Ohio State and Missouri enter the Cotton Bowl in different situations, but the game itself should be an entertaining one. Even with opt-outs, both teams have plenty of talent to watch, but today we take a look at who’s missing from both sides.
Top Ohio State, Missouri Players Not Playing the Gator Bowl
Using the College Football Network Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know the players who won’t be playing in the Gator Bowl and will miss the Clemson vs. Kentucky game.
Ohio State Players To Miss the Cotton Bowl
Ohio State has several players that could add to this list. Most people are focused on guys like Marvin Harrison Jr., Treveyon Henderson, and Emeka Egbuka. All 3 could turn pro, but there hasn’t been much information about them opting out of this game. For now, it appears that they’re playing.
Running back took a hit, thanks to the transfer portal. Chip Trayanum, Evan Pryor, and Will Harton all left Ohio State in the offseason, which weakens the depth of the position for this game. It also leaves questions about the position in 2024, with Henderson and Miyan Williams potentially gone.
MORE: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
Kyle McCord’s departure was a bit of a surprise, though the Buckeyes turned to backup Devin Brown. The fanbase already raves about Brown’s abilities, so to them, there aren’t concerns about the position.
Another big loss was wide receiver Julian Fleming. While he didn’t put up the biggest numbers this year, he’s still an extremely talented player who will be a starter elsewhere. Fleming’s presence will be missed if Harrison and Egbuka don’t play in the bowl game.
Ohio State’s defense didn’t take many hits, though losing Omari Abor could be a bigger loss down the road.
Ohio State Players Expected To Miss the Cotton Bowl
- Joe Royer, TE (transfer portal)
- Chip Trayanum, RB (transfer portal)
- Jyaire Brown, CB (transfer portal)
- Omari Abor, EDGE (transfer portal)
- Ryan Turner, CB (transfer portal)
- Parker Lewis, K (transfer portal)
- Reid Carrico, LB (transfer portal)
- Jakob James, OT (transfer portal)
- Kyle McCord, QB (transfer portal)
- Evan Pryor, RB (transfer portal)
- Kye Stokes, S (transfer portal)
- Julian Fleming, WR (transfer portal)
- Aramoni Rhone, WR (transfer portal)
- Victor Cutler Jr., iOL (transfer portal)
- Cameron Martinez, S (transfer portal)
- Connor Cmiel, WR (transfer portal)
- Will Harton, RB (transfer portal)
- Marvin Harrison Jr., WR (NFL Draft, opt-out)
- Tommy Eichenberg, LB (opt-out)
- Miles Walker, OL (out)
- Miyan Williams, RB (injury)
- Lathan Ransom, S (injury)
- Kourt Williams, S (injury)
UPDATE: Harrison Jr. and Eichenberg were ruled out just two hours ahead of kickoff of the Cotton Bowl.
Missouri Players To Miss the Cotton Bowl
Eli Drinkwitz went with a different approach to opt-outs. Some players are in the transfer portal but will still play in the game. He’s used a team approach this year while also supporting individuals. He thought they deserved to play with their teammates one final time even if they weren’t returning.
The buy-in from players was great, and it’s a big reason there aren’t too many opt-outs that won’t participate in the Cotton Bowl.
Two big names will not participate in Missouri’s defense, but it’s not due to opting out. Both linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw won’t play in the game due to injuries, and they are 2 big contributors to the Tiger’s defense.
The offense’s biggest contributors will also play, and they’ll need them when facing a stout Buckeyes defense.
Missouri Players Expected To Miss the Cotton Bowl
- Demariyon Houston, WR (transfer portal)
- D.J. Wesolak, LB (transfer portal)
- Carmycah Glass, LB (transfer portal)
- Xavier Simmons, LB (transfer portal)
- Valen Erickson, OT (transfer portal)
- Max Whisner, TE (transfer portal)
- Dameon Wilson, LB (transfer portal)
- Dylan Laible, QB (transfer portal)
- Ma’Kyi Lee, OT (transfer portal)
- Gabarri Johnson, QB (transfer portal)
- Tyler Hibbler, S (transfer portal)
Miss any action from the top college QB Rankings during the 2023 football season? Want to track all the movement with the college football’s transfer portal? College Football Network has you covered with that and more!