2022 College Football Roster Updates: Bowl Opt-Outs, Transfer Portal News, Player Injuries & More
Michael Reaves/Getty Images. Pictured: Cade McNamara (12), formerly of the Michigan Wolverines and an incoming transfer for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
- Each college football bowl season brings opt-outs, transfer portal news and injuries.
- We've been keeping track of roster updates for each bowl team since the end of conference championship weekend.
- Read on to see the latest opt-out, transfer portal and injury news for each bowl matchup.
A blitzkrieg of college football postseason news will be jammed into our social media timelines while an open betting market exists for quick action.
Coaching changes, transfer portal announcements and bowl season converge onto our favorite sport all at once — enough to overwhelm any person seeking wagers. Enter our forum here as a "Buy, Sell or Hold" hub for all bowl-bound college football teams.
This column will remain live for days, updating with critical changes among coaching ranks and monitoring the transfer portal for news that will move betting lines. The "stock" tag for each team will represent how the betting market is expected to react to a college football stock.
For instance, if Alabama quarterback Bryce Young opts out of bowl season, then a “Sell” tag is in order when the Crimson Tide play without their Heisman Trophy winner. Conversely, UConn made major strides this season with hopes on a bowl game, making their entry a “Buy” in the upcoming bowl market.
Keep this page bookmarked, and refresh it regularly as transfer portal, injury, coaching and bowl game news hits the hot wire.
2022 Bowl Game Updates & Notes:
Georgia Bulldogs
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
WR Ladd McConkey did not finish the SEC Championship with a knee injury.
Additional News & Notes
Kirby Smart owns a 6-2 ATS record in postseason games.
Stock: Hold
Ohio State Buckeyes
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
LB Teradja Mitchell.
Player Injuries
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is out of the Peach Bowl.
Additional News & Notes
None.
Stock: Hold
Michigan Wolverines
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
QB Cade McNamara, TE Erick All.
Player Injuries
DL Mazi Smith was arrested for felony gun charges but still played in the Big Ten Championship. RB Blake Corum underwent season-ending knee injury. TE Colston Loveland left the Big Ten Championship with a hip issue but did return. Important edge rushers Eyabi Okie and Mark Morris both suffered injuries in the season; severity TBD.
Additional News & Notes
Michigan projects as a 9-point favorite over TCU. Edge rushers Eyabi Okie and are Mike Morris injured. Jim Harbaugh has gone 3-5 ATS in bowl games in his career.
Stock: Hold
TCU Horned Frogs
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
None.
Stock: Hold
Utah Utes
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
RB Tavion Thomas*, TE Dalton Kincaid*, Clark Phillips*
Transfer Portal Updates
DB Malone Mataele, LB Ethan Calvert.
Player Injuries
TE Dalton Kincaid played in the Pac-12 Championship with noticeable pain.
Additional News & Notes
Utah won the Pac-12 Championship in dominant fashion. The Utes covered four of their final five games. They lost the Rose Bowl last year to Ohio State in a thriller, as Kyle Whittingham has gone 9-5 ATS in bowls.
Cornerback Clark Phillips has declared for the NFL Draft, and while it hasn't officially been announced, he's not expected to play in the bowl game.
Stock: Buy
Penn State Nittany Lions
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
CB Joey Porter Jr.*
Transfer Portal Updates
QB Christian Veilleux, DL Rodney McGraw, CB Jeffrey Davis.
Player Injuries
WR Parker Washington is out for the year.
Additional News & Notes
James Franklin has gone 6-4 ATS in bowl games. OL Olumuyiwa Fashanu would have been a potential opt-out to watch, but he announced he is returning to Penn State in 2023.
Stock: Hold
USC Trojans
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
WR Jordan Addison*, OL Andrew Vorhees*.
Transfer Portal Updates
LB Ralen Goforth (300 snaps)
Player Injuries
Star center Brett Neilon was carted off in the Pac-12 Championship. AP First-Team All American guard Andrew Vorhees also could miss the bowl (or opt out) after sitting out the Pac-12 title due to injury.
Additional News & Notes
USC lost the Pac-12 Championship with Caleb Williams playing through an injury. Early reports indicate issues with his hamstring.
Stock: Sell
Tulane Green Wave
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
WR Dea Dea McDougle (23 catches, 236 yards) is no longer with the team.
Additional News & Notes
Tulane won and covered the AAC Championship game against UCF. Willie Fritz has gone 12-8 ATS in bowl games and was the most profitable coach in college football in 2022 with a 11-2 ATS record.
Tulane last faced Lincoln Riley in Norman last season, nearly pulling off the upset at 31.5-point underdogs.
