The 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl will witness the BYU Cougars take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets l at Camping World Stadium on Saturday.
Unlike several other bowl games, this matchup has particularly hit with any absentees because of opt-outs. At this stage of the season, players, if not part of the playoffs, generally opt out to enter the transfer portal or declare for the NFL draft.
Pop-Tarts Bowl Opt-Outs
Neither BYU nor Georgia Tech has reported any voluntary player opt-outs for the Pop-Tarts Bowl contest. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake confirmed the Cougars will play with their full roster available.
BYU coach Kalani Sitake said the Cougars have no opt-outs for the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Obviously, that's with LJ Martin's surgery/injury status and other season-ending injuries (as well as a handful of players that announced they've entered the transfer portal). https://t.co/pjxU4Co7aC
— Sean Walker (@ActuallyDSW) December 26, 2025
Pop-Tarts Bowl: BYU Injury Report
While there are no opt-outs for BYU, the Cougars will be missing some players due to injury or surgery.
LJ Martin, RB: Out (shoulder surgery)
LJ Martin is one of the big names who will not feature in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. The Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year underwent shoulder surgery recently after a stellar season on offense. He rushed for 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
Bear Bachmeier, QB: Expected to play (ankle)
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier is expected to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl but he may not be fully fit. He suffered a left ankle injury earlier in the season but has since made strides in recovery. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said that the quarterback didn’t practice on Thursday but he “will play in the (bowl) game” since the injury is “not severe.”
“All the medical people, himself, everybody,” Roderick said. “He is good. It is not anything that anybody is worried about.”
When the offensive coordinator was asked if any player would be skipping the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Roderick said:
“I haven’t heard of any yet. As far as I know, everybody’s excited to play in this game. Like today, we had everybody out here, dressed and (ready) to practice.
“Just because of what kind of guys we have on this team. These guys like to play. We have had a great year, and (have) one last chance to go play together. That’s just who these guys are. They show up every week and that last game was a tough one, but we have showed up every game to compete and we will again.”
Pop-Tarts Bowl: Georgia Tech Injury Report
Clayton Powell-Lee, S: Out (ankle)
Brayden Manley, DE/LB: Out (shoulder surgery)
Isiah Canion, WR: Doubtful/Out
Savion Riley, DB: Out (hamstring)
Chad Alexander, RB: Doubtful
It remains to be seen if between now and when the game starts, some players goes back on their decision to play the game.
Read More News:
Fenway Bowl Opt-Outs And Injury Report: Top Players Not Participating In UConn vs. Army
Big Ten Injury Report Week 7: Who’s In And Who’s Out? Ft. Lorenzo Styles Jr, Tony Rojas, and More
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