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College Football’s Opt-Out Crisis: Players Prioritize Future earnings Over Bowl games
Missouri State quarterback Jacob Clark’s valiant effort in the Xbox Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 18, underscored a growing concern within college football: the increasing number of players opting out of bowl games to protect their future prospects. Despite being sacked eight times, Clark nearly orchestrated a remarkable comeback against Arkansas State, ultimately falling short in a 34-28 defeat.
The game, played in Frisco, Texas, highlighted the challenges teams face when key players choose to sit out, prioritizing the transfer portal and maximizing their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. The transfer portal is scheduled to open on Jan. 2, prompting many to avoid potential injury in largely ceremonial postseason contests.
“it’s just the state of college football nowadays,” Clark said after his final collegiate game. “Something kind of needs to be fixed with guys opting out of games. It’s just how it is indeed, and guys have to step up.”
Missouri State was significantly hampered by the absence of several starters. The Bears played without Ebubedike Nnabugwu, their starting left tackle and the top-ranked pass protector in Conference USA, who intends to enter the transfer portal. Right tackle Erick Cade was also unavailable, having exhausted his eligibility for the 2026 season. Even starting center Cash Hudson participated despite reportedly planning to transfer, and he was forced to leave the game with an injury during the fourth quarter. Defensive end DJ Wesolak also did not play, also intending to enter the portal.
The trend isn’t isolated to Missouri State. UTSA coach Jeff Traylor recently voiced his frustration with the situation,stating,”The number (of opt outs) is so big as of all of the tampering and the agents and coaches too. They’re being promised such incredible (money) to where they’re getting lured into the portal. I hate it because I really want to coach them in a bowl game, but they’re getting leveraged out of it. I hate what’s going on in college football. I never thought we’d be punished for making a bowl game by being leveraged.” Traylor’s Roadrunners are preparing to face Florida International in the first Responder Bowl on Dec. 26.
Clark’s Late-Game Heroics Not enough
Despite the depleted roster, Clark delivered a memorable performance, throwing for 349 yards and four touchdowns. He ignited a furious fourth-quarter rally, bringing the Bears back from a seemingly insurmountable 31-7 deficit. However, an onside kick attempt failed, sealing Missouri State’s fate.
A potential fifth touchdown pass was thwarted by a strip-sack with 9:08 remaining, recovered by Arkansas State. The play underscored how the absence of key offensive linemen may have contributed to the setback. “Perhaps that wouldn’t have happened, and the Bears would’ve been in a better spot to come out with their first FBS bowl win if they had all of their players,” Clark noted.
The situation raises fundamental questions about the future of bowl games and the balance between player agency and team commitment. Clark believes a solution is needed. “It’s just the nature of bowl games these days, and something needs to get figured out so you can have your whole team play, ’cause it’d be fun,” he said.
The evolving landscape of college athletics, driven by NIL deals and the transfer portal, continues to reshape the traditional postseason experience. The Xbox Bowl served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing coaches and players alike as they navigate this new era.
Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Network and Topeka Capital-Journal. You can follow him on X at @WyattWheeler_contact him at 417-371-6987 or email him at wwheeler@usatodayco.