Stock: Buy
Kansas State Wildcats
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
QB Adrian Martinez was seen without a boot but did not play Big 12 Championship. WR Malik Knowles was rolled up on in the first half of the Big 12 Championship but communicated on social media he would not miss the Sugar Bowl.
Additional News & Notes
Chris Klieman, who led the Wildcats to a Big 12 title, has gone 12-6-1 ATS in during postseason games in his career.
Stock: Hold
Alabama Crimson Tide
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
WR Traeshon Holden* (25 catches, 331 yards), WR JoJo Earle (12 catches, 151 yards), WR Christian Leary (1 catch), RB Trey Sanders (14 rushes, 80 yards), G Javion Cohen*, OL Tommy Brockermeyer, OL Damieon George, DB Khyree Jackson
Player Injuries
None reported
Additional News & Notes
Although Alabama won four of its final five games, motivation will completely hinge on the participation of its blue-chip talent in the bowl game.
QB Bryce Young and EDGE Will Anderson Jr. are not expected to opt out. Potential opt-outs include S Jordan Battle, S Brian Branch, CB Malachi Moore and RB Jahmyr Gibbs.
Stock: Hold
Clemson Tigers
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
DE Myles Murphy*, LB Trenton Simpson*.
Transfer Portal Updates
QB DJ Uiagalelei*, WR Dacari Collins (61 snaps), WR EJ Williams (1 snap), RB Kobe Pace (RB3), LB LaVonta Bentley (163 snaps), LB Sergio Allen (5 snaps)
Player Injuries
WR Beaux Collins* was seen in a sling and will need surgery.
Additional News & Notes
Dabo Swinney has a 12-6 ATS record in bowl games. DL Bryan Breese stated he plans to play in the bowl game but LB Trenton Simpson* remains an opt-out candidate. Simpson also re-injured his ankle and wasn't seen at a recent bowl practice.
Stock: Hold
Tennessee Volunteers
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
WR Cedric Tillman*, WR Jalin Hyatt*, LB Jeremy Banks*.
Transfer Portal Updates
WR Jimmy Calloway (28 snaps)
Player Injuries
QB Hendon Hooker is out for the season with a torn ACL.
Additional News & Notes
Josh Heupel lost his offensive coordinator, Alex Golesh, to South Florida, where he will serve as the head coach. With Hendon Hooker out, Joe Milton went just 11-of-21 for 147 passing yards in a 56-point route of Vanderbilt.
Stock: Sell
LSU Tigers
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
CB Jay Ward*, WR Jaray Jenkins*, Edge BJ Ojulari*, DE Ali Gaye*, DL Jaquelin Roy*, WR Kayshon Boutte*.
Transfer Portal Updates
WR Jack Bech (236 snaps), Blocking TE Kole Taylor (242 snaps), OT Cam Wire (117 snaps), OT Marcus Dumervil (23 snaps), DE Desmond Little (43 snaps), CB Jaelyn Davis-Robinson.
Player Injuries
QB Jayden Daniels in a boot Nov. 27 and was replaced in the SEC Championship after limping on the field. WR Kyren Lacy (285 snaps) left the Texas A&M game with an injury in the second half.
Additional News & Notes
Brian Kelly has gone 5-9 against the spread in bowl games.
Stock: Hold
Purdue Boilermakers
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
QB Aidan O'Connell*, CB Cory Trice*, WR Charlie Jones*, LB Jalen Graham*, TE Payne Durham*, DL Lawrence Johnson*, DL Branson Deen*.
Transfer Portal Updates
LG Spencer Holstege*, RB Kobe Lewis (144 snaps).
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Jeff Brohm has taken the head coaching position at Louisville. Offensive coordinator Brian Brohm will coach the bowl game.
Stock: Buy
Illinois Fighting Illini
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
DB Devon Witherspoon*, DB Sydney Brown*, RB Chase Brown*.
Transfer Portal Updates
DB DD Snyder (0 snaps)
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Bret Bielema has gone 4-5 in bowls. Illinois blew out Northwestern in the final game to stop a three-game losing streak. QB Arthur Sitkowski will not return next season but will have a role with the team per Bielema. Keep an eye on the status of running back Chase Brown and a number of potential pro prospects in the Illinois secondary as potential opt outs.
Stock: Hold
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
S Collin Duncan*.
Transfer Portal Updates
WR Rara Thomas, RB Dillon Johnson, RB Ke'Travion Hargrove.
Player Injuries
CB Emmanuel Forbes and DB Jackie Matthews initially opted out of the bowl game but will now play.
Additional News & Notes
Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett will serve as the interim head coach after the passing of Mike Leach.
Stock: Hold
Kentucky Wildcats
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
QB Will Levis*, RB Chris Rodriguez*, CB Carrington Valentine*.
