Over the past few years, the college football news cycle has been unending. That won't change this season.
There's a new transfer portal window, which will open up in early January, but we will still have many players declaring prior to that date.
With so many portal moves and opt-outs for so many games, it can be hard to keep track of everything going on. That's what this file is for.
Below, you'll find a running log of the all-important news for each individual bowl game.
I will continuously update this file as more news comes in regarding transfers, injuries and opt-outs for players with at least 200 snaps this season, so make sure you periodically check back if you want to double-check any game information before placing a bet.
This file will include injuries, declared opt-outs, potential opt-outs, coaching changes and transfer portal updates. Keep in mind, players in the portal can still play in their bowl games. Every school/coach handles those differently in addition to the personal preference of each player.
Many of the potential opt-outs I have listed will play, but they're worth monitoring as they declare their NFL aspirations. Those who declare are less likely to suit up. However, while some will note their bowl status in their announcement (which I will always note), many do not.
It's also worth mentioning that 10 total teams (Notre Dame, Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Florida State, Auburn, UCF, Baylor, Temple and Rutgers) all declined bowl bids.
As a result, Rice, Appalachian State and Mississippi State will appear in bowl games with 5-7 records.
Does this mean we will have a higher percentage of teams this season that "care?" It's certainly possible. That could lead to a fewer percentage of opt-outs, but it's difficult to say at this point.
For convenience, the bowls are listed in chronological order below.
2025 College Football Bowl News Tracker
Click any matchup below to navigate directly to our news breakdown for that specific bowl game. This article will be updated as more news surfaces.
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Birmingham Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Appalachian State
Georgia Southern Injuries
- RB OJ Arnold (stud; missed finale)
- WR Dalen Cobb (missed finale)
- DT Devan Lowe (missed finale)
Appalachian State Transfer Portal
- QB AJ Swann (lost job late in year)
- QB JJ Kohl (took starting job late in year)
- Starting S DJ Burks (leading tackler over past two seasons; traveled with team)
- Starting WR Davion Dozier (448 yards, 5 TDs)
- Starting CB Elijah Mc-Cantos (705 snaps)
- Starting DT Rondo Porter (498 snaps)
- LB Brayshawn Littlejohn (305 snaps)
- EDGE Thomas Davis (220 snaps; hasn't played since Week 8)
- OT Denell Nix Jr. (236 snaps)
- DT Bucci Farmer (90 snaps)
If Swann and Kohl don't suit up, App State only has two quarterbacks with experience on the roster in freshman Noah Gillon (13-32 for 111 yards on the season) and senior Billy Wiles (formerly at Clemson and Southern Miss).
Head coach Dowell Loggains stated those in the portal would be allowed to play if they choose to do so. He said some may be surprised by who actually plays for whatever that's worth.
Appalachian State Injuries
- WR Jaden Barnes (didn't play final two games)
- RG Trent Ramsey (hasn't played since Week 8)
- TE Izayah Cummings (hasn't played since Week 9)
- S Dylan Hasz (missed final two games)
Other Notes: This is a rematch of a regular season conference game in which Georgia Southern won 25-23.
Independence Bowl: Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana Tech
Coastal Carolina Transfer Portal
- LT Nick Del Grande (663 snaps; will not play)
- RT Joseph Hanson (572 snaps; will play)
Coastal Carolina Injuries
- QB Samari Collier (missed final two games with a knee injury)
- LT Nick Del Grande (missed final two games and will not play; in portal now)
- CB Myles Mooyoung (missed final two games)
- LB Shane Bruce (hurt W11; 306 snaps)
- S Dante Thomas (missed final two games; 247 snaps)
Tad Hudson would start at QB if Collier can't go. S Xamarion Gordon and WR Cameron Wright will not play.
Coastal Carolina Coaching Changes
The Chants fired head coach Tim Beck. Defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson will serve as the interim head coach for the bowl before former Missouri State head coach Ryan Beard takes over.
