Holiday Bowl Opt-Outs And Injury Report: Top Players Not Participating In Arizona vs. SMU

Arizona and SMU are heading to the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, for the annual Holiday Bowl. Both teams had decent seasons: the SMU Mustangs went 8-4, while the Arizona Wildcats are ranked No. 17 in the nation.

Both teams entered the 2025 season with a lot of hype but still failed to reach the College Football Playoff. They do have one final chance to prove themselves this year with a win at the Holiday Bowl.

That said, they are expected to miss some players in this game, with some injured and others opting out.

Holiday Bowl: Arizona vs. SMU Opt-Outs And Injury Report

Arizona Wildcats

• G Michael Wooten: Opted out, entered the transfer portal
• TE Keyan Burnett: Opted out, entered the transfer portal
• RT Tristan Bounds: Injured, questionable
• NT Tiaoalii Savea: Injured, questionable

Only two players have announced they are opting out and entering the transfer portal, with two others possibly missing the Holiday Bowl due to injury.

Head coach Brett Brennan has stated that there could be additional opt-outs, including CB Treydan Stukes and S Genesis Smith. However, he said he would not announce them, as this would be a personal decision for the players. He also added that he does not want SMU to know who else is sitting, aside from the injured ones or those who have entered the transfer portal.

SMU Mustangs

• OLB DJ Warner: Opted out, entered the transfer portal

It seems that SMU is also keeping its cards close to the chest ahead of the Holiday Bowl. They have no injuries; only one player has officially opted out after entering the transfer portal.

QB Kevin Jennings is a potential opt-out, but it has now been revealed that he will indeed play for SMU in this game. Others, such as WR Romello Brinson, TE RJ Maryland, TE Matthew Hibner, OG Logan Parr, DL Jeff M’ba, and S Isaiah Nwokobia are potentially opting out.

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