Iowa State, Miami (FL) Players Not Playing in the Pop-Tarts Bowl
The Pop-Tarts Bowl has established itself as one of the marquee destinations of Bowl Season, and this year the Iowa State Cyclones and Miami (FL) Hurricanes will meet in Camping World Stadium for the right to eat an edible mascot and lift a trophy that doubles as a working toaster.
Between injuries, transfer portal entrants, and NFL Draft declarations, there will be several Iowa State and Miami (FL) players not playing in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Top Iowa State Players Not Playing in Pop-Tarts Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Cyclones won’t be in action in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
The most notable of the Cyclones players not playing in the Pop-Tarts Bowl is linebacker Ellis, who tallied 41 tackles, five tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery for Iowa State this season. Pass rusher Snyder is a notable absence. Defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim is in the transfer portal but is also listed on the Cyclones’ depth chart so could see some action on Saturday.
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There’s an expectation that most of the program’s senior players will make an appearance, including star wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. However, offensive players not playing in the Pop-Tarts Bowl include running back Jackson who is currently suspended. He rushed for 388 yards and two touchdowns for the Cyclones this season.
Top Miami (FL) Players Not Playing in Pop-Tarts Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Hurricanes won’t be in action in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
The big news for the Hurricanes is more about who will be on the field rather than the players not playing in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Quarterback Cam Ward has nothing left to prove with the program after making his way to New York as a Heisman Trophy finalist but is set to play for Miami (FL) regardless.
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He’ll be missing one of his top targets, with wide receiver Horton currently in the portal. He snagged 56 receptions for 616 yards and five scores during the 2024 season. Starting offensive tackle Nelson is also in the portal, and presumably won’t play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, although Miami (FL) hasn’t released an updated depth chart ahead of the game.
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