Louisiana Tech Transfer Portal
- S Michael Richard (603 snaps)
- S Jacob Fields (775 snaps)
- LB Mekhi Mason (675 snaps)
- CB Jamal Shelby (689 snaps)
I'd expect Trey Kukuk to start at QB in the bowl. He started the final two games.
Louisiana Tech Injuries
- QB Blake Baker (hurt in Week 11; out for year)
- QB Evan Bullock (also in portal)
- LB Kolbe Fields (out since Week 5; 297 snaps)
- RT Kenneth Bannister (out since Week 7; 306 snaps)
Music City Bowl: Tennessee vs. Illinois
Tennessee Transfer Portal
- CB Boo Carter (239 snaps)
- RB Peyton Lewis (164 snaps)
Tennessee Opt-Outs
- WR Chris Brazzell II
- LB Arion Carter
- DE Joshua Josephs
- CB Colton Hood
- CB Jermod McCoy (out all year)
Head coach Josh Heupel said he doesn't expect any other opt-outs with everybody else on the roster practicing.
Tennessee Potential Opt-Outs
- LT Lance Heard (practicing with team)
- S Jalen McMurray (practicing with team)
Tennessee Injuries
- TE Miles Kitselman (missed final 2 games; decent chance to return)
- RG Wendell Moe (out)
- DT Jaxson Moi (237 snaps; out)
- CB Rickey Gibson III (out all year)
- EDGE Jordan Ross (missed finale; 217 snaps)
Tennessee Coaching Changes
Tennessee fired defensive coordinator Tim Banks, who had served in that role since 2021. LB coach William Inge will serve as interim.
Illinois Opt-Outs
- LB Gabe Jacas
- OL J.C. Davis
Illinois Potential Opt-Outs
- S Xavier Scott
- WR Hank Beatty
- TE Tanner Arkin
Quarterback Luke Altmyer will play in the Music City Bowl, per 247Sports' Jeremy Werner.
Illinois Injuries
- Starting S Matthew Bailey (had surgery; will not play)
- LB Jojo Hayden (missed finale; 239 snaps)
Illinois Transfer Portal
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said he believes 6-10 players will enter the transfer portal after the bowl game, but they will be allowed to play. Only one of those is a starter.
Alamo Bowl: USC vs. TCU
USC Transfer Portal
- CB Braylon Conley (201 snaps)
- DL Devan Thompkins
- TE Walker Lyons
USC Opt-Outs
- TE Lake McRee
- WR Ja'Kobi Lane
- WR Makai Lemon
- LB Eric Gentry
- S Kamari Ramsey
USC Potential Opt-Outs
- QB Jayden Maiava (will play; re-signed with USC)
- DT Keeshawn Silver
- CB DJ Harvey (only played 104 snaps)
USC Injuries
- DE Jahkeem Stewart (won't be available)
- RG Alani Noa (missed finale)
- LT Elijah Paige (hasn't played since Week 11; won't play)
- C Killian O'Connor (won't play)
- RB Waymond Jordan (hasn't played since Week 7; has a chance to return)
- Starting S Bishop Fitzgerald (also declared for NFL draft, but didn't officially opt out)
- Starting EDGE Anthony Lucas (also declared for NFL draft, but didn't officially opt out)
USC Coaching Changes
Defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn is leaving for the same job at Penn State.
TCU Transfer Portal
- Starting QB QB Josh Hoover
- Starting DE Paul Oyewale (is still with team)
With Hoover entering the portal, Ken Seals will likely start under center.
TCU Potential Opt-Outs
- TE DJ Rogers
- WR Eric McAlister (says he will play)
- S Jamel Johnson
- S Bud Clark (should play)
- LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr (should play)
Could Hoover possibly follow OC Briles to South Carolina? It's possible. His brother does play baseball for the Gamecocks. Sonny Dykes did say he expects everybody to play.
TCU Injuries
- WR Jordan Dwyer (54 catches for 730 yards; expected to miss bowl game with a foot injury)
- S Bud Clark (stud; missed final two games)
- S Kylin Jackson (missed finale; 217 snaps)
- RB Kevorian Barnes (hasn't played since Week 11)
TCU Coaching Changes
Offensive coordinator Kendal Briles was hired for the same role at South Carolina. TE coach Mitch Kirsch will serve as the primary play-caller from the press box, but it will be a collaborative effort.
