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College Football Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker: Transfer Portal, Injuries & Updated Odds for All 47 Games

Rob Paul

Last Updated: January 3, 2025 11:02 AM EST • 9 min 10 sec read.

Notre Dame defensive lineman Rylie Mills celebrates getting a sack during against Stanford. Mills is among the players covered in our college football bowl game opt-out tracker.
Notre Dame defensive lineman Rylie Mills celebrates getting a sack during against Stanford. Photo by Michael Clubb/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Nothing screams the holiday season like 40-plus college football bowl games and CFP matchups leading up to the national championship on Jan. 20.

But in the new age of college football, constant roster and coaching movement make it more important than ever to stay on top of everything with our college football bowl game opt-out tracker before analyzing the college bowl game odds.

Beyond the teams competing to climb the college football championship odds, some of the largest programs in the country will be without top stars, with many either hitting the transfer portal or beginning preparation for the NFL draft. Of course, the coaching carousel is churning, too, with Bill Belichick taking the job at North Carolina the highlight.

Our college football experts at Sportsbook Review have compiled the most complete and updated bowl tracker for bettors with every notable absence, from Heisman Trophy odds finalists to rotation players. We have it all.

College football bowl game opt-out tracker

Live college football odds from our best college football betting sites; updated opt-outs, transfers, and injuries tracked daily by our team of college football experts.

Key college football bowl opt-outs & transfers

PlayerBowl matchupReason
Chandler Morris, QB, North TexasFirst Responder Bowl vs. Texas StateTransfer portal (committed to Virginia)
Kaidon Salter, QB, LibertyBahamas Bowl vs. BuffaloTransfer portal (committed to Colorado)
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia TechDuke's Mayo Bowl vs. MinnesotaOpt-out (NFL draft)
Ismail Mahdi, RB, Texas StateFirst Responder Bowl vs. North TexasTransfer portal (committed to Arizona)
Quinton Cooley, RB, LibertyBahamas Bowl vs. BuffaloOpt-out (NFL draft)
Aireontae Ersery, OL, MinnesotaDuke's Mayo Bowl vs. Virginia TechOpt-out (NFL draft)
Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio StateCollege Football Playoff game vs. TexasInjury (NFL draft)
Phillip Daniels, OL, MinnesotaDuke's Mayo Bowl vs. Virginia TechTransfer portal (committed to Ohio State)
Seth McLaughlin, OL, Ohio StateCollege Football Playoff game vs. TexasInjury (out)
Antwaun Powell-Ryland, DL, Virginia TechDuke's Mayo Bowl vs. MinnesotaOpt-out (NFL draft)
Rylie Mills, DL, Notre DameCollege Football Playoff game vs. Penn StateInjury (out)
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre DameCollege Football Playoff game vs. Penn StateInjury (out)
Mansoor Delane, CB, Virginia TechDuke's Mayo Bowl vs. MinnesotaTransfer portal (committed to LSU)

We have a handful of stars opting out of their team's postseason plans, including Liberty QB Kaidon Salter, Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten, and Minnesota OL Aireontae Ersery.

SbrCollege Football Playoff Challenge Lobby 1 K

First Responder Bowl opt-outs: North Texas vs. Texas State (Jan. 3)

First Responder Bowl odds

North Texas opt-outs

  • Cash McCollum, QB (transfer portal)
  • Chandler Morris, QB (transfer portal)
  • Damashja Harris, RB (injury - out)
  • Ikaika Ragsdale, RB (transfer portal)
  • Juwaun Price, RB (transfer portal)
  • Shane Porter, RB (transfer portal)
  • Dallas Dudley, WR (transfer portal)
  • DT Sheffield, WR (transfer portal)
  • Jeremiah Aaron, WR (transfer portal)
  • Nick Rempert, WR (transfer portal)
  • Luke Carter, TE (transfer portal)
  • Oscar Hammond, TE (transfer portal)
  • Gabe Blair, OL (transfer portal)
  • Jett Duncan, OL (injury - questionable)
  • Larry Moore, OL (injury - out)
  • Leke Asenuga, OL (transfer portal)
  • Tyler Mercer, OL (transfer portal)
  • Keith Smith Jr., DL (transfer portal)
  • Kortlin Rausaw, DL (transfer portal)
  • Hudson Emeterio, LB (transfer portal)
  • Matthew Moore, LB (transfer portal)
  • Kerry Williams II, CB (transfer portal)
  • David Spruiells, S (transfer portal)
  • Isheem Young, S (injury - out)
  • Jaden Pettway, S (transfer portal)
  • Jayven Anderson, S (transfer portal)

