The South Carolina Gamecocks haven’t had a double-digit win season since 2013, while the Illinois Fighting lllini have had to wait since 2001 to achieve such a feat, and the two teams meet in the Citrus Bowl battling to break that drought.
However, between injuries, transfer portal entrants, and NFL Draft declarations, there will be several South Carolina and Illinois players not playing in the Citrus Bowl.
Top South Carolina Players Not Playing in Citrus Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Gamecocks won’t be in action in the Citrus Bowl.
- Kyle Kennard, EDGE (NFL Draft)
- Raheim Sanders, RB (NFL Draft)
- Brady Hunt, TE (doubtful with injury)
- Elijah Davis, EDGE (transfer portal)
- Jamaal Whyce, DL (transfer portal)
- Djay Braswell, RB (transfer portal)
- Debron Gatling, WR (transfer portal)
- Nick Elksnis, TE (transfer portal)
- Connor Cox, TE (transfer portal)
- CJ Adams, WR (transfer portal)
- Tyshawn Russell, WR (transfer portal)
- Reid Mikeska, TE (transfer portal)
- Mohamed Kaba, LB (transfer portal)
- Jamaal Whyce, DL (transfer portal)
- Ni Mansell, iOL (transfer portal)
- Bangally Kamara, LB (transfer portal)
Dominant defensive lineman Kennard and running back ‘Rocket’ Sanders headline the Gamecocks’ players not playing in the Citrus Bowl. They are two substantial losses for the program, with the latter leading the team in rushing yards (881) and touchdowns (11) as a valuable part of their offense. Kennard won the Nagurski Award and led the SEC in sacks this season.
Tight end Hunt might not have lit up the stat sheet this season, but he has played significant snaps and is listed as doubtful due to an injury that kept him out of the regular season finale. Not listed among the players not playing in the Citrus Bowl are backup QB Robby Ashford (transfer portal) and safety Nick Emmanwori, who has a bright NFL future waiting for him.
Top Illinois Players Not Playing in Citrus Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Fighting Illini won’t be in action in the Citrus Bowl.
- Pat Bryant, WR (NFL Draft)
- Zy Crisler, iOL (transfer portal)
- Hugh Robertson, P (transfer portal)
- Demetrius Hill, S (transfer portal)
- Donovan Leary, QB (transfer portal)
- Chase Canada, CB (transfer portal)
- Henry Boyer, TE (transfer portal)
- Cal Swanson, QB (transfer portal)
- Declan Duley, P (transfer portal)
- Nate Guinn, TE (transfer portal)
- Hunter Whitenack, IOL (transfer portal)
- Kevin Wigenton II, IOL (transfer portal)
- Enyce Sledge, DL (transfer portal)
Illinois received a boost in the weeks ahead of this bowl game, with quarterback Luke Altmyer stating his intention to return for the 2025 season. However, several of the teammates who helped him guide the Fighting Illini offense this season are among the players not playing in the Citrus Bowl this Tuesday.
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Those include wide receiver Pat Bryant, who led the team with 984 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns this fall, and offensive linemen Zy Crisler and Kevin Wigenton II. However, a defense that finished the year ranked 34th in the nation for points allowed remains largely unscathed by opt-outs and portal entrants.
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