ReliaQuest Bowl: Iowa vs. Vanderbilt
Iowa Potential Opt-Outs
- DE Max Llewellyn
- DT Aaron Graves
- C Logan Jones
- RG Kade Pieper
- RT Gennings Dunker
- S Xavier Nwankpa
- CB TJ Hall
Head coach Kirk Ferentz said he expects the roster to be fully intact for the bowl game.
Iowa Injuries
- CB TJ Hall (missed final two games; spotted at practice)
- RB Xavier Williams (missed finale; 141 snaps)
Vanderbilt Opt-Outs
- TE Eli Stowers
Vanderbilt Potential Opt-Outs
- QB Diego Pavia (can't imagine he doesn't play)
Vanderbilt Injuries
Nothing noteworthy.
Sun Bowl: Arizona State vs. Duke
Arizona State Transfer Portal
- QB Sam Leavitt (also injured)
- LT Josh Atkins (792 snaps)
- CB Javan Robinson (659 snaps)
- LB Tate Romney (101 snaps)
Kenny Dillingham allows players in the portal to play in bowl if they choose to do so. He said Jeff Sims would start at QB but freshman Cam Dyer will get some reps in the game.
Arizona State Opt-Outs
- WR Jordyn Tyson
- DB Xavion Alford (injured W2)
- CB Keith Abney II
- RB Raleek Brown
- RT Max Iheanachor
- LB Keyshaun Elliott
- TE Chamon Metayer
Arizona State Potential Opt-Outs
- DT C.J. Fite (will return in 2026; expected to play)
- DE Prince Dorbah
- RG Kyle Scott
- S Myles Rowser (declared for NFL Draft but dressed for practice; TBD on status)
- DL Justin Wodtly (declared for the NFL draft but said he'd still play in bowl)
- LB Jordan Crook (declared for the NFL draft but should still play)
Arizona State Injuries
- CB Rodney Bimage Jr. (hasn't played since Week 12; 177 snaps)
- OL Ben Coleman (lost for year in Week 7)
- DE Clayton Smith (recent knee surgery)
Duke Opt-Outs
- Starting RT Brian Parker II
- CB Chandler Rivers
- DE Vincent Anthony Jr.
DE Wesley Williams declared for NFL draft, but Manny Diaz says he expects him to play. Diaz also stated everybody else besides the three above are practicing.
QB Darian Mensah considered entering the NFL Draft but will return to Duke for his redshirt junior season.
Duke Injuries
- CB Kimari Robinson (missed ACC title game)
- DE Bryce Davis (missed ACC title game; 155 snaps)
- S Terry Moore (been out all year; will be drafted)
Citrus Bowl: Michigan vs. Texas
Michigan Opt-Outs
- EDGE Derrick Moore
- LB Jaishawn Barham
- LG Giovanni El-Hadi
Michigan Potential Opt-Outs
- QB Bryce Underwood (will play)
- CB Jyaire Hill
- CB Zeke Berry
- DT Rayshaun Benny
- RB Justice Haynes
- EDGE TJ Guy
- TE Marlin Klein (said he will play)
- LB Jimmy Rolder
- S Brandyn Hillman
Interim head coach Biff Poggi said he does expect more opt outs.
Update: it looks like everybody made the trip to Orlando outside of the three opt-outs. The Wolverines are now expecting a pretty full roster.
Michigan Injuries
- LB Ernest Hausmann (missed final two games)
- S Mason Curtis (hurt vs. Ohio State)
- LT Evan Link (last played in Week 8)
- S Rod Moore (only 81 snaps; in street clothes at practice)
- RB Justice Haynes (last played in Week 9; will make trip but status TBD)
- RB Jordan Marshall (played only 16 snaps vs. Ohio State)
- WR Semaj Morgan (missed final two games)
- Backup QB Mikey Keene (won't be available for bowl)
- TE Max Bredeson (310 snaps; in boot at practice)
Michigan Coaching Changes
Michigan has fired head coach Sherrone Moore. Former Charlotte head coach Biff Poggi has been named the interim head coach, with former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham expected to take over.