Betting impact

North Texas could be in trouble with QB Chandler Morris and WR DT Sheffield both hitting the portal. They were among the best at their positions in the G5 this season. The Mean Green could also potentially be without multiple starters on the offensive line. Making Texas State an intriguing team to back, even with its departures.

Texas State opt-outs

  • PJ Hatter, QB (transfer portal)
  • RJ Martinez, QB (transfer portal)
  • Ismail Mahdi, RB (transfer portal)
  • Drew Donley, WR (injury - questionable)
  • Kole Wilson, WR (transfer portal)
  • Langston Anderson, WR (transfer portal)
  • Konner Fox, TE (injury - questionable)
  • Alex Harkey, OL (transfer portal)
  • David Conner, OL (transfer portal)
  • Jimeto Obigbo, OL (transfer portal)
  • Ben Bell, DL (transfer portal)
  • Dominique Ratcliff, DL (transfer portal)
  • Steven Parker, DL (injury - questionable)
  • Tavian Coleman, DL (transfer portal)
  • Max Harris, LB (transfer portal)
  • JeCareon Lathan, CB (transfer portal)
  • Josh Eaton, CB (transfer portal)
  • Daniel Meunier, LS (transfer portal)

Betting impact

Two of the best players in program history will be gone for the Bobcats' matchup with the Mean Green. RB Ismail Mahdi and DL Ben Bell are both in the portal. The Mahdi news hurts more, as Bell redshirted weeks ago with the intention of transferring. Luckily for G.J. Kinne, star QB Jordan McCloud and his top receivers should all be suiting up, but there's murmurs that McCloud may not play the whole game.

Duke's Mayo Bowl opt-outs: Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech (Dec. 3)

Duke's Mayo Bowl odds

Minnesota opt-outs

  • Jayden Wright, RB (injury - out)
  • Jordan Nubin, RB (transfer portal)
  • Marcus Major, RB (opt-out)
  • Sieh Bangura, RB (transfer portal)
  • Zander Rockow, RB (transfer portal)
  • Daniel Jackson, WR (opt-out)
  • Kristen Hoskins, WR (transfer portal)
  • Quentin Redding, WR (injury - out)
  • Pierce Walsh, TE (injury - questionable)
  • Aireontae Ersery, OL (opt-out)
  • Cody Lindenberg, OL (opt-out)
  • Jerome Williams, OL (injury - out)
  • Phillip Daniels, OL (transfer portal)
  • Tyler Cooper, OL (opt-out)
  • Hayden Schwartz, DL (transfer portal)
  • Luther McCoy, DL (transfer portal)
  • Riley Sunram, DL (injury - out)
  • Sam Macy, DL (injury - out)
  • Tyler Stolsky, LB (transfer portal)
  • Darius Green, CB (injury - questionable)
  • Simon Seidl, CB (injury - out)
  • Aidan Gousby, S (injury - questionable)
  • Craig McDonald, S (transfer portal)

Betting impact

Minnesota is in a similar spot to Virginia Tech with many of its key players hitting the portal or opting out. The two best players on the offense won't be playing with OL Aireontae Ersery and WR Daniel Jackson opting out. While neither has opted out yet, DL Jah Joyner and CB Justin Walley could also opt-out, the team's two best defenders.