Transfer Portal Updates
RB Kavosiey Smoke, WR Chauncey Magwood
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
All but one game on Kentucky's schedule went under the total. With Levis opting out, Nashville native Destin Wade is expected to get his first start, as will fourth-string running back Jutahn McClain. Kentucky fired offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello after the regular season. Head coach Mark Stoops said he still doesn't know who will call plays in the bowl.
Stock: Hold
Iowa Hawkeyes
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
S Kaevon Merriweather.
Transfer Portal Updates
WR Arland Bruce IV*, WR Keagan Johnson, QB Alex Padilla, RB Gavin Williams (192 snaps), LB Jestin Jacobs (hurt earlier in season)
Player Injuries
QB Spencer Petras had his arm in a sling in the second half against Nebraska. He will miss the bowl after his injury required surgery. With Padilla in the portal, third string QB Joey Labas will make his first collegiate start.
TE Sam LaPorta is expected back for the bowl.
Additional News & Notes
Iowa had won four straight until a blowout loss to Nebraska, costing the Hawkeyes a chance at the Big Ten Championship. Kirk Ferentz is 8-5-1 ATS in bowl games.
Stock: Hold
Ohio Bobcats
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
S Tyler Mullins (22 snaps)
Player Injuries
QB and 2022 MAC Offensive Player of the Year Kurtis Rourke is out for the year.
Additional News & Notes
None.
Stock: Hold
Wyoming Cowboys
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
RB Titus Swen*, RB Joey Braasch (111 snaps), CB Cam Stone*, CB Keonte Glinton* (hurt earlier this season), Edge Oluwaseyi Omotosho*, WR Joshua Cobbs*.
Player Injuries
Starting DT Cole Godbout has missed the past six games. Wyoming will be down its top four running backs due to injuries to backups DQ James and Dawaiian McNeely.
Additional News & Notes
Wyoming ended the season with five straight unders. Craig Bohl has gone 11-3 ATS in bowl games.
Stock: Buy
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
TE Michael Mayer*, DE Isaiah Foskey*
Transfer Portal Updates
QB Drew Pyne*, DL Jacob Lacey (73 snaps), DE Ositadinma Ekwonu (8 snaps), DB Jayden Bellamy (0 snaps)
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Both Tyler Buchner (recovering from injury) and Steve Angeli have shared snaps at quarterback with the first team in bowl preparations.
Stock: Hold
South Carolina Gamecocks
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
CB Cam Smith* (top cornerback), DT Zacch Pickens*, CB Darius Rush*, OL Dylan Wonnum*, DB Devonni Reed*.
Transfer Portal Updates
RB Marshawn Lloyd, RB/TE Jaheim Bell, TE Austin Stogner, DB RJ Roderick (77 snaps),
Player Injuries
WR Josh Vann (325 snaps) suffered a non-ACL-related knee sprain.
Additional News & Notes
South Carolina finished the season on a heater, winning outright as a 22.5- and 14-point underdog to Tennessee and Clemson, respectively. Shane Beamer won and covered his first bowl game against North Carolina in the Duke's Mayo Bowl last season.
Beamer is unsure who will call plays in the bowl game after coordinator Marcus Satterfield left for Nebraska. The Gamecocks will start practices on December 15th.
Stock: Buy
Pittsburgh Panthers
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
DT Calijah Kancey*, RB Israel Abanikanda*, LB SirVocea Dennis*, DE Deslin Alexandre*, OT Gabe Houy*, S Brandon Hill*, OT Carter Warren*.
Transfer Portal Updates
QB Kedon Slovis*, TE Kyi Wright (29 snaps), DE John Morgan III*
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Pitt won its final four games and went over the total in five of its final seven games. Pat Narduzzi boasts a 1-4 ATS record in postseason games. With Slovis in the portal, Pitt will rely on Nick Patti and Nate Yarnell who attempted a combined 32 passes this season.
Phil Jurkovec entered the portal from Boston College and will be the Pitt quarterback in 2023.
Stock: Hold
UCLA Bruins
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Chip Kelly owns a 2-2 straight-up record in bowl games. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Jake Bobo and Zach Charbonnet are practicing for the bowl game, but we will continue to monitor their status.
Stock: Hold
NC State Wolfpack
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
WR Devin Carter (360 snaps)
Transfer Portal Updates
QB Devin Leary* (already injured)
Player Injuries
Fourth-string QB Ben Finley played the team's final two games and will start again if MJ Morris is not healthy enough to come back. Starting center Grant Gibson will also miss this game due to injury.
