After successful 2023 campaigns, both the Washington Huskies and Louisville Cardinals took a step back this fall, but they’ll be looking to end the season on a high with a win in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl on Tuesday.
However, between injuries, transfer portal entrants, and NFL Draft declarations, there will be several Louisville and Washington players not playing in the Sun Bowl.
Top Louisville Players Not Playing in Independence Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Cardinals won’t be in action in the Sun Bowl.
- Tyler Shough, QB (NFL Draft)
- Ja’Corey Brooks, WR (NFL Draft)
- Ahmari Huggins-Bruce, WR (opt-out)
- Ashton Gillotte, EDGE (opt-out)
- Quincy Riley, CB (opt-out)
- Jared Dawson, DL (transfer portal)
- Jamari Johnson, TE (transfer portal)
- Jaiden Spearman, S (transfer portal)
- Joe Crocker, OT (transfer portal)
- Brady Allen, QB (transfer portal)
- Jimmy Calloway, WR (transfer portal)
- Jaleel Skinner, TE (transfer portal)
- Benjamin Perry, S (transfer portal)
- Jahlil McClain, WR (transfer portal)
- Maurice Turner, RB (transfer portal)
- Jadon Thompson, WR (transfer portal)
- Donald Chaney Jr., RB (transfer portal)
- Madden Sanker, IOL (transfer portal)
- Mason Reiger, EDGE (transfer portal)
- Aaron Williams, CB (transfer portal)
- Devin Neal, S, (transfer portal)
Quarterback Shough rejuvenated his career with Louisville, but after accepting an all-star game invite, his time playing college football has come to an end as he has opted out of the Cardinals’ bowl game. Top target Brooks (1,013 yards, nine touchdowns) is also among the Louisville players not playing in the Sun Bowl.
There are also significant defensive absences for the Cardinals in the Sun Bowl. Cornerback Riley led the ACC in passes defended this fall (13) despite only playing in 10 games, and he’s among the players not playing in the Sun Bowl. Star defensive end Gillotte led the team with 10 tackles for loss and his loss will be felt against a Huskies team led by a talented young quarterback.
Top Washington Players Not Playing in Sun Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Huskies won’t be in action in the Sun Bowl.
- Zach Durfee, EDGE, Washington (injury)
- Jayvon Parker, DL, Washington (injury)
- Russell Davis, DL, Washington (injury)
- Roice Cleeland, iOL, Washington (transfer portal)
- Kayden Greene, S, Washington (transfer portal)
- Ryder Bumgarner, RB, Washington (transfer portal)
- Kahlee Tafai, OT, Washington (transfer portal)
- Curley Reed, CB, Washington (transfer portal)
- Tyrese Johnson, EDGE, Washington (transfer portal)
- Camden Sirmon, WR, Washington (transfer portal)
- Tristan Dunn, S, Washington (transfer portal)
- Sam Adams II, RB, Washington (transfer portal)
- Adam Saul, P, Washington (transfer portal)
- Maurice Heims, EDGE, Washington (transfer portal)
- Caleb Johnston, LS, Washington (transfer portal)
- Lance Holtzclaw, EDGE, Washington (transfer portal)
- Bryun Parham, LB Washington (transfer portal)
The Washington players not playing in the Sun Bowl include three defensive linemen who made a huge impact on the team despite not seeing the field much in 2024. Davis, Durfee, and Parker made just 13 appearances between them but still feature prominently among the team’s leading defensive contributors to the stat sheet.
MORE: 2025 NFL Draft Underclassmen Tracker
It’s worth noting that while Washington has 21 players currently in the transfer portal, only 13 of those players are not expected to play in the Sun Bowl. Players featuring on the latest depth chart that are currently in the portal include left guard Gaard Memmelaar, defensive backs Elijah Jackson and Darren Barkins, and backup running back Cameron Davis.
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