Virginia Tech opt-outs

  • Ben Locklear, QB (transfer portal)
  • Collin Schlee, QB (injury - questionable)
  • Kyron Drones, QB (injury - questionable)
  • Jackson Sigler, QB (transfer portal)
  • Bhayshul Tuten, RB (opt-out)
  • Malachi Thomas, RB (transfer portal)
  • P.J. Prioleau, RB (injury - questionable)
  • Da'Quan Felton, WR (opt-out)
  • Jaylin Lane, WR (opt-out)
  • Jordan Tapscott, WR (transfer portal)
  • Marcell Baylor, WR (transfer portal)
  • Takye Heath, WR (injury - questionable)
  • Xayvion Turner-Bradshaw, WR (transfer portal)
  • Nick Gallo, TE (injury - questionable)
  • Braelin Moore, OL (transfer portal)
  • Kaden Moore, OL (opt-out)
  • Griffin Duggan, OL (transfer portal)
  • Gunner Givens, OL (transfer portal)
  • Lance Williams, OL (transfer portal)
  • Layth Ghannam, OL (injury - questionable)
  • Xavier Chaplin, OL (transfer portal)
  • Aeneas Peebles, DL (opt-out)
  • Antwaun Powell-Ryland, DL (opt-out)
  • Ishmael Findlayter, DL (transfer portal)
  • Kemari Copeland, DL (injury - out)
  • Khurtiss Perry, DL (transfer portal)
  • Malachi Madison, DL (transfer portal)
  • Jayden McDonald, LB (injury - questionable)
  • Keli Lawson, LB (transfer portal)
  • Sam Brumfield, LB (transfer portal)
  • Dorian Strong, CB (opt-out)
  • Jonathan Pennix, CB (transfer portal)
  • Mansoor Delane, CB (transfer portal)
  • Jalen Stroman, S (injury - out)
  • Keonta Jenkins, S (opt-out)
  • Mose Phillips, S (transfer portal)

Betting impact

After a disappointing season, Virginia Tech is set to lose multiple starters to the portal. That includes two of the team's best players, OL Xavier Chaplin and CB Mansoor Delane, and more could join them. QB remains a question here, too, with both Kyron Drones and Collin Schlee hurt. It gets worse with DL Antwaun Powell-Ryland, DL Aeneas Peebles, CB Dorian Strong, RB Bhayshul Tuten, WR Da'Quan Felton, and WR Jaylin Lane all opting out.

Bahamas Bowl opt-outs: Buffalo vs. Liberty (Jan. 4)

Bahamas Bowl odds

Buffalo opt-outs

  • Gabe Goins, RB (injury - questionable)
  • Bobby Mays, WR (injury - questionable)
  • Bodhi Ogg, WR (injury - questionable)
  • Javien Cuff, WR (transfer portal)
  • Nik McMillan, WR (injury - out)
  • Tyrell Simmons, WR (injury - questionable)
  • George Wolo, DL (injury - questionable)
  • Nick Roy, DL (injury - questionable)
  • Noah Whitmer, DL (injury - questionable)
  • Saveon Brown, LB (injury - questionable)
  • Marquis Cooper, CB (injury - questionable)
  • Jayden Oliver, CB (injury - questionable)
  • Upton Bellenfant, K (transfer portal)
  • Byron Floyd, LS (transfer portal)

Betting impact

Despite a plethora of injuries, Buffalo doesn't look like it will be missing any of its key players against Liberty. Unless RB Al-Jay Henderson or LBs Shaun Dolac and Khalil Murdock are surprise opt-outs, Pete Lembo's team will be in a much better spot than Liberty for this bowl.

Liberty opt-outs

  • Kaidon Salter, QB (transfer portal)
  • James Jointer Jr., RB (transfer portal)
  • Quinton Cooley, RB (opt-out)
  • Victor Venn, RB (transfer portal)
  • Cesar Carrasco, WR (transfer portal)
  • Darius Copeland, WR (injury - out)
  • Kylen Austin, WR (transfer portal)
  • Markel Fortenberry, WR (transfer portal)
  • Austin Henderson, TE (injury - out)
  • Bentley Hanshaw, TE (injury - questionable)
  • Bo Burklow, TE (injury - questionable)
  • Izaiah Taylor, OL (transfer portal)
  • Jordan Hall, OL (transfer portal)
  • Jordan White, OL (transfer portal)
  • Xavior Gray, OL (transfer portal)
  • Bryce Dixon, DL (transfer portal)
  • Eliyt Nairne, DL (transfer portal)
  • Marius Landsfeld, DL (transfer portal)
  • Rod Daniels, DL (transfer portal)
  • Jerome Jolly Jr., LB (opt-out)
  • Dominick Hill, CB (transfer portal)
  • Jason Duclona, CB (transfer portal)
  • Marquis Bell, CB (transfer portal)
  • Christian Bodnar, S (injury - out)
  • Jabin Ford, S (transfer portal)
  • Quinton Reese, S (injury - questionable)