Additional News & Notes
Dave Doeren boasts a 5-2 ATS record in postseason bowl games. Offensive coordinator Tim Beck has left NC State to take the Coastal Carolina head coaching position. Kurt Roper will take over as interim offensive coordinator.
Stock: Hold
Maryland Terrapins
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
WR Rakim Jarrett*, WR Dontay Demus*, WR Jacob Copeland*, CB Deonte Banks*
Transfer Portal Updates
LB Ahmad McCullough*
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
None.
Stock: Hold
Washington Huskies
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
TE Jack Westover took a helmet-to-helmet shot in the third quarter.
Additional News & Notes
QB Michael Penix Jr. has reiterated that he's not opting out, as he has never played in a bowl.
Stock: Buy
Texas Longhorns
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
RB Bijan Robinson*, RB Roschon Johnson (291 snaps), LB DeMarvion Overshown*.
Transfer Portal Updates
QB2 Hudson Card, OT Andrej Karic (162 snaps), WR Troy Omeire (21 snaps), LB Prince Dorbah (66 snaps), EDGE DJ Harris (5 snaps), DB JD Coffey (52 snaps).
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Texas went over the total in four of its final five games.
Stock: Hold
Florida State Seminoles
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
CB Sam McCall (70 snaps), CB Sydney Williams (52 snaps), LB Amari Gainer (77 snaps), WR Keyshawn Helton (6 snaps)
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Florida State ended the season on a hot streak, winning its final five games with four covers. Head coach Mike Norvell has gone 0-4 ATS in postseason games.
Quarterback Jordan Travis announced his return for the 2023 season. WR Darion Williamson and Winston Wright were spotted during bowl practices.
Both DL Jared Verse and S Jammie Robinson will play in the bowl. We will monitor the status of fellow NFL prospect DT Fabien Lovett.
Stock: Buy
Oklahoma Sooners
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
RB Eric Gray*, T Anton Harrison*, OT Wanya Morris*, DL Jalen Redmond*
Transfer Portal Updates
QB3 Nick Evers, WR Theo Wease (366 snaps)
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
None.
Stock: Buy
Syracuse Orange
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
RB Sean Tucker*, OL Matthew Bergeron*.
Transfer Portal Updates
CB Darian Chestnut*, DE Steve Linton (297 snaps), WR Courtney Jackson (340 snaps).
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Offensive coordinator Robert Anae took the same position with NC State and defensive coordinator Tony White did the same at Nebraska.
Syracuse failed to cover in its final five games and needed a Boston College victory to snap a five-game losing streak. Dino Babers has gone 2-0 ATS in bowl games.
Keep an eye on the stats of NFL prospects running back Sean Tucker and left tackle Matthew Bergeron as potential opt-outs.
Stock: Sell
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
S Michael Dixon (413 snaps), LB Braelen Oliver (345 snaps).
Player Injuries
QB Athan Kaliakmanis started the final three games for the injured Tanner Morgan (head).
Additional News & Notes
Minnesota won four of its final five games. PJ Fleck owns an undefeated 3-0 ATS record in bowl games. Tanner Morgan is practicing with expectation of playing in the bowl game.
Stock: Buy
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
FS Reggie Pearson*, QB3 Donovan Smith.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Texas Tech won and covered the final three games of the season. As of now, QB Tyler Shough is expected to start with highly-touted freshman Behren Morton still recovering from injury.
Stock: Buy
Ole Miss Rebels
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
DE Demon Clowney (31 snaps), QB2 Luke Altmyer, CB Miles Battle (322 snaps)
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Ole Miss failed to cover five of its final six games on the schedule.
Stock: Sell
Oregon Ducks
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
CB Christian Gonzalez*, DE DJ Johnson*.
Transfer Portal Updates
WR Dont'e Thornton (306 snaps), WR Seven McGee (101 snaps), RB Sean Dollars (138 snaps), RB Byron Cardwell (28 snaps), QB3 Jay Butterfield, LB Justin Flowe (178 snaps), LB Jackson LaDuke (130 snaps), DE Bradyn Swinson (144 snaps).
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
The Ducks will be without offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham, who took the head coach position at Arizona State.
Oregon lost two of its final three games, but Bo Nix's mobility issues should be resolved by the time the bowl game kicks off. Bo Nix has confirmed he will play in the bowl.
Stock: Hold
North Carolina Tar Heels
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
WR Josh Downs*
Transfer Portal Updates
CB Tony Grimes*, S Cam'Ron Kelly*, CB Storm Duck*, LB Raneiria Dillworth (119 snaps), QB2 Jacolby Criswell,
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Offensive Coordinator Phil Longo has taken the same position at Wisconsin.
