A year ago, the Alabama Crimson Tide and Michigan Wolverines faced off in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Fast forward, and while both programs have undergone significant changes, they likely anticipated being part of the expanded 12-team format this season. Instead, they’ll meet in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Injuries, transfer portal departures, and NFL Draft declarations will leave both Alabama and Michigan missing key players when they take the field.
Top Alabama Players Not Playing in ReliaQuest Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Crimson Tide won’t be in action in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
- QB
Dylan Lonergan (transfer portal) - RB
Justice Haynes (transfer portal) - WR
Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (transfer portal)
Kendrick Law (transfer portal)
Caleb Odom (transfer portal)
Kobe Prentice (transfer portal) - TE
Danny Lewis Jr. (transfer portal) - OT
Naquil Betrand (transfer portal)
Miles McVay (transfer portal) - DL
Damon Payne (transfer portal)
Hunter Osborne (transfer portal)
Jehiem Oatis (transfer portal) - EDGE
Keanu Koht (transfer portal) - LB
Deontae Lawson (injury)
Braylon Chatman (transfer portal) - CB
Jahlil Hurley (transfer portal) - S
Malachi Moore (injury)
Keon Sabb (injury) - DB
Devonta Smith (transfer portal)
Injuries have taken a toll on Alabama’s roster heading into the ReliaQuest Bowl on Tuesday, with key secondary stars Moore and Sabb sidelined due to health issues. Adding to the challenge, the Crimson Tide will also be without starting linebacker Lawson, who capped an outstanding 2024 campaign with 76 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception.
Complicating matters further, a number of Crimson Tide players in the transfer portal are also expected to sit out the bowl game. While the team has yet to release an official depth chart, it’s widely assumed that running back Haynes, defensive back Smith, and quarterback Lonergan—who recently committed to the Boston College Eagles—won’t suit up for Alabama’s postseason showdown.
Top Michigan Players Not Playing in ReliaQuest Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Wolverines won’t be in action in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
- QB
Anthony Arnou, QB (transfer portal)
Jayden Denegal, QB (transfer portal) - RB
Donovan Edwards, RB (NFL Draft)
Kalel Mullings, RB (opt-out)
Cole Cabana, RB (transfer portal)
Tavierre Dunlap, RB (transfer portal) - WR
Tyler Morris, WR (transfer portal) - TE
Colston Loveland, TE (NFL Draft) - Offensive Line
Myles Hinton, OT (opt-out)
Cole Morgan, OT (transfer portal)
Tristan Bounds, OT (transfer portal)
Andrew Gentry, OT (transfer portal)
Raheem Anderson, iOL (transfer portal) - Defensive Line
Mason Graham, DT (NFL Draft)
Kenneth Grant, DT (NFL Draft)
Peter Simmons III, DL (transfer portal) - EDGE
Josaiah Stewart, EDGE (NFL Draft)
Breeon Ishmail, EDGE (transfer portal)
Dominick Giudice, EDGE (transfer portal) - Linebacker
Micah Pollard, LB (transfer portal)
Christian Boivin, LB (transfer portal) - Cornerback
Will Johnson, CB (NFL Draft/injury)
Myles Pollard, CB (transfer portal) - Safety
Micah Davis, S (transfer portal) - Specialists
Stone Anderson, P (transfer portal)
Tommy Doman, P (transfer portal)
Adam Samaha, K (transfer portal)
Dan Rosenberg, LS (transfer portal)
While this season hasn’t been a standout for Michigan, the Wolverines have fielded one of the nation’s top defenses. Unfortunately for them, much of that unit won’t take the field in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Dominant defensive line duo Grant and Graham have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, while standout cornerbacks from the Johnson duo are also heading pro—though injuries have already limited their availability this season.
MORE: 2025 NFL Draft Underclassmen Tracker
On offense, the losses are just as significant. Running backs Edwards and Mullings, who combined for over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns, have opted out, leaving a gaping hole in the Wolverines’ backfield. Starting OT Hinton is also skipping the bowl game, further depleting Michigan’s lineup. Meanwhile, QB Alex Orji has entered the transfer portal but remains with the team and is expected to suit up for the ReliaQuest Bowl.
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