This, in all likelihood, increases the chances of Michigan opt-outs.
Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey also left Michigan to become the offensive coordinator at Missouri. Co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Steve Casula will be the interim OC for the Citrus Bowl.
Texas Transfer Portal
- RB Quintrevion Wisner (412 snaps)
- RB CJ Baxter (161 snaps)
- RB Jerrick Gibson (74 snaps)
- OL Connor Stroh (310 snaps)
- LB Liona Lefau (462 snaps)
- S Derek Williams (204 snaps)
- CB Wardell Mack (73 snaps)
- DL Melvin Hills (28 snaps)
Texas Opt-Outs
- S Michael Taaffe (600 snaps)
- CB Malik Muhammad (593 snaps)
- CB Jaylon Guilbeau (548 snaps)
- LB Anthony Hill Jr. (declared for NFL Draft; missed final two games due to injury; 563 snaps)
- EDGE Trey Moore (486 snaps)
- EDGE Ethan Burke (378 snaps)
- WR DeAndre Moore (not expected back in 2026)
Texas will be without seven of its top 11 defenders in terms of snap count. DB Jelani McDonald announced he will be back in 2026.
Texas Potential Opt-Outs
- DT Cole Brevard
- RG DJ Campbell (will play)
- LT Trevor Goosby (will play)
- TE Jack Endries (says he will play)
Texas Coaching Changes
Texas fired defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and hired Will Muschamp to be the new DC.
Las Vegas Bowl: Nebraska vs. Utah
Nebraska Transfer Portal
- Starting QB Dylan Raiola (out for year due to injury)
- DB Malcolm Hartzog (74 snaps)
- QB Marcos Davila
Nebraska Opt-Outs
- RB Emmett Johnson (declared for NFL Draft)
- RG Rocco Spindler (NFL/Finger)
Nebraska Potential Opt-Outs
- S DeShon Singleton (headed to Senior Bowl; on bowl depth chart)
- LG Henry Lutovsky (on bowl depth chart)
- EDGE Dasan McCullough (350 snaps; declared for draft; not on depth chart)
Rhule said he doesn't expect any other starters to opt out.
Nebraska Injuries
- QB TJ Lateef (hamstring)
- OT Gunnar Gottula (last played in Week 8; out for year)
- OT Teddy Prochazka (last played in Week 7; out for year)
Update: Rhule said Lateef is now a full-go.
Nebraska Coaching Changes
Nebraska fired DC Jon Butler earlier this month and hired the San Diego State DC to replace him. Phil Snow will serve as the interim. Rhule also recently fired both the OL and DL coaches.
Utah Opt-Outs
- LT Caleb Lomu (823 snaps)
- RT Spencer Fano (822 snaps)
- DE Logan Fano (516 snaps)
Utah Potential Opt-Outs
- QB Devon Dampier (said he'd play)
- LB Lander Barton (said he'd play)
- S Tao Johnson
- CB Smith Snowden
Utah Injuries
- DE John Henry Daley (out for year; one of best in the country)
- WR Ryan Davis (leading receiver; missed finale)
- OL Solatoa Moea'i (missed finale; 299 snaps)
Utah Coaching Changes
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham took the Michigan job and will not coach in the Las Vegas Bowl. Utes defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley (and head coach in waiting) will take over.
Armed Forces Bowl: Rice vs. Texas State
Rice Opt-Outs
- Starting QB Chase Jenkins (will not play in bowl)
I'd expect Patrick Crayton Jr. to start at quarterback.
