
Valero Alamo Bowl - Texas vs. Washington
Thurs., Dec. 29 – ESPN at 9 p.m. (Alamodome in San Antonio)
Texas: Backup quarterback Hudson Card entered the transfer portal. Running backs Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown won't play on Dec. 29 to begin preparing for the NFL Draft.
Washington: Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will play and has already announced his intention to return for the '23 season.
Duke's Mayo Bowl - Maryland vs. NC State
Fri., Dec. 30 – ESPN at 12 p.m. (Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.)
Maryland: Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa was banged up at the end of the season but played in the finale versus Rutgers. He's on track to start the bowl. The Terrapins won't have receivers Jacob Copeland and Dontay Demus or cornerback Deonte Banks (NFL). Linebacker Ahmad McCullough (45 tackles) entered the portal. Also, receiver Rakim Jarrett (40 catches) added to the list of departures on offense by declaring for the NFL Draft on Dec. 13.
NC State: Starting quarterback Devin Leary suffered a season-ending injury on Oct. 8 and opted to transfer at the end of the regular season. Freshman quarterback M.J. Morris missed the final two games. It's uncertain if he will return in time for the bowl. Starting center Grant Gibson is out due to injury. Receiver Devin Carter (25 catches and 16.2 yards per catch) won't play on Dec. 30. Offensive coordinator Tim Beck left to be the head coach at Coastal Carolina. Kurt Roper will call plays on Dec. 30. Linebacker Drake Thomas plans to enter the draft but is slated to play against Maryland.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl - Pitt vs. UCLA
Fri., Dec. 30 – CBS at 2 p.m. (Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas)
Pitt: All-American defensive lineman Calijah Kancey won't play in the Sun Bowl due to injury. Quarterback Kedon Slovis entered the transfer portal. Nick Patti or Nate Yarnell will start under center against UCLA. Safety Brandon Hill (67 tackles) opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. The Panthers also won't have end Deslin Alexandre (5.5 sacks), linebacker SirVocea Dennis (94 tackles) and running back Israel Abanikanda (1,431 yards) on Dec. 30, as all three opted out to begin training for the NFL. Starting right tackle Gabe Houy also won't play on Dec. 30. However, starting guard Marcus Minor plans to depart for the next level but is slated to play on Dec. 30.
UCLA: Defensive coordinator Bill McGovern has missed the last five games due to health concerns but will return for the Sun Bowl. Receiver Jake Bobo indicated he plans to play against Pitt. Receiver Kazmeir Allen declared for the NFL and won't play on Dec. 30. Defensive tackle Gary Smith III is also questionable. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is on track to start against Pitt.
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl - Notre Dame vs. South Carolina
Fri., Dec. 30 – ESPN at 3:30 p.m. (TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.)
Notre Dame: Tight end Michael Mayer and end Isaiah Foskey won't play after declaring for the NFL draft. Quarterback Drew Pyne transferred, but the Fighting Irish will have previous starter (Tyler Buchner) back after he missed the last 10 games due to injury. Coach Marcus Freeman indicated Buchner would start after arriving in Jacksonville on Dec. 26.
South Carolina: Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield left for Nebraska. Coach Shane Beamer has not named an interim play-caller. Tight ends Jaheim Bell and Austin Stogner have transferred. Quarterback Spencer Rattler will play in the Gator Bowl. Receiver Josh Vann is questionable after suffering a knee injury in the regular season finale versus Clemson. Leading rusher MarShawn Lloyd (573 yards) entered the portal. Defensive lineman Zacch Pickens (42 tackles) won't play to prepare for the NFL Draft. Edge rusher Gilber Edmond (nine TFL) entered the portal. Starting cornerback Darius Rush won't play after entering the NFL Draft. No. 1 receiver Juice Wells indicated he plans to play against Notre Dame on Dec. 30. All-purpose weapon Dakereon Joyner will also play for the Gamecocks in the Gator Bowl. Starting tackle Dylan Wonnum won't suit up on Dec. 30 to prepare for the NFL. Safety Devonni Reed (39 tackles) won't play against the Fighting Irish.
Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl - Ohio vs. Wyoming
Fri., Dec. 30 – Barstool Sports at 4:30 p.m. (Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz.)
Ohio: Quarterback Kurtis Rourke (first-team All-MAC) suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Nov. 15 win over Ball State. Backup CJ Harris has started the last two games for the Bobcats.
