The LA Bowl brings together the 10-3 UNLV Rebels, led by an interim head coach ahead of Dan Mullen’s full-time arrival, and the 6-6 California Golden Bears, fresh off a first season in the ACC that held plenty of promise but flattered to deceive.
Between injuries, transfer portal entrants, and NFL Draft declarations, there will be several California and UNLV players not playing in the Boca Raton Bowl.
Top California Players Not Playing in LA Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Golden Bears won’t be in action in the LA Bowl.
- Fernando Mendoza, QB, California (transfer portal)
- David Bird, LS, California (transfer portal)
- Brooklyn Cheek, S, California (transfer portal)
- Nate Ruchena, LB, California (transfer portal)
- Matthew Wykoff, iOL, California (transfer portal)
The headliner of players not playing in the LA Bowl is California quarterback Mendoza. After missing the regular season finale with an undisclosed “illness,” the talented passer entered the transfer portal and has been linked with the Georgia Bulldogs and Indiana Hoosiers.
Mendoza completed 68.7% of his pass attempts in 2024, throwing for 3,007 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was replaced in Week 14 by Chandler Rogers, who is recovering from an injury and could also miss the LA Bowl. CJ Harris and EJ Caminong have reportedly taken most of the practice reps.
Top UNLV Players Not Playing in LA Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Rebels won’t be in action in the LA Bowl.
- Greg Burrell, RB, UNLV (transfer portal)
- Tony Grimes, CB, UNLV (transfer portal)
- Michael Allen, RB, UNLV (transfer portal)
- Matthew Sluka, QB, UNLV (transfer portal)
Most of the UNLV players not playing in the LA Bowl have little impact on the program. Quarterback Matthew Sluka was a high-profile early-season opt-out, as alleged NIL promises unkept hastened his exit from the program. Teammate Michael Allen promptly followed him into the transfer portal.
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Meanwhile, talented freshman running back Greg Burrell hasn’t tallied more than 55 yards since bursting onto the scene in Week 2 with 101 yards and a score against Utah Tech. The loss of cornerback Tony Grimes (six pass breakups, 20 tackles) is arguably the biggest loss as part of surprisingly few opt-outs with a complete overhaul of the program’s coaching staff.
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