The ever-growing trend of preparing for the NFL draft rather than participating in bowl games has radically changed the look of the college football season.
Although no one has opted out of the College Football Playoff, more and more players have made the understandable decision not to risk injury in a low-stakes game. Jake Pate and Jaylon Smith, among others, stand out as cautionary tales from the past.
Yes, these are the worst-case scenarios, but they are often mentioned when talking about players passing the ball.
The list of those missing for the 2023 season is already large, and will likely continue to grow in the coming weeks.
Before focusing on NFL-bound players, we also highlighted the 16 programs (and counting) in a bowl that are tasked with filling the void at the quarterback position due to the transfer portal.
Midfielder is the most important position on the pitch, so continuity is important. However, more than a dozen offenses will rely on a backup in the postseason.
Dillon Gabriel Heading to Oregon State, true freshman Jackson Arnold is thrust into Oklahoma’s lineup for the Alamo Bowl. Kyle McCord He comes out of Ohio State, which is poised to start Devin Brown in the Cotton Bowl.
These are just two big names. It’s time for some quick hitters.
- Oregon State will be without both DJ Yagalili And Aidan Chiles (to Michigan State) in the Sun Bowl. UCLA will not have Dante Moore For the LA Bowl.
- Kansas State down Will Howard For the Pop-Tarts bowl.
- ACC schools Duke and Miami will not have Riley Leonard (to Notre Dame) or Tyler Van Dyke (to Wisconsin) in the Birmingham Bowl and Pinstripe Bowl, respectively.
- Five star group Dequan Finn (Toledo), Curtis Rourke (Ohio), Jordan McCloud (James Madison), Taylin Green (Boise State to Arkansas) and Chandler Rogers (North Texas to Cal) They all entered the portal.
- Adhan Kalyakmanis (Minnesota), Avion Smith (Miami U), Cam Fancher (Marshall) and Austin Smith (Eastern Michigan) are moving too.
One notable anomaly is Utah Bryson Barnes. Although he is scheduled to transfer, Barnes will start in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Find out what USC is Caleb Williams And North Carolina Drake May At stake, it stands to reason that none of the potential players will play.
Williams’ void pushes Miller Moss into the QB1 spot opposite Louisville in the Holiday Bowl. Earlier that day (Dec. 27), by the way, Conner Harrell was set to serve as May’s backup for UNC’s clash with West Virginia in the Mayo Bowl at Duke.
As of now, the last NFL-bound QB to know is Sam Hartman.
The transfer from Wake Forest has guided Notre Dame to nine wins this season. Hartman said goodbye to the Fighting Irish, who head to Steve Angeli against Oregon State in the Sun Bowl.
By far, the most popular player is Notre Dame left tackle Alternative atmosphere. He is a potential top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately for Oregon State, the advantage it could have had in the Sun Bowl from Alt’s absence is offset by right tackle He laughed He doesn’t play. Alt and Fuaga both earned AP All-America status in 2023.
Oddly enough, the Alamo Bowl has an identical story. Arizona left tackle Jordan Morgan and Oklahoma right tackle Tyler Guyton They will not play when their two programs meet in San Antonio. Both linemen had top-50 rankings on B/R’s most recent draft board.
How about another one for this trend?
Along with Caleb Williams, USC will be without a receiver Brendan Rice. Louisville, though, will fall short of the ACC’s first-team squad Jawhar Jordan In the Holiday Bowl clash between the two teams.
Back to Wisconsin Braylon Allen and North Carolina broadly Tees Walker They sit in the ReliaQuest Bowl and Duke’s Mayo Bowl, respectively. Florida State receiver Johnny Wilson She won’t appear in the Orange Bowl either.
The best reaction to the draft announcement goes to Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, who… He’s clearly not sad Which Chub Robinson He will not play for Penn State in the Peach Bowl.
Troll on, lynn.
Anyway, fellow edge rusher Laito lato Not part of UCLA’s preparations for the LA Bowl. Bleacher Report’s scouting department recently ranked Robinson and Lato among the top 20 prospects.
Clemson will be without a linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr And the back Nate Wiggins against Kentucky in the Gator Bowl.
Two quarterbacks, Texas A&M Edgren Cooper And North Carolina Cedric Gray, will not suit up for the Texas Bowl and Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Cooper earned first-team AP All-America recognition this season, while Gray earned his second first-team All-ACC honor.
Decisions about postseason play are not necessarily made immediately.
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels He is a perfect example. He’s been kind of busy, winning the Heisman Trophy and all that.
More prospects of his caliber – Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr And Georgia tight end Brooke PowersFor example – she has yet to reveal plans for the NFL draft. These decisions may affect whether they are available for the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl, respectively.
Miami is expected to lose the defensive tackle Leonard Taylor And safety Camryn Kinchens And James Williams To the NFL Draft. There’s no official word on whether any of them will play in the Pinstripe Bowl.
The same is true for safety in Utah Cole Bishop And Sion Faki. Their absence is inferred but not confirmed from NFL advertisements.
The 2023 bowl games have seen the rise of several notable college football players who have emerged as standout performers on the big stage. These players have displayed their exceptional talent, skill, and determination, leaving a lasting impact on the college football landscape. From breakout stars to seasoned veterans, the 2023 bowl games have showcased a new generation of remarkable athletes who are on the cusp of making a significant impact in the world of football. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout players who have made a lasting impression during the 2023 bowl games.