The Military Bowl features a perennial ACC power against one of the top Group of Five teams over the past handful of seasons as the Virginia Tech Hokies and Tulane Green Wave square off. With the transfer portal running rampant, which players may be missing from the action when these two teams meet?
Top Virginia Tech, Tulane Players Not Playing the Military Bowl
Using the College Football Network Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know the players who won’t be playing in the Military Bowl and will miss the Virginia Tech vs. Tulane game.
For the full game preview and prediction: Military Bowl Prediction: Virginia Tech vs. Tulane Odds, Spread, DFS Picks, and More
Virginia Tech Players To Miss the Military Bowl
The Hokies will be without a variety of players on the offensive side of the ball. While they’re set to be without Chance Black and Bryce Duke at running back, the duo combined for fewer than 20 carries this season in just five games. The biggest loss on offense is certainly tight end Dae’Quan Wright.
MORE: College Football Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker
The tight end caught nearly 30 passes for Tech this season and went for over 350 yards in the process. Da’Wain Lofton’s loss may be felt when depth is needed but the biggest loss is certainly Wright’s check-down responsibility and over-the-middle prowess.
On defense, the Hokies will be without multi-game starter Derrick Canteen, who hit the portal once again in his career. After transferring in from Georgia Southern last year, Canteen will be looking for his third team in as many seasons next fall.
Virginia Tech Players Expected To Miss the Military Bowl:
- Chance Black, RB (transfer portal)
- Bryce Duke, RB (transfer portal)
- Christian Moss, WR (transfer portal)
- Luke Shields, WR (transfer portal)
- Da’Wain Lofton, WR (transfer portal)
- Dae’Quan Wright, TE (transfer portal)
- Hunter McLain, OT (transfer portal)
- Johnny Dickson, iOL (transfer portal)
- J.R. Walker, LB (transfer portal)
- Derrick Canteen, CB (transfer portal)
- Nyquee Hawkins, S (transfer portal)
Tulane Players To Miss the Military Bowl
Tulane’s ability on offense will all come down to Michael Pratt and his status for the game. Kai Horton, who served as the starter in place of Pratt earlier this year, has entered the portal and could force the Green Wave to a tertiary option at QB if Pratt is out at all.
Elsewhere on offense, the Green Wave receiving corps could take a massive hit in this game. Leading receiver Chris Brazzell is headed to Tennessee, while longtime contributor Phat Watts is also in the portal. Jha’Quan Jackson has entered the NFL Draft, and his status remains unknown.
Alex Bauman’s loss at tight end may be one of the more underappreciated losses in this game as he finished with the second-most receptions and touchdowns for Tulane in 2023.
On defense for Tulane, the biggest losses will be upfront. Devean Deal and Keith Cooper were each integral pieces of the Green Wave’s pass-rushing unit in 2023.
Cooper recorded multiple sacks and was the leader off the edge next to Darius Hodges. Deal showcased a truly special set of skills with his versatility. Both of their abilities to rush the passer and Deal’s ability to drop in overage could be felt early and often.
Tulane Players Expected To Miss the Military Bowl:
- Kai Horton, QB (transfer portal)
- Carson Haggard, QB (transfer portal)
- DJ Douglas, WR (transfer portal)
- Phat Watts, WR (transfer portal)
- Chris Brazzell II, WR (transfer portal)
- Alex Bauman, TE (transfer portal)
- Devean Deal, EDGE (transfer portal)
- Keith Cooper Jr., DL (transfer portal)
- Corey Platt Jr., LB (transfer portal)
- Kiland Harrison, CB (transfer portal)
- Kentrell Webb, CB (transfer portal)
- Chadwick Bailey, CB (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!