Stock: Hold
Arkansas Razorbacks
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
LB Drew Sanders*, LB Bumper Pool*, WR Jadon Haselwood*, C Ricky Stromberg*
Transfer Portal Updates
TE Trey Knox*, DB Myles Slusher*, WR Ketron Jackson*, QB2 Malik Hornsby, DT Isaiah Nichols.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
QB KJ Jefferson is staying for another season, while DB Myles Slusher has quit the team, per Pittman. Strength and conditioning coach Jamil Walker was fired after the Missouri loss with Pittman indicating more staff changes will be made.
Defensive Coordinator Barry Odom has accepted the UNLV head coaching position.
Stock: Hold
Kansas Jayhawks
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
DB Jarrett Paul (46 snaps), WR Steven McBride (28 snaps)
Player Injuries
WR Lawrence Arnold* suffered a leg injury against Kansas State.
Additional News & Notes
Kansas has not been to a bowl since the 2008 Insight Bowl. Lance Leipold owns a 4-1 ATS record in bowl games.
Stock: Buy
Duke Blue Devils
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Duke won four of its final five games, bringing its total to eight in head coach Mike Elko's first season.
Stock: Buy
Central Florida Knights
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
CB Davonte Brown*, LB Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste*, QB2 Mikey Keene, WR Ryan O'Keefe*, WR Jordan Johnson (13 snaps).
Player Injuries
QB John Rhys Plumlee was limited in the AAC Championship game. If he can't go, third-string QB Thomas Castellanos would get the nod with Mikey Keene in the portal.
Additional News & Notes
Gus Malzahn has gone 3-5 straight up in bowls. Linebacker Jean-Baptiste was third on the team in tackles.
Stock: Hold
Wisconsin Badgers
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
NT Keanu Benton*, LB Nick Herbig*, CB Jay Shaw*, CB Justin Clark (229 snaps), LG Tyler Beach*.
Transfer Portal Updates
QB Graham Mertz*, C Joe Tippman*, OT Logan Brown (209 snaps), WR Markus Allen (108 snaps), TE Jaylan Franklin (63 snaps), KR Isaac Guerendo*, QB Deacon Hill (3 snaps), CB Semar Melvin (101 snaps)
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Although interim Jim Leonhard will coach Wisconsin in its bowl game, new head coach Luke Fickell plans to coach in some capacity in preparation for next season.
Wisconsin had only 11 passing attempts from quarterbacks not named Mertz. Chase Wolf or Myles Burkett will get the start.
OL Michael Furtney removed himself from the portal.
Stock: Sell
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
DE Brock Martin*, DE Tyler Lacy* (was dealing with injury), DT Brendon Evers* (hasn't played since midseason)
Transfer Portal Updates
QB Spencer Sanders*, RB Dominic Richardson*, LB Mason Cobb*, DE Trace Ford*, Slot Thomas Harper (397 snaps), S Kanion Williams (21 snaps), WR Braylin Presley (49 snaps)
Player Injuries
Heading into the West Virginia game, WR Bryson Green* and OL Jason Brooks Jr.* were dealing with injuries.
Gunnar Gundy or Garret Rangel will start at quarterback
Additional News & Notes
Oklahoma State failed to cover four of its final five games, but Mike Gundy owns an 11-5 ATS record in bowls.
Stock: Hold
Georgia Southern Eagles
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
CB Derrick Canteen*.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
QB Kyle Vantrease will face the team he transferred from in Buffalo.
Stock: Buy
Buffalo Bulls
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
C Jack Hasz*, TE Trevor Borland*, WR Jamari Gassett*, QB2 Matt Myers, QB3 Casey Case
Player Injuries
Two of Buffalo's top three backs, Al-Jay Henderson and Ron Cook, missed the regular season finale due to injury.
Additional News & Notes
Buffalo qualified for a bowl with a comeback to beat Akron by a point. Buffalo was on a three-game losing streak and did not cover any of its final four games.
Stock: Sell
East Carolina Pirates
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
TE Ryan Jones*
Transfer Portal Updates
C Avery Jones*, S Shawn Dourseau (227 snaps)
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Mike Houston has a 5-2-1 ATS record in postseason games.
Stock: Hold
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
CB D'Jordan Strong*, CB Lance Boykin*.
Transfer Portal Updates
First-Team All Sun Belt C Willie Lampkin* (Will Play in Bowl), DE Josaiah Stewart*, CB Manny Stokes Jr. (314 snaps),
Player Injuries
Grayson McCall, who returned from injury in the conference title game, indicated he will play in the bowl before entering the transfer portal.
Additional News & Notes
Jamey Chadwell has accepted the head-coaching position at Liberty. Tim Beck has taken on the head coaching position at Coastal, but defensive coordinator Chad Staggs will serve as the interim for the bowl.
