Several draft-eligible players from the two College Football Playoff National Championship game participants opted out of Senior Bowl week, instead choosing to recover from the longest season in modern college football history.
Several Draft-Eligible Players From National Championship Teams Opt Out of Senior Bowl
With the College Football Playoff National Championship taking place less than a week ago, multiple Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish players have opted out of the Senior Bowl.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic first reported the news in a post on X.
NEWS: Due to the extended season and playoffs for both Ohio State and Notre Dame, several players will not be playing in the Senior Bowl next week (understandably).
Among them: Will Howard, Xavier Watts, Donovan Jackson, Jack Sawyer, Ty Hamilton.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 24, 2025
In the comment section, Brugler clarified that most will not attend practices or the game, instead using the time to prepare for the NFL Scouting Combine and their pro days in the coming months.
As Brugler noted, it’s understandable that players from these teams are taking time off after a grueling college football season. Both teams played 16 games, a result of the expanded 12-team playoff.
Neither Ohio State nor Notre Dame earned a bye, meaning they had to win three games in the tournament just to reach the national title game. While the Buckeyes ultimately claimed the championship, the physical toll on both teams was unprecedented in college football.
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Given that, it’s no surprise these players are opting out. They showcased their talent in four extra games of film during the playoff, giving NFL teams ample material for evaluation.
For Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, those playoff performances may have been the most impressive stretch of his season, potentially boosting his draft stock more than Senior Bowl week could have. Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer also had a signature moment in the Cotton Bowl, strip-sacking Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and returning it for a touchdown.
Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts, another opt-out, excelled throughout the Fighting Irish’s playoff run, recording 22 solo tackles.
The Senior Bowl remains an important showcase for draft-eligible prospects, but it’s understandable why these players—coming off a nearly NFL-length season—are prioritizing rest and recovery before further testing and interviews.
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Their absence creates bigger opportunities for other prospects at the Senior Bowl to take more reps and make a name for themselves, much like these players did during their CFP run.
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