I’m hoping for a bunch of bowl opt outs

You know why.

FSU demonstrated what happens to teams that feel like they should make the playoffs and don't. Kids just skip the game entirely.

With a 12 game playoff, a lot more teams will feel like they "should" have made it.

I actually think the opt outs are an opportunity for guys who are going to be stepping into starting roles the next year to get a month of prep and then a game of reps and kind of enjoy it. You get to see who the next guys are.

Now, with the way the portal works and everything there are times where "the next guy" isn't on the roster yet so it isn't always the same, but in general I think that's the best way to look at it.

The kids really like them, or they used to. Lots of bling handed out.

Fans like to travel.

But yeah, things are changing.

So you want “L”su, the 2025 CFB national champion, according to Head Ball Coach Brain Jelly, to finish 8-5?

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It gives the coaches a chance to evaluate bench talent against real game competition. Maybe a practice’warrior’ doesn’t look so hot under game lights, and maybe a practice dud looks like a star when the game film is rolling.

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Agree, and it gives you 3-4 weeks to let those guys rep and practice in that roll as a starter.

Kirby has been the gold standard, IMHO, for how he has approached this stuff since it started. He basically asks his kids to give him an answer very quickly, wishes them well and then talks about how excited he is to go practice and play with the kids he has and makes them excited about it. And they generally go out and play pretty well in non-playoff bowl games outside of the Texas one 5 or 6 years ago.

Bowl games are still fun. I want the best players to play, but understand why they don’t. Matt Corral is a good example of why you opt out.

Coaches love it because it gives them an extra 2-3 weeks of practice, which is a big help in evaluating the second/third stringers. Most starters don't really practice in this period, health reasons & their value is already established. Plus, it's a great reward for those players who didn't get much playing time during the season. If players love it, what's the harm?

As an example, if Alabama doesn't get in the playoff and goes to the Citrus Bowl, I would not be disappointed if guys opted out early and guys like Ty Simpson like 3 weeks of bowl prep and then a full game with a full gameplan.