Stock: Sell
Utah State Aggies
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
RB Calvin Tyler Jr.*
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Utah State finished the season going over the total in three straight games.
Stock: Hold
Memphis Tigers
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
After starting the season with overs in eight of its nine games, Memphis finished with three straight unders.
Stock: Hold
New Mexico State Aggies
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
P Josh Carlson*
Player Injuries
If mobile QB Diego Pavia can't go, Gavin Frakes would get his fifth start of the season. However, head coach Jerry Kill expects him to be ready.
Additional News & Notes
Jerry Kill has never won a bowl game in five tries as a head coach. New Mexico State was granted a waiver to compete in a bowl as a five-win team after a previous cancellation with San Jose State. This will be only the second bowl game for the Aggies since 1961. Kill owns a lifetime 1-5 ATS record in bowl games.
Stock: Hold
Bowling Green Falcons
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
CB Davon Ferguson.
Player Injuries
TE Harold Fannin had his lower legs rolled up on and did not return.
Additional News & Notes
Bowling Green failed to cover three of its final four games, with five of those seven going under the total.
Stock: Sell
San Diego State Aztecs
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Brady Hoke stated this was the preferred destination for the program. Hoke last coached in this stadium last season, a 17-10 win against Hawai'i. The team will depart for the island six days before kickoff.
Stock: Buy
Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
MTSU won four of its final five games. Head coach Rick Stockstill owns a 3-6 ATS record in postseason games. Stockstill last played on the island in a 52-35 bowl loss to Hawaii.
Stock: Hold
Missouri Tigers
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
DL Isaiah McGuire*, DL DJ Coleman*, S Martez Manuel*
Transfer Portal Updates
WR Dominic Lovett*, CB DJ Jackson (24 snaps), LB Zach Lovett (5 snaps), CB LJ Hewitt (3 snaps)
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
None.
Stock: Hold
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
CB Gavin Holmes*, RB2 Christian Turner
Player Injuries
Starting safety Malik Mustapha missed the final three regular season games due to injury.
Additional News & Notes
Wake Forest won and covered just a single game in its last five contests. RB3 Quinton Cooley plans to enter the portal but will play in the bowl. WR AT Perry has participated in bowl practices.
Stock: Sell
Houston Cougars
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
QB2 Holman Edwards.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Houston failed to cover four of its final five games, while six of its final seven games went over the total. Dana Holgorsen has gone 2-7 ATS in postseason games. Receiver Nathaniel "Tank" Dell has opted out of the 2023 season for the NFL but will play in this bowl.
Wide receiver Samuel Brown has been suspended for the bowl.
Stock: Sell
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
WR Michael Jefferson*, DE Andre Jones*, RB Chris Smith*, WR Dontae Fleming*.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
QB Ben Wooldridge is out for season. Chandler Fields started the team's final game and will start in the bowl.
Additional News & Notes
None.
Stock: Hold
Air Force Falcons
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Air Force finished the season hot, winning and covering the final four games on its schedule. Five of its final six games also went under. Head coach Troy Calhoun has gone 7-5 agaibst the spread in postseason games.
Stock: Buy
Baylor Bears
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
DT Siaki Ika*.
Transfer Portal Updates
QB2 Kyron Drones, RB Josh Fleeks (11 snaps), S Devin Neal Jr. (358 snaps).
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts was let go at the end of the season. Baylor lost its final three games to Kansas State, TCU and Texas. Head coach Dave Aranda has gone 1-0 ATS in bowl games.
Stock: Hold
South Alabama Jaguars
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
WR Devin Voisin* had his arm in a sling in the second half of the team's finale. He's questionable for the bowl.
Additional News & Notes
None.
Stock: Buy
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
CB Kahlef Hailassie*, WR Daewood Davis*.
Transfer Portal Updates
TE Joshua Simon*, C Rusty Staats*, T Gunner Britton*.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
QB Austin Reed entered the transfer portal but then returned to Western Kentucky. He's expected to start.
Stock: Sell
Toledo Rockets
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
G Lavel Dumont (125 snaps)
Player Injuries
After missing time due to injury, QB1 Dequan Finn looked healthy in the MAC championship game. His backup Tucker Gleason did not suit up due to a hand injury.
Additional News & Notes
Toledo won and covered the MAC Championship. Head coach Jason Candle has gone 1-4 ATS in bowl games.
Stock: Hold
Liberty Flames
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
LB Ahmad Walker, DL Dre Butler (283 snaps), WR Jaivian Lofton (156 snaps)
Player Injuries
All three QBs — Charlie Brewer, Johnathan Bennett, Kaidon Salter — played in the regular season finale.
