Fiesta Bowl opt-outs and injury reports: Top Liberty and Oregon players not playing in the bowl game

This season’s Fiesta Bowl will be a contest between Power Five and Group of Five teams. No. 8 Oregon will face No. 23 Liberty at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Oregon had another brilliant season under Dan Lanning in 2023. The Ducks were the most efficient passing team in college football and had the second-best scoring offense. They were only ruled out of playoff contention after losing to Washington in the Pac-12 title game.

On the other hand, Liberty had the best rushing offense in college football, averaging 302 yards per game. This enabled them to boast the fifth-best scoring offense in 2023, with an average of 40.8 points per game. The Flames will be out to make a statement in the bowl game.

We examine the list of players from both teams who opted out of the Fiesta Bowl.

---

Oregon’s Fiesta Bowl opt-outs

#1, Ty Thompson, QB

Ty Simpson was expected to become Oregon’s starting quarterback in 2024 as Bo Nix proceeded to the NFL. However, the Ducks brought in Dillon Gabriel from Oklahoma. This prompted the quarterback to enter the transfer portal to seek playing time elsewhere.

#2, Tevita Pome’e, DL

Following a freshman season without an appearance for Oregon, Tevita Pome’e is leaving Eugene with four years of eligibility to seek better opportunities elsewhere. The defensive lineman wasn't confident he would get the chances he wanted with the Ducks.

Other Oregon Opt-Outs

Players	Position	Reasons
Von Reames	WR	Transfer Portal
Trikweze Bridges	S	Transfer Portal
Bryan Addison	DB	Transfer Portal
Josh Delgado	WR	Transfer Portal
Kris Hutton	WR	Transfer Portal
Ashton Cozart	WR	Transfer Portal
Daymond David	S	Transfer Portal
Dante Dowdell	RB	Transfer Portal

---

Liberty’s Fiesta Bowl opt-outs

#1, Kendy Charles, DL

After four years at Liberty, Kendy Charles has decided to move on from the program. The defensive lineman has two years of eligibility left in college football.

#2, Jaylon Jimmerson, S

Jaylon Jimmerson played an important role for the Flames, appearing in 13 games in their first season in the Conference USA. He has entered the transfer portal to seek opportunities in the Power Five landscape.

Other Liberty Opt-Outs

Players	Position	Reasons
Tysheik Galloway	DL	Transfer Portal
Bryan Whitehead	DL	Transfer Portal
Amari Williams	Edge	Transfer Portal
Jordan Norwood	LB	Transfer Portal
Jonathan Bennett	QB	Transfer Portal
Aakil Washington	LB	Transfer Portal
Preston Hodge	CB	Transfer Portal

Oregon takes on Liberty on Monday, Jan. 1, with kick-off at 1 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.