One of the most highly-anticipated College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchups sees the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks meet in a regular season rematch set to the backdrop of a beautiful Pasadena sunset in the Rose Bowl.
However, between injuries, transfer portal entrants, and NFL Draft declarations, there will be several Ohio State and Oregon players not playing in the Rose Bowl.
Top Ohio State Players Not Playing in Rose Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Buckeyes won’t be in action in the Rose Bowl.
- Josh Simmons, OL (injury)
- Seth McLaughlin, OL (injury)
- T.C. Caffey, RB (injury)
- Mason Maggs, QB (injury)
- Zen Michalski, OT (transfer portal)
- Jayden Bonsu, S (transfer portal)
- Air Noland, QB (transfer portal)
- Miles Walker, OT (transfer portal)
- Kojo Antwi, WR, Ohio State (transfer portal)
- Jayden Ballard, WR, Ohio State (transfer portal)
- Gabe Powers, LB, Ohio State (transfer portal)
Unsurprisingly, there hasn’t been a large number of opt-outs from either team, and the list of Ohio State players not playing in the Rose Bowl is heavy with long-term injuries and transfer portal entrants that have made little to no impact for the team during their run to the College Football Playoff.
Backup quarterback Devin Brown entered the transfer portal but has remained with the team for their matchup with Oregon despite committing to the Cal Golden Bears. Of the eight players currently in the portal, three have yet to find a new home. Linebacker Powers played in 12 games this year with five tackles and in interception for the Buckeyes.
Top Oregon Players Not Playing in Rose Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Ducks won’t be in action in the Rose Bowl.
- Jack Ressler, WR (injury)
- Fox Crader, OL (injury)
- Kyler Kasper, WR (injury)
- Matthew Bedford, OL (injury)
- Dakota Fields, DB (injury)
- Jahlil Florence, CB (questionable with injury)
- My’Keil Gardner, DL (questionable with injury)
- Jaeden Moore, LB (transfer portal)
- Khamari Terrell, CB (transfer portal)
- Emar’rion Winston, EDGE (transfer portal)
- Tyler Turner, S (transfer portal)
- Jacqawn McRoy, OT (transfer portal)
The list of players not playing in the Rose Bowl for Oregon is slightly longer than for their opponent, but no star power is missing as the Ducks look to reach the College Football Playoff semifinal.
MORE: 2025 NFL Draft Underclassmen Tracker
Of the players in the portal, safety Turner and pass rusher Winston have made appearances in all 13 games as rotational pieces. Both have a pass defended during the 2024 season, with Winston tallying eight tackles and Turner registering seven.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.