:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68596912/1292045193.0.jpg)
Update: Oregon running back CJ Verdell has been ruled out for this game.
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 their bowl game for whatever reason as well as injury updates on players who are banged up and might be unable to go.
The Oregon Ducks and Iowa State Cyclones will get together in the Fiesta Bowl in a game many don’t believe they should be a part of. Oregon didn’t win its own division but won the Pac-12 title and finished the season at 4-2, while Iowa State lost three games this year. Regardless, they’re here, and here’s a look at what the roster news is looking like heading into this game on Saturday, Jan. 2.
Oregon roster update
Injury
Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal said running back CJ Verdell, offensive lineman Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, cornerback Dontae Manning and linebacker Adrian Jackson participated in practice this week and traveled with the team for this game. He called them all game-time decisions.
Tight ends Cam McCormick and Patrick Herbert will not be available for the Ducks along with cornerback Daewood Davis.
Opt-out
Oregon had a number of players opt out of the season before it started including one of the top picks of the 2021 NFL Draft with Penei Sewell, but there have been no additional opt outs following the Pac-12 title game win.
Iowa State roster update
Injury
It’s a short injury list for Iowa State with defensive back Arnold Azunna and offensive lineman Jake Remsburg questionable with undisclosed injuries. Both were injured in the Big 12 title loss to the Oklahoma Sooners.
Opt-out
None. The Cyclones are at full strength just like Oregon.