Unlike many bowl games plagued by opt-outs and transfer portal departures, the Holiday Bowl between the No. 17 Arizona Wildcats (9-3) and the SMU Mustangs (8-4) should feature two teams playing at nearly full capacity. Both coaches have confirmed that opt-outs have been minimal, setting the stage for a compelling matchup Friday night at Snapdragon Stadium.
The only confirmed absences are Arizona offensive lineman Michael Wooten and SMU edge rusher DJ Warner, both of whom have announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal.
Arizona Keeping Opt-Outs Under Wraps
Arizona coach Brent Brennan has declined to reveal which players, if any, will sit out, a strategic decision to keep SMU guessing.
“So far it’s been good. You never know, right? That’s the world we live in right now,” Brennan said Monday. “I’m sure Coach Lashlee and SMU would love to know where we’re at with that, but they can find out Friday night.”
“All of those decisions are personal and family decisions,” Brennan added. “We have a really healthy culture. Our team in Arizona has been on an incredible journey this year.”
MORE: PFSN’s Transfer Portal Tracker
Cornerback Treydan Stukes and safety Genesis Smith have been listed as potential opt-outs, though neither has made an announcement.
Stukes and fellow defensive back Dalton Johnson, who each recorded four interceptions this season, anchor Arizona’s fourth-ranked pass defense in the nation (155.9 yards allowed per game).
Tight end Keyan Burnett has entered the transfer portal and will not play. Right tackle Tristan Bounds and nose tackle Tiaoalii Savea are listed as questionable due to injury.
SMU Expects Full Roster
SMU coach Rhett Lashlee expressed confidence that his squad would be intact, with the notable exception of Warner.
“We’ve not had an issue with opt-outs yet,” Lashlee told reporters. “In terms of opt-outs, I don’t expect that. Similar to Arizona, the reason we’ve won is that our culture is good.”
Quarterback Kevin Jennings, who has thrown for 3,363 yards and 26 touchdowns this season, is confirmed to play. The Dallas native recently announced he will return to SMU for his senior season in 2026 rather than entering the portal or declaring for the NFL Draft.
“It’s three straight years that, in this new era of college football, he’s had plenty of opportunities to go somewhere else,” Lashlee said of his quarterback. “Kevin sees the value of not only the degree that he’s already earned at SMU, but the legacy that he’s able to build, staying in Dallas.”
Wide receiver Romello Brinson, tight ends RJ Maryland and Matthew Hibner, offensive guard Logan Parr, defensive lineman Jeff M’ba, and safety Isaiah Nwokobia have been listed as potential opt-outs but have not made announcements.
What’s At Stake in Arizona vs. SMU
Arizona enters on a five-game winning streak, including road victories over ranked opponents Cincinnati and Arizona State. A win would give the Wildcats their fifth 10-win season in program history and their second in three years.
“Since we got bowl-eligible, we’ve been talking about this extra life that this team gets by getting to go to a bowl game,” Brennan said. “Every football team has a lifespan. It’s either 11 months or 10 months or nine months, but the longer the better.”
Quarterback Noah Fifita, an All-Big 12 first-team selection, has thrown for 2,963 yards and 26 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He is Arizona’s career leader with 70 touchdown passes.
SMU is looking to snap a five-game bowl losing streak dating to 2012. The Mustangs own the No. 11 passing offense in FBS (283.5 yards per game), creating an intriguing strength-on-strength clash with Arizona’s elite pass defense.
Complete Opt-Out and Injury List
Arizona Wildcats
- G Michael Wooten: Opted out, entered transfer portal
- TE Keyan Burnett: Opted out, entered transfer portal
- RT Tristan Bounds: Injured, questionable
- NT Tiaoalii Savea: Injured, questionable
SMU Mustangs
- OLB DJ Warner: Opted out, entered transfer portal
How to Watch Arizona vs. SMU
The Holiday Bowl kicks off Friday at 8 p.m. ET from Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. The game will be broadcast on FOX.