Additional News & Notes
Hugh Freeze has moved on to Auburn, paving the way for interim head coach Josh Aldridge, who has been on staff since 2019.
Stock: Sell
San Jose State Spartans
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
San Jose State struggled with the death of a teammate and failed to cover their final seven games. Keep an eye on the status of stud DT Viliami Fehoko as a potential opt-out candidate.
Stock: Sell
Eastern Michigan Eagles
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
QB Taylor Powell got the last start of season.
Additional News & Notes
Chris Creighton's squad went 5-1 in one-possessions games and covered four of its final five games. Creighton jhas also gone 3-1 ATS in postseason games.
Keep an eye on the status of stud DE Jose Ramirez as a potential opt-out candidate.
Stock: Hold
Connecticut Huskies
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
RB Nathan Carter.
Player Injuries
WRs Cam Ross and Keelan Marion could return from injury to help out an anemic UConn aerial attack.
Additional News & Notes
Jim Mora Jr. boasts an all-time record of 2-2 in bowl games.
Stock: Buy
Marshall Thundering Herd
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Marshall won its final four games, covering three of its last four. The Thundering Herd went over the total in just three games this season.
Stock: Hold
Boise State Broncos
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
QB2 Hank Bachmeier, TE Tyneil Hopper*
Player Injuries
RB George Holani* has a shoulder injury and was icing it in the third quarter, but should be ready to go for the Bowl. However, WR Stefan Cobbs* could miss his third straight game. The Broncos are also dealing with a number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball.
Additional News & Notes
Boise State finished the regular season by covering seven of its final eight games.
Stock: Buy
North Texas Mean Green
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Head coach Seth Littrell has been fired. Defensive coordinator Phil Bennett will serve as interim head coach. Quarterback Austin Aune will declare for the NFL Draft after the bowl game.
Stock: Sell
Florida Gators
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
QB Anthony Ricardson*, WR Justin Shorter*, OL O'Cyrus Torrence*, LB Ventral Miller*
Transfer Portal Updates
RB Nay'Quan Wright (122 snaps), RB Lorenzo Lingard (42 snaps), WR Trent Whittemore (47 snaps), TE Nick Elksnis (18 snaps), OL Josh Braun (24 snaps), LB Chief Borders (14 snaps), LB Lloyd Summerall (86 snaps), LB Diwun Black (16 snaps), DB Kamar Wilcoxson (21 snaps), DB Corey Collier (13 snaps)
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Florida lost its final two games against Vanderbilt and Florida State. Billy Napier has gone 1-3 ATS in postseason games. Ohio State transfer quarterback Jack Miller, a former four-star recruit, is expected to get the start.
Despite being NFL bound, stud DT Gervon Dexter will play for the Gators.
The Gators will be extremely thin at outside linebacker with a number of players entering the transfer portal and Brenton Cox's dismissal from the team in November.
Due to the depth hit Florida has suffered, special teams could be an issue in the bowl.
Stock: Sell
Oregon State Beavers
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
CB Rejzohn Wright*, TE Luke Musgrave* (hasn't played since Week 2)
Transfer Portal Updates
QB2 Chance Nolan, DB Ron Hardge (45 snaps)
Player Injuries
RB Damien Martinez* left in the third quarter of last game with a leg injury, but is expected to play.
Additional News & Notes
None.
Stock: Hold
Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Southern Miss covered five of its final six games.
Stock: Hold
Rice Owls
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
AJ Padgett has been getting the first-team quarterback reps at practice, while TJ McMahon has not participated.
WR Luke McCaffrey is expected to play after missing the last two games.
Additional News & Notes
Rice lost four of its final five games and has multiple injuries on the quarterback depth chart. They also have had numerous injuries at cornerback in recent weeks.
Stock: Sell
Fresno State Bulldogs
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
CB Cole Sanders* (only played 2 snaps in MWC Championship)
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
None.
Stock: Hold
Washington State Cougars
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
LB Daiyan Henley*
Transfer Portal Updates
WR De'Zhaun Stribling*, WR Donovan Ollie*, LB Francisco Mauigoa*, LB Travion Brown*
Player Injuries
Slot WR Renard Bell* will not return from injury in time for the bowl game. Nickel corner Armani Marsh is expected back.
Additional News & Notes
Stribling and Ollie led the team in targets. Defensive coordinator Brian Ward has taken the same role at Arizona State, leaving head coach Jake Dickert to call the defense without all three starting linebackers.
Washington State offensive coordinator Eric Morris is also leaving to take over as head coach at North Texas.
Stock: Sell
BYU Cougars
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
QB2 Jacob Conover, OL Campbell Barrington (123 snaps), LB Keenan Pili*
Player Injuries
QB Jaren Hall left with an ankle injury in the third quarter. If Hall is out, third-stringer Cade Fennegan would likely get the start since Conover transferred.