Betting impact

It was about as disappointing an outcome as imaginable this season for the Flames, and now two of their best players are in the portal. Both QB Kaidon Salter and OL Jordan White are Power 4 talents, and without them, Jamey Chadwell's offense could struggle against the Bulls. And RB Quinton Cooley has opted out, taking away the team's best player.

College Football Playoff matchups (Dec. 20 - Jan. 20)

With the 12-team field set and the College Football Playoff odds available, the first four games will take place between Dec. 20 and 21.

A printable college football playoff bracket.
A printable college football playoff bracket.

  Click here to download our FREE printable college football playoff bracket.

College Football Playoff quarterfinal - Orange Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Penn State (Jan. 9)

Notre Dame vs. Penn State Orange Bowl odds

Notre Dame opt-outs

  • CJ Carr, QB (injury - questionable)
  • Gi'Bran Payne, RB (injury - out)
  • Jeremiyah Love, RB (injury - probable)
  • Aiden Gobaira, DL (transfer portal)
  • Boubacar Traore, DL (injury - out)
  • Charles Jagusah, OL (injury - out)
  • Styles Prescod, OL (injury - out)
  • Howard Cross, DL (injury - questionable)
  • Rylie Mills, DL (injury - out)
  • Tyson Ford, DL (transfer portal)
  • Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB (injury - doubtful)
  • Benjamin Morrison, CB (injury - out)
  • Chance Tucker, CB (injury - out)
  • Jaden Mickey, CB (transfer portal)
  • Taebron Bennie-Powell, S (injury - out)

Betting impact

Notre Dame's biggest injury this season was losing CB Benjamin Morrison for the year, but the Fighting Irish are used to playing without him by now. Both RB Jeremiyah Love and DL Howard Cross were listed on the injury report for the win against Indiana, and both played. However, star DL Rylie Mills was lost for the season against the Hoosiers.

Penn State opt-outs

  • Beau Pribula, QB (transfer portal)
  • Cam Wallace, RB (injury - questionable)
  • Feyisayo Oluleye, WR (transfer portal)
  • Kaden Saunders, WR (injury - questionable)
  • Andrew Rappleyea, TE (injury - questionable)
  • Jerry Cross, TE (transfer portal)
  • Anthony Donkoh, OL (injury - out)
  • Abdul Carter, DL (injury - questionable)
  • Alonzo Ford, DL (injury - questionable)
  • Kaleb Artis, DL (injury - questionable)
  • T.A. Cunningham, DL (transfer portal)
  • Zuriah Fisher, DL (injury - out)
  • DaKaari Nelson, LB (injury - questionable)
  • Keon Wylie, LB (injury - questionable)
  • Kevin Winston, S (injury - out)

Betting impact

The biggest injury for Penn State this season was losing S Kevin Winston Jr. early in the year. Although there were rumors he could return for the College Football Playoff, it's been confirmed he won't be available and he's declared for the NFL draft as a result. But the Nittany Lions have been without him for months, so don't let his absence influence you too much. However, DL Abdul Carter exited the Fiesta Bowl with an arm injury and didn't return. He's officially questionable against Notre Dame, and he would be a massive loss for Penn State.

College Football Playoff quarterfinal - Cotton Bowl: Ohio State vs. Texas (Jan. 10)

Ohio State vs. Texas Cotton Bowl odds

Ohio State opt-outs

  • Air Noland, QB (transfer portal)
  • Devin Brown, QB (transfer portal)
  • TC Caffey, RB (injury - out)
  • Jayden Ballard, WR (transfer portal)
  • Kojo Antwi, WR (transfer portal)
  • Nolan Baudo, WR (injury - questionable)
  • Reis Stocksdale, WR (injury - questionable)
  • Josh Simmons, OL (injury - out)
  • Miles Walker, OL (transfer portal)
  • Seth McLaughlin, OL (injury - out)
  • Zen Michalski, OL (transfer portal)
  • Gabe Powers, LB (transfer portal)

Betting impact

The biggest concern with the Buckeyes is how banged-up their offensive line is this season. OL Josh Simmons, a potential first-round pick, is out for the year, as is OL Seth McLaughlin, one of the top center prospects in the country. To make matters worse, top backup OL Zen Michalski hasn't played in weeks due to injury and is now in the portal. 

