The Arizona Wildcats are gearing up for a thrilling Holiday Bowl showdown against SMU, but will they have their full roster on the field? With the game still two weeks away, the team is hoping to recover from a season of injuries and give it their all in San Diego.
The final curtain call: For redshirt senior Tia Savea and several other seniors, this bowl game marks the end of their college football journey. Savea, who missed the last three games due to injury, will don the Wildcats' jersey one last time. It's a poignant moment for these players, who have dedicated their college careers to the sport.
But here's where it gets controversial. In recent years, a trend has emerged in college football: players opting out of bowl games. These athletes, with professional aspirations, choose to prioritize their health and future careers over participating in non-championship bowl games. Arizona has experienced this before when Jordan Morgan, a future first-round pick, sat out the Alamo Bowl.
Will history repeat itself? As of now, no Arizona player has opted out of the Holiday Bowl, according to Coach Brent Brennan. However, he acknowledges that this could change. Brennan highlights the personal nature of these decisions, emphasizing the team's healthy culture and the players' commitment to each other. But will the allure of a potential professional career sway any Wildcats? Only time will tell.
SMU's Coach Rhett Lashlee shares a similar sentiment, expressing excitement for the game. The Mustangs, despite some late-season injuries, are eager to take on Arizona and another Big 12 opponent. Lashlee attributes their success to a positive team culture, a factor both teams seem to have in common.
Transfer portal drama: Adding another layer of complexity, the NCAA transfer portal opens on the same day as the Holiday Bowl. Arizona and SMU have already had players announce their transfer intentions, including key Wildcats quarterback Braedyn Locke and offensive lineman Michael Wooten. The availability of these players for the bowl game is uncertain, creating a sense of anticipation and uncertainty.
SMU, according to reports, has four players planning to transfer, with edge rusher DJ Warner being the most notable. Lashlee acknowledges the reality of the transfer portal but remains confident that opt-outs won't be an issue for his team.
As the Holiday Bowl approaches, the Wildcats' full roster remains a mystery. Will they be at full strength, or will the allure of future opportunities lead to last-minute changes? Stay tuned as Arizona aims to end their season on a high note, leaving fans and commentators alike eager for the final verdict.