Wyoming: The Cowboys are thin at running back for the Arizona Bowl. Titus Swen (NFL Draft) and Joey Braasch (transfer) have departed the roster, while Dawaiian McNeely and D.Q. James are expected to miss the game due to injury. Leading receiver Joshua Cobbs (35 catches), defensive end Oluwaseyi Omotosho (6.5 sacks), and cornerbacks Keonte Glinton and Cam Stone (10 PBU) entered the portal.
Capital One Orange Bowl - Tennessee vs. Clemson
Fri., Dec. 30 – ESPN at 8:30 p.m. (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.)
Tennessee: Quarterback Hendon Hooker is out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury suffered in the loss to South Carolina on Nov. 19. Receivers Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman declared for the NFL Draft and won't play on Dec. 30. Hyatt was a first-team All-American and won the Biletnikoff Award as college football's top receiver for '22. Starting tackle Darnell Wright declared for the NFL but intends to play in the Orange Bowl. End Byron Young is also leaving early for the next level and will suit up on Dec. 30. Linebacker Jeremy Banks opted out of the Orange Bowl.
Clemson: Cade Klubnik replaced DJ Uiagalelei as the team's starting quarterback in the ACC Championship Game win over North Carolina. The Tigers lost a handful of players to the portal, including running back Kobe Pace, defensive back Fred Davis II and receiver E.J. Williams. Receiver Beaux Collins (22 catches) is out for the year due to a shoulder injury. Clemson's defense will be without two key players in end Myles Murphy (11 TFL) and linebacker Trenton Simpson (72 tackles) on Dec. 30.
Allstate Sugar Bowl - Alabama vs. Kansas State
Sat., Dec. 31 – ESPN at 12 p.m. (Caesars Superdome in New Orleans)
Alabama: Receivers JoJo Earle, Aaron Anderson and Traeshon Holden and guard Javion Cohen entered the transfer portal. Quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson will both reportedly play on Dec. 31 against Kansas State.
Kansas State: Receiver Malik Knowles and cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe were injured in the Big 12 title game but should play in the Sugar Bowl.
TransPerfect Music City Bowl - Iowa vs. Kentucky
Sat., Dec. 31 – ABC at 12 p.m. (Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.)
Iowa: Starting quarterback Spencer Petras is out due to injury and backup Alex Padilla entered the transfer portal. Third-stringer Joey Labas (zero career pass attempts) is the favorite to start. Receiver Keagan Johnson (18 catches), linebacker Jestin Jacobs (53 tackles), and running back Gavin Williams (305 yards) entered the portal. Starting safety Kaevon Merriweather opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft.
Kentucky: The Wildcats will have an interim play-caller after the dismissal of Rich Scangarello. Quarterback Will Levis and running back Christopher Rodriguez Jr. both opted out to prepare for the NFL draft. Starting cornerback Carrington Valentine also declared early for the next level and won't play on Dec. 31. Linebacker Jordan Wright (8.5 TFL in '22) has indicated he will suit up against Iowa.
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl (College Football Playoff Semifinal) - TCU vs. Michigan
Sat., Dec. 31 – ESPN at 4 p.m. (State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.)
TCU:
Michigan: Running back Blake Corum suffered a season-ending knee injury on Nov. 19 against Illinois. Edge rusher Mike Morris (11 TFL) did not play in the Big Ten Championship Game and his status is uncertain for the CFB Playoff.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (College Football Playoff Semifinal) - Ohio State vs. Georgia
Sat., Dec. 31 – ESPN at 8 p.m. (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta)
Ohio State: Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is out for the year due to injury. Running backs TreVeyon Henderson (missed three of the last four games) and Miyan Williams were banged up at the end of the regular season. Williams is also dealing with a stomach bug at the Peach Bowl but is expected to play on Dec. 31. However, Henderson will miss the rest of the year due to a foot injury. Starting right guard Matt Jones missed the Michigan game due to injury.
Georgia: Receiver Ladd McConkey and offensive lineman Warren McClendon were injured in the SEC Championship Game. Their status for the CFB Playoff is uncertain. The Bulldogs have played for most of the year without receiver AD Mitchell, but he returned to play a few snaps at the end of the season and could be a bigger factor in the playoff.
ReliaQuest Bowl - Mississippi State vs. Illinois
Mon., Jan. 2 – ESPN2 at 12 p.m. (Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.)
Mississippi State: Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett was promoted to head coach after the tragic passing of coach Mike Leach on Dec. 13. Steve Spurrier Jr. will call plays for the Bulldogs on Jan. 2. Standout cornerback Emmanuel Forbes declared for the NFL Draft. However, Forbes is expected to play against Illinois. Safety Jackie Matthews also declared for the NFL but plans to play on Jan. 2. Leading receiver Rara Thomas (44 catches) and running back Dillon Johnson (488 rushing yards) have entered the transfer portal.