Texas opt-outs

  • Trey Owens, QB (injury - out)
  • Christian Clark, RB (injury - out)
  • CJ Baxter, RB (injury - out)
  • Velton Gardner, RB (injury - out)
  • Isaiah Bond, WR (injury - out)
  • Johntay Cook II, WR (transfer portal)
  • Cameron Williams, OL (injury - questionable)
  • Jake Majors, OL (injury - questionable)
  • Aaron Bryant, DL (transfer portal)
  • Jaray Bledsoe, DL (transfer portal)
  • Justice Finkley, DL (transfer portal)
  • Sydir Mitchell, DL (transfer portal)
  • Tausili Akana, DL (transfer portal)
  • Tiaoalii Savea, DL (transfer portal)
  • Derion Gullette, LB (transfer portal)
  • Jay'Vion Cole, CB (transfer portal)
  • Derek Williams, S (injury - out)

Betting impact

The biggest loss for Texas this season was RB CJ Baxter, but that happened before the year even began and the Longhorns have handled it well. They were without OL Kelvin Banks in the SEC Championship, but he dominated against Clemson. While top WR Isaiah Bond didn't play against the Tigers, he did suit up against Arizona State. OL Cameron Williams got banged up against Clemson and didn't play against the Sun Devils.

College bowl game expert picks

College football bowl season FAQs

How many college football bowl games are there this year?

There are 47 bowl games in the 2024-25 college football bowl game season, including 11 matchups in the College Football Playoff.

When is college football bowl season?

The first college football bowl game is the Cricket Celebration Bowl, which kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 14 at noon ET. The final bowl game will be the College Football Playoff national championship on Monday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

When does the College Football Playoff start?

The 2025 College Football Playoff starts with the first round on Dec. 20 and 21, with games being played at the campus of the higher seed. The quarterfinals will then be played across the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Sugar Bowl on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

The semifinals take place Jan. 9 at the Orange Bowl and Jan. 10 at the Cotton Bowl before the CFP national championship on Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

How many teams make the College Football Playoff?

Previously only four teams were selected for the College Football Playoff, but this season the playoff expands to 12 teams. The top five ranked conference champions will be automatic qualifiers for the playoff along with seven at-large teams chosen by the College Football Playoff selection committee. The top four conference champions will receive a first-round bye.

College football odds pages

College football championship oddsCollege football win totalsBig Ten championship oddsMountain West championship odds
Heisman Trophy OddsFCS Championship oddsBig 12 championship oddsMAC championship odds
College Football Playoff OddsSEC championship oddsACC championship oddsCollege bowl game odds

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Written By:
Rob Paul
Rob is a Publishing Editor at Sportsbook Review. He’s been with the team since early 2024, with this being his first full-time role in the sports betting industry. Before joining SportsbookReview.com, he contributed to various sports outlets, including FanSided and Pro Football Network. During that period, he spent five years working full-time as a local community journalist, after attending Durham College for journalism and Wilfrid Laurier University for history. He previously hosted an NFL draft and college football-focused podcast where he had the opportunity to interact with future NFL players such as Maxx Crosby and Quinn Meinerz. Rob has spent multiple years working as a freelance podcast producer for numerous sports-related podcasts while making guest appearances on several college football shows. He’s also made guest appearances on SportsTalk Mississippi on several occasions to talk all things NFL draft. Rob values the way sports betting acts as a catalyst for telling stories and growing interest in certain sports, particularly FCS football, WNBA, and mid-major college basketball. He’s always been drawn to the more obscure teams and conferences in major college sports, but most of all, Rob loves using stats to find the best player props to back.