The Alabama Crimson Tide and Michigan Wolverines are set to compete in the Rose Bowl for a chance to advance to this year’s National Championship Game. Unlike the majority of bowl games this season, the Rose Bowl is set to see two teams at nearly full capacity.
Sure, some players are set to be missing in action because of injuries or entering the transfer portal, but are any of Alabama or Michigan’s opt-outs players of significance?
Top Alabama, Michigan Players Not Playing the Rose Bowl
Using the College Football Network Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know the Alabama and Michigan players who have opted out of playing in the College Football Playoffs and the Semifinal at the Rose Bowl.
For the full game preview and prediction: Rose Bowl Prediction: Michigan vs. Alabama Odds, Spread, DFS Picks, and More
Alabama Players To Miss the Rose Bowl
While Alabama will miss some useful players, the core of their team remains intact. Head coach Nick Saban retains the majority of the team that led them to the Playoff, but some players have been lost to the transfer portal.
The biggest loss for Alabama should surely be wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks. After productive freshman and sophomore seasons, Brooks entered the transfer portal. He was sparingly used in 2023, leading to his decision to transfer out.
Brooks has since committed to Louisville for the 2024 season.
MORE: How Long Has Nick Saban Been At Alabama?
Noticeably, the Crimson Tide will be without backup QB Tyler Buchner. After entering the team a year ago through the portal, Buckner entered the transfer portal again and will be transferring to play lacrosse back at Notre Dame rather than football.
WR Thaiu Jones-Bell has also chosen to enter the transfer portal and will not be participating in the Rose Bowl. Jones-Bell has not been active for Alabama in 2023, and most of the Crimson Tide receiving corps remain together.
Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond have led the team in receiving yards, and both look to be ready for the playoff semi-final.
Alabama Players Expected To Miss the Rose Bowl:
- Isaiah Hastings, DL (transfer portal)
- Ja’Corey Brooks, WR (transfer portal)
- Tyler Buchner, QB (transfer portal)
- Thaiu Jones-Bell, WR (transfer portal)
- Anquin Barnes, DL (transfer portal)
Michigan Players To Miss the Rose Bowl
Michigan will have most of its roster available to play, though their biggest loss is offensive lineman Zak Zinter. During Michigan’s victory over Ohio State in the regular season finale, Zinter broke his leg and has undergone surgery.
Zinter is facing a lengthy period on the sidelines, ending his college career in Ann Arbor, but should definitely hear his name called in April’s 2024 NFL Draft.
MORE: How Big is Michigan’s Marching Band?
The only two players Michigan has lost to the transfer portal are running backs, Leon Franklin and CJ Stokes. Stokes only had four carries in 2023, after a strong freshman campaign in 2022, with 273 yards from 55 carries.
Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards are the headline backs for the Wolverines, and both will feature heavily in the playoffs.
Stokes has, however, stated that he will be at the Rose Bowl, posting on X, formally known as Twitter, “I will be with the team for the CFP, although I will still remain in the portal.”
He has been on the Wolverines’ injury report since Week 2 of the season with an undisclosed injury, and despite being with the team, Stokes isn’t expected to be on the field.
Michigan Players Expected To Miss the Rose Bowl:
- CJ Stokes, RB (transfer portal)
- Leon Franklin, RB (transfer portal)
- Zak Zinter, OL (Injury)
- Karmello English, WR (Injury)