Illinois: Defensive coordinator Ryan Walters accepted an offer to become the head coach at Purdue. Defensive backs Sydney Brown and Devon Witherspoon - both first-team All-Big Ten selections - have opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Running back Chase Brown (1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns) declared for the next level and won't play on Jan. 2.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic - Tulane vs. USC
Mon., Jan. 2 – ESPN at 1 p.m. (AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas)
Tulane:
USC: Quarterback Caleb Williams suffered a significant hamstring injury in the Pac-12 Championship Game against Utah but indicated he's on track to play in the Cotton Bowl. Center Brett Neilon is out after also suffering an injury versus the Utes. Guard Justin Dedich is slated to start at center on Jan. 2. Standout guard Andrew Vorhees did not play in the Pac-12 title game due to injury and will miss the Cotton Bowl. Receiver Jordan Addison is also out on Jan. 2 due to an ankle injury. Linebacker Ralen Goforth (43 tackles) entered the portal.
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl - LSU vs. Purdue
Mon., Jan. 2 – ABC at 1 p.m. (Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.)
LSU: Receiver Kayshon Boutte won't play against Purdue on Jan. 2. After initially announcing his intention to return in '23, Boutte decided to enter the NFL Draft. Quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered an ankle injury against Texas A&M on Nov. 26 and aggravated the ailment in the SEC Championship Game. It's unclear if he will start or backup Garrett Nussmeier will get the call on Jan. 2. Receiver Jack Bech (16 catches) entered the portal. Edge rusher B.J. Ojulari entered the NFL Draft and won't play on Jan. 2. Receiver Jaray Jenkins (27 catches) and cornerback Mekhi Garner opted out to prepare for the next level. Defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy declared for the NFL Draft, leaving his status uncertain for Jan. 2. End Ali Gaye is out for the Citrus Bowl matchup against Purdue.
Purdue: Head coach Jeff Brohm left to be the coach at Louisville. Defensive coordinator Ron English followed Brohm to Louisville and won't coach in this game. Offensive coordinator Brian Brohm will work as the team's head coach. Starting left guard Spencer Holstege entered the portal. Top cornerback Cory Trice (10 PBU) and linebacker/safety Jalen Graham opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Starting quarterback Aidan O'Connell, No. 1 receiver Charlie Jones and tight end Payne Durham have also opted out. Austin Burton is expected to start at quarterback with O'Connell out. Jones (110 catches) and Durham (56) leave big shoes to fill on Jan. 2. Defensive lineman Jack Sullivan, Lawrence Johnson and Branson Deen all entered the portal. However, reports indicate all three will play on Jan. 2.
Rose Bowl Game - Penn State vs. Utah
Mon., Jan. 2 – ESPN at 5 p.m. (Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.)
Penn State: Wide receiver Parker Washington missed the last two games due to injury and won't play in the Rose Bowl after declaring for the NFL draft. Left tackle Olu Fashanu has missed the last four games due to injury. It's uncertain if he will return on Jan. 2. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. opted out to prepare for the NFL draft. Standout safety Ji'Ayir Brown will play on Jan. 2. Center Juice Scruggs and tight end Brenton Strange declared for the NFL but are slated to suit up in the Rose Bowl.
Utah: Running back Tavion Thomas is out for the season. Tight end Dalton Kincaid (70 catches) has been ruled out of the Rose Bowl due to injury. Cornerback Clark Phillips III (a first-team All-American by some outlets this year) won't play to prepare for the NFL Draft.
College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T
Mon., Jan. 9 – ESPN at 7:30 p.m. (SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.)
Matchup: TCU vs. Georgia
TCU: Running back Kendre Miller left the win over Michigan with a knee injury and did not return to action. Miller indicated to reporters after the game he planned on playing on Jan. 9. However, coach Sonny Dykes indicated Miller is questionable for the Jan. 9 matchup.
Georgia: Tight end Darnell Washington left the Peach Bowl victory over Ohio State with an ankle injury. Washington's status for the national championship is unknown. Right tackle Warren McClendon entered the Peach Bowl with injury and did not start on Saturday night. Linebacker Chaz Chambliss left the game against Ohio State and did not return. Coach Kirby Smart indicated he was hopeful Washington, Chambliss and McClendon could all play on Jan. 9.