Rice Transfer Portal
- Starting QB Chase Jenkins (712 snaps)
- WR Drayden Dickmann (653 snaps)
- RB Daelen Alexander (74 carries, 392 yards)
- S LaVonte Johnson (76 snaps)
- QB Drew Devillier (46 snaps)
Rice Injuries
- CB Khary Crump (kicked off team in Week 7)
Texas State Transfer Portal
- RG Tellek Lockette (277 snaps; injured since Week 6)
- RB/KR Jaylen Jenkins (55 snaps)
Texas State Injuries
- DT Bryce Carter (missed final two games; 312 snaps)
Liberty Bowl: Navy vs. Cincinnati
Navy Potential Opt-Outs
- DT Landon Robinson
Navy Injuries
- LB Job Grant (missed final two games)
- CB Irabonoise Oniha (missed final two games)
- TE Cody Howard (last played in Week 9)
Cincinnati Transfer Portal
- Starting QB Brendan Sorsby (will not play)
- Starting S Christian Harrison (683 snaps)
- Starting S Trevon Gola-Callard (628 snaps)
- Starting S Jiquan Sanks (506 snaps)
- Starting CB Logan Wilson (548 snaps; also KR)
- Starting DE Mikah Coleman (447 snaps)
- CB Ormaine Arnold (257 snaps; 13 PBUs)
- S Tayden Barnes (185 snaps)
- Depth CB Kye Stokes (18 snaps)
- Depth S Willie Goodwyn (7 snaps)
- DT Kamari Burns (174 snaps)
- RT Ethan Green (82 snaps)
None of the above are on the bowl depth chart. The Cincinnati secondary will be extremely thin, which may be tied to losing CB coach Eddie Hicks to Arkansas.
Cincinnati Potential Opt-Outs
- DT Dontay Corleone (declared for NFL Draft; not on depth chart)
- LB Jake Golday (declared for NFL Draft; on depth chart)
With QB Sorsby out, Satterfield said both fourth-year senior Brady Lichtenberg (333 career passing yards) and freshman Samaj Jones (2 pass attempts this year) will see action under center. The rest of the offense, including NFL prospect TE Joe Royer, should suit up.
Cincinnati Injuries
Nothing noteworthy.
Holiday Bowl: Arizona vs. SMU
Arizona Transfer Portal
- G Michael Wooten (230 snaps)
- TE Keyan Burnett (107 snaps)
Arizona Potential Opt-Outs
- CB Treydan Stukes
- S Genesis Smith
Head coach Brett Brennan said there could be opt-outs but said he won't announce them before the game. He said it's a personal decision for the players, and he doesn't want to give SMU any knowledge of who may be sitting.
Arizona Injuries
- RT Tristan Bounds (didn’t play in final two games)
- NT Tiaoalii Savea (last played in Week 11)
SMU Transfer Portal
- OLB DJ Warner (207 snaps)
SMU Potential Opt-Outs
- QB Kevin Jennings (will play)
- WR Romello Brinson
- TE RJ Maryland
- TE Matthew Hibner
- OG Logan Parr
- DL Jeff M'ba
- S Isaiah Nwokobia
SMU Injuries
Nothing noteworthy.
Duke's Mayo Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State
Wake Forest Transfer Portal
- DT Mateen Ibirogba (stud)
- WR Christopher Barnes (323 snaps)
- WR Micah Mays Jr. (one snap in finale)
Wake Forest Potential Opt Outs
- RB Demond Claiborne (declared for NFL draft)
Wake Forest Potential Opt Outs
- RT Fa’alili Fa’amoe
- S Davaughn Patterson
- S Nick Andersen
Wake Forest Injuries
- EDGE Nuer Gatkuoth (missed finale; 390 snaps)
- OG George Steih (last played in Week 12; 514 snaps; freshman Clinton Richard has filled in nicely)
- WR Micah Mays Jr. (one snap in finale)
Mississippi State Transfer Portal
- S Tony Mitchell (374 snaps)
Mississippi State Potential Opt-Outs
- S Isaac Smith
Mississippi State Injuries
- LB Derion Gullette (last played W12)
Mississippi State Coaching Changes
The Bulldogs fired defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler. Zach Arnett will return to Starkville to take back his old role.
I assume Kamario Taylor will start at QB, but maybe we'll see Blake Shapen in his last game.
