The East Carolina Pirates and NC State Wolfpack take their in-state rivalry to Annapolis for the Go Bowling Military Bowl, a game that should have a lot of niggle and excitement.
However, between injuries, transfer portal entrants, and NFL Draft declarations, there will be several East Carolina and NC State players not playing in the Military Bowl.
Top East Carolina Players Not Playing in Military Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Pirates won’t be in action in the Military Bowl.
- Winston Wright Jr., WR, East Carolina (NFL Draft)
- Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina (NFL Draft/injury)
- Isaiah Brown-Murray, CB, East Carolina (transfer portal)
- Nick Slogik, TE, East Carolina (transfer portal)
- Zakye Barker, LB, East Carolina (transfer portal)
- No’Tavien Green, S, East Carolina (transfer portal)
- CJ Mims, DL, East Carolina (transfer portal)
- Greg Turner, LB, East Carolina (transfer portal)
- Bryson Harrison, QB, East Carolina (transfer portal)
- Kenny Walz, IOL, East Carolina (transfer portal)
- Kerry King, WR, East Carolina (transfer portal)
- Amarie Archer, IOL, East Carolina (transfer portal)
- Chase Sowell, WR, East Carolina (transfer portal)
There are currently 11 East Carolina players in the transfer portal, despite well-liked interim head coach Blake Harrell being handed the role full-time. The most notable transfer portal players not playing in the Military Bowl include wide receiver Sowell, who snagged 34 receptions for 678 yards and three scores in nine appearances.
In addition to transfer portal entrants, there are two players not playing in the Military Bowl due to NFL Draft declarations or injuries. Wright Jr. was third on the Pirates for receiving yards while leading the team in receiving touchdowns. He’s also a dangerous return man. Cornerback Revel missed most of the season with an injury and is headed to the NFL next year.
Top NC State Players Not Playing in Military Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Wolfpack won’t be in action in the Military Bowl.
- Wyatt Wright, LB, NC State (transfer portal)
- Jakolbe Baldwin, S, NC State (transfer portal)
- Keyaan Abdul-Rahim, LB, NC State (transfer portal)
- Cannon Lewis, LB, NC State (transfer portal)
- Jayland Parker, LB, NC State (transfer portal)
- Juice Vereen, TE, NC State (transfer portal)
- DJ Jackson, DL, NC State (transfer portal)
- Obadiah Obasuyi, OT, NC State (transfer portal)
- KC Concepcion, WR, NC State (transfer portal)
- Red Hibbler, EDGE, NC State (transfer portal)
NC State had one of the most high-profile transfer portal entrants in college football when wide receiver Concepcion departed the program early in the window. The second-year pass catcher didn’t put up eye-popping numbers in a lackluster offense this year (496 scrimmage yards, eight total touchdowns) but was a CFN Freshman All-American following the 2023 season.
MORE: 2025 NFL Draft Underclassmen Tracker
While the defensive side of the ball doesn’t have a standout opt-out, there are seven players not playing in the Military Bowl. Those include pass rusher Hibbler, who was a highly-regarded transfer portal grab from the JUCO ranks before the 2023 season. He played just four games for the Wolfpack this year after tallying seven tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks last fall.
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