WR Keanu Hill* was sidelined with an injury in the second half of BYU's finale.
Linebackers Payton Wilgar and Max Tooley have also missed the last five games for the Cougars. Both will miss the bowl in addition to fellow starter Pili.
Additional News & Notes
The Cougars and defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki parted ways. BYU won and covered the final three games of the season. Kalani Sitake has gone 2-3 ATS in bowl games for his career.
Keep an eye on the status of BYU's excellent wide receiver duo of Gunner Romney (who hasn't played since Week 6) and Puca Nacua.
Stock: Hold
Southern Methodist Mustangs
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
WR Rashee Rice*
Transfer Portal Updates
RB TJ McDaniel (152 snaps)
Player Injuries
OL Jaylon Thomas* — who also declared for the NFL draft — had shoulder surgery and will miss the bowl game.
Additional News & Notes
WR Dylan Goffney (282 snaps) has also been announced as out of the bowl game for undisclosed reasons.
Stock: Hold
Cincinnati Bearcats
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
WR Tre Tucker*, TE Josh Whyle*, WR Tyler Scott.
Transfer Portal Updates
CB Ja'Quan Sheppard*, DB JQ Hardaway (95 snaps), WR Nick Mardner*, WR Jadon Thompson*, QB3 Luther Richesson, K Ryan Coe*.
Player Injuries
QB Evan Prater is the starter with Ben Bryant out for season with a foot injury. The Bearcats will not have four of their top five leaders in targets. They also may not have a kicker available with Coe entering the transfer portal.
Additional News & Notes
Kerry Coombs will serve as interim coach for the bowl game after Luke Fickell took the job at Wisconsin. Coombs lost play-calling duties for the Ohio State defense during the 2021 season.
Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel, co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Colin Hitschler and passing game coordinator Mike Brown will all join Fickell at Cincincinnati and will not coach in the Fenway Bowl. Offensive coordinator Gino Guidugli will not coach in the bowl game either.
Stock: Sell
Louisville Cardinals
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
QB Malik Cunningham*, RB Tiyon Evans*, CB Kei'Trel Clark*, WR Tyler Hudson*
Transfer Portal Updates
RB Trevion Cooley (153 snaps), RB Jalen Mitchell (46 snaps), LB Dorian Jones (223 snaps)
Player Injuries
None reported.
Additional News & Notes
Head coach Scott Satterfield has taken on the head coaching job of the team Louisville is set to face in Fenway Park, Cincinnati. A number of assistants will not be present at the bowl game including Co-defensive coordinators Wesley McGriff and Brian Brown.
Additionally, quarterback coach Pete Thomas is also joining Satterfield's staff at Cincinnati. Offensive coordinator Lance Taylor accepted the head coaching position at Western Michigan. Strength and Conditioning coach Ben Sowders has taken the same position at Arkansas.
With Malik Cunningham out, quarterback Brock Domann (3 TD, 5 INT) will make his fourth start of the season.
Stock: Sell
Troy Trojans
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
WR Jabre Barber and Marcus Rogers missed the Sun Belt Championship.
Additional News & Notes
Troy dominated Coastal Carolina and a limited Grayson McCall in the Sun Belt Championship, setting the stage for its bowl showdown. Both Barber and Rogers are 4th and 6th in targets this season.
Stock: Buy
UTSA Roadrunners
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
RB Brenden Brady missed the C-USA championship with an injury. The Roadrunners also have lost a number of other key contributors to season-ending injuries throughout the season,.
Additional News & Notes
UTSA won the C-USA Championship and 10 straight games to end the season. The Roadrunners have never won a bowl in three prior attempts. Quarterback Frank Harris will return for the 2023 season.
Stock: Hold
UAB Blazers
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
None reported.
Player Injuries
Star RB DeWayne McBride is not expected to play, as of Thursday afternoon.
Additional News & Notes
Trent Dilfer has been named UAB's head coach for 2023. If Bryant Vincent coaches the bowl game, expect plenty of motivation from the players, as a number of current players sent letters to the administration lobbying for Vincent to become the full-time head coach after serving multiple seasons as offensive coordinator. UAB went over the total in its last four games.
Stock: Buy
Miami RedHawks
Bowl Game Opt-Outs
None reported.
Transfer Portal Updates
CB John Saunders*, G Caleb Shaffer*
Player Injuries
QB Brett Gabbert withdrew from the portal, but will still miss this game due to injury. The more mobile Aveon Smith will get the start.
Additional News & Notes
Chuck Martin owns a 3-0 ATS record in postseason games.
Stock: Hold
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