Opting out of college football bowl games has become a trend over the last few years and when you combine that with a pandemic, you’ll see it more than ever. We scoured the internet to find the latest information on which players have opted out of the Cotton Bowl for any reason, as well as injury updates on players who are banged up and might be unable to go.
For the game between the Oklahoma Sooners and Florida Gators on Wednesday, Dec. 30, this will be quite the story as we get closer to game time, especially on the Florida side.
Oklahoma roster update
Injury
Safety Justin Broiles is questionable for this game with a lower body injury. In addition, wide receiver Jadon Haselwood reportedly did not travel with the team for this game for an undisclosed reason.
Opt-out
Oklahoma cornerback Tre Brown appears to be the only player on the Oklahoma roster who will opt out of this game to prepare for the NFL Draft. Running back TJ Pledger and quarterback Tanner Mordecai entered the transfer portal prior to this game.
Florida roster update
Injury
Wide receiver James Copeland will not be available for this game after testing positive for COVID-19, which is significant given the opt outs at the position. Defensive back Rashad Torrence is listed as questionable with an injury.
Opt-out
Kyle Trask will have his work cut out for him in this game. He’s not going to win the Heisman Trophy but if he has a big game here, voters should go back in and reconsider their decision. In addition to Copeland being out, Florida will be without its top four pass catchers this season with tight end Kyle Pitts as well as wide receivers Kadarius Toney and Trevon Grimes all opting out of this game. Also, cornerback Marco Wilson is expected to opt out of this game.
Safety Shawn Davis and linebacker Ventrell Miller each opted out and are expected to transfer.