List of Opt-Outs in Oklahoma State’s Cheez-It Bowl Matchup against Miami

Non-Playoff bowl games have taken a hit in terms of star power in recent years, and the COVID-riddled 2020 season hasn’t help that cause.

There are five (kind of six) major opt-outs in Oklahoma State’s Cheez-It Bowl matchup with Miami. Four of those are on OSU’s side, and the other two opt-outs are Hurricanes.

Miami

Jaelan Phillips, DE, 6-5, 266: Jaelan Phillips announced his decision to opt-out and prepare for the NFL Draft on Dec. 20. It’s a big loss for the Hurricanes, as Phillips is Miami’s leader in sacks (eight) and tackles for loss (15.5) this season. His season stat line also includes 45 total tackles, an interception, three pass breakups and five quarterback hurries. He is expected to be a first round NFL Draft pick.

Quincy Roche, DE, 6-3, 245: Already without Phillips, Roche is the Hurricanes’ second-leading sack getter this season. He opted out Dec. 20, as well. Roche has 4.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss this season. If one or both of these disruptive defensive ends would’ve played, it would’ve been tough for OSU’s young offensive line to contain them. So this somewhat neutralizes what would’ve been a mismatch for the Pokes.

Oklahoma State

Teven Jenkins, T, 6-6, 320: Teven Jenkins is the Cowboys’ top offensive lineman in years. Jenkins struggled through injuries this season and opted out Nov. 30. Jenkins is a veteran of 35 starts over the past four seasons and is expected to be taken in the NFL Draft.

Chuba Hubbard, RB, 6-0, 208: The 2019 season’s rushing champ, Chuba Hubbard announced his opted-out Dec. 13. Hubbard has also dealt with an ankle injury for much of the 2020 season. Despite playing in just seven games this season, Hubbard is third among Big 12 rushers with 625 yards and five touchdowns. Hubbard is obviously a big loss for the Pokes, but they’ve managed without him this year. LD Brown, Dezmon Jackson and Dominic Richardson have all had games of 100+ rushing yards this season.

Rodarius Williams, CB, 6-0, 195: Always a solid contributor, Rodarius Williams became a lock-down artist in his redshirt senior season. Williams suffered an injury late in the year that limited him. Williams opted out on Dec. 14. In Williams’ absence, expect Jarrick Bernard-Converse and Christian Holmes to start at corner for the Pokes. True freshmen Korie Black and Jabbar Muhammad have also seen playing time recently with Williams limited.

Jelani Woods, CW, 6-7, 275: This one wasn’t necessarily an opt-out, but Jelani Woods entered the transfer portal and committed to Virginia since OSU’s regular season finale. Woods hasn’t seen a ton of action in the passing game this season, catching eight passes for 129 yards and a touchdown, but he has developed into a high-level blocker. In his absence, expect a lot of Logan Carter against Miami.