The Georgia Bulldogs and Notre Dame Fighting Irish will finally take to the field in the AllState Sugar Bowl after the one-day postponement, with Marcus Freeman and Kirby Smart looking to lead their team to the College Football Playoff semifinal.
However, between injuries, transfer portal entrants, and NFL Draft declarations, there will be several Notre Dame and Georgia players not playing in the Sugar Bowl.
Top Notre Dame Players Not Playing in Sugar Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Fighting Irish won’t be in action in the Sugar Bowl.
- Rylie Mills, DL (injury)
- Aiden Gobaira, EDGE (transfer portal)
- Tyson Ford, DL (transfer portal)
- Jaden Mickey, CB (transfer portal)
Head coach Freeman spoke early in the week about creating a culture of loyalty in the college football transfer portal era, and the small list of players not playing in the Sugar Bowl is a testament to what he’s building in South Bend. There are just three Notre Dame players in the portal ahead of the game, and Jaden Mickey is the only one to contribute stats in 2024.
While it’s a small list, there is a significant name among the Notre Dame players not playing in the Sugar Bowl. Defensive lineman Rylie Mills is one of the most dangerous players in the nation, and his loss to injury will impact the Fighting Irish on Thursday. He leads the team in sacks (7.5), tackles for loss (nine), and is a team captain.
Top Georgia Players Not Playing in Sugar Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Bulldogs won’t be in action in the Sugar Bowl.
- Carson Beck, QB (injury)
- Branson Robinson, RB (injury)
- Roderick Robinson, RB (injury)
- Colbie Young, WR (pending legal matter)
- Rara Thomas, WR (transfer portal)
- Jake Pope, S (transfer portal)
- Troy Bowles, LB (transfer portal)
- Samuel M’Pemba, EDGE (transfer portal)
- Justyn Rhett, CB (transfer portal)
- Jamaal Jarrett, DL (transfer portal)
- Julian Humphrey, CB (transfer portal)
The list of Georgia players not playing in the Sugar Bowl is a little more extensive, and there are a range of reasons for absences. The most notable is starting quarterback Beck, who underwent season-ending surgery after picking up an injury in the SEC Championship Game. He’s played his last game for the Bulldogs, having declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.
MORE: 2025 NFL Draft Underclassmen Tracker
With Beck out and Gunner Stockton stepping into his shoes, the ground game may take center stage. Brandon and Roderick Robinson have struggled to see the field this fall and won’t be available for the Sugar Bowl. Cornerback Humphrey holds the team lead for passes defended in the 2024 college football season but has entered the transfer portal and won’t play.
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