College football bowl season is finally upon us. One of the most exciting times of the year to be a college football fan, and I for one can’t wait to dive into it. It has lost a bit of luster in the era of opt-outs, but for the most part, it is a fantastic opportunity for players to show off their skills on a national stage. To highlight that, I am going to pick one player to watch for each team during bowl season. Obviously as this is being written before the games have started, there is a chance that some of these players might opt out, but I will be doing my best to pick players who have reason or incentive to play in the games.

This edition will be the first of four or five parts of this series. This article will cover all of the games before Christmas, there will be one with all of the post-Christmas games, then I’ll come back after all the bowls are done to give an MVP of each bowl game.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Myrtle Beach Bowl:

Georgia Southern: Marques Watson-Trent LB/S — 117 TKL, 13 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 2 PD, 2 INT, 1 FF

Marques Watson-Trent was a jack of all trades for the Eagles in the middle of the defense this year. He led the team in tackles, tackles for loss, and ranked second in interceptions. He is one of those tweener players; a bit too small to be a pure linebacker, but his football IQ and command of the defense allows him to play in the box. His speed also allows him to be a good cover man and will find himself matched up with many of Ohio’s receivers.

Ohio: Bryce Houston LB — 119 TKL, 12.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 PD, 3 INT, 1 FF

With much of Ohio’s offense opting out, it will be on the Bobcats’ defense to keep them in this game. The focal point of their defense is the man in the middle, Bryce Houston. The Bobcats’ defensive line is very good and can get to the quarterback frequently, but the man who cleans up behind them makes their jobs much easier. He is also good at dropping into a zone and will need to disrupt the short passes to Khaleb Hood to slow down the Eagles offense.

Cricket Celebration Bowl

Howard: Kasey Hawthorne WR — 35 REC, 504 YDS, 5 TD; 21 CAR, 179 YDS, 4 TD

It’s no secret who the key piece in Howard’s offense is. Hawthorne is the Bison’s leading receiver, frequently gets involved in the running game, and has even thrown two passes for them. He has reached the end zone nine times himself, and threw another as well. Howard will need him at top form if it hopes to keep pace with the Rattlers

Florida A&M: Jeremy Moussa QB — 2,604 passing yards, 19 TD, 57.5% completion 

The former Vanderbilt quarterback elevated the Rattlers to new heights, leading them to their first ever SWAC championship and their first conference title since 2010. The senior has a live arm and while he isn’t one to gash you in the running game, he excels at extending plays and making throws off platform.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Jacksonville State: Chris Hardie DL — 57 TKL, 16 TFL, 8.5 sacks, 1 INT

The Gamecocks had an extremely successful debut in the FBS, and Hardie was a massive part of that. He was a rock on the defensive line who led the team in sacks and tackles for loss. He will look to slow down a diverse Louisiana run game that had three runners total over 400 yards.

Louisiana: Chandler Fields QB — 914 YDS, 7 TD, 70.9% completion

With next year’s presumed starter Zeon Chriss out for the last month of the season, Fields stepped in and performed admirably, clinching bowl eligibility in a rivalry game the last week of the season. This game is a good opportunity for him to showcase himself to either start a quarterback battle during camp next year, or for a potential transfer.

Avocados From Mexico Cure Bowl

Miami (OH): Rashad Amos RB — 895 YDS, 12 TDs, 35 REC YDS

With both of the reigning MAC champions; top quarterback options to miss this game, the RedHawks will likely be looking to run the ball. Luckily, Amos should be able to find success against an Appalachian State defense that ranked outside the top 100 against the run.

Appalachian State: Joey Aguilar QB — 3,546 YDS, 33 TD, 64.3% completion

App State changed its philosophy from a run-heavy team to a passing team almost overnight, and that can be accredited to the emergence of Aguilar. The Diablo Valley College transfer lit up the Sun Belt in his debut season, leading the conference in passing yards and touchdowns. He will look to end Miami’s fairytale season on a bad note.

Isleta New Mexico Bowl

New Mexico State: Diego Pavia QB — 2,915 YDS, 26 TD; 853 RUSH YDS, 6 TD

Pavia is the skeleton key that unlocks New Mexico State’s offense. Along with being the quarterback, he is also the team’s leading rusher, equally dangerous in both phases. With the team missing a few of its top receivers, including Trent Hudson, who led the team in touchdowns, the Aggies will rely on Pavia more than ever.

Fresno State: Carlton Johnson CB — 53 TKL, 1 TFL, 4 INT, 7 PD

In order to slow down Pavia, the Bulldogs will turn to their top cover corner in Johnson. The senior experienced a big jump in production this year, turning his pass deflections of last year into picks. He slowed down a bit toward the end of the year, which just means he’s due to grab one in the bowl.

Starco Brands LA Bowl

UCLA: J. Michael Sturdivant WR — 32 REC, 455 YDS, 3 TD

The Bruins are one of the teams expected to deal with mass opt-outs, including from the quarterback position. No matter who lines up under center, they would be wise to target the big man out of Texas. The big-play threat transferred from Cal last year and had a fairly underwhelming season by his standards. However, he made a number of highlight reel catches and can catch a bomb at any time.

Boise State: CJ Tiller QB — No Stats

With Taylen Green transferring to Arkansas and Maddux Madsen out with injury, the quarterback cupboard is pretty bare for the Broncos. Enter true freshman CJ Tiller. Tiller has only taken two snaps on the year but was a three-star recruit and a top 50 quarterback nationally in the last recruiting cycle. He gets a great opportunity here to show he could be the starter of the future in Boise.

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl

California: Jaydn Ott RB — 1,260 YDS, 11 TD; 141 REC YDS, 2 TD

One of the most electric running backs in the country, Jaydn Ott is probably the odds-on favorite to be the MVP of this game. Fresh off of his first team All-Pac-12 season, he can make an impact in the run game, pass game, and return game. He is a do-it-all threat who will be a constant problem for the Red Raiders.

Texas Tech: Tahj Brooks RB — 1,443 YDS, 9 TD; 72 REC YDS

This is a matchup of two of the best backs in the country. While Brooks is not quite the multifaceted weapon Ott is, he is every bit as talented a runner. He finished fourth in the country in rushing yards and has already pledged to return to Texas Tech for his final year. Both teams should look to pound the rock in this game, and whichever running back performs better will likely lead their team to victory.

Monday, Dec. 18

Famous Toastery Bowl

Western Kentucky: Kendrick Simpkins DB — 48 TKL, 11 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 1 PD

The do-it-all nickel in the middle of the Hilltoppers defense is going to be even more key in the bowl, as multiple members of the back seven have opted out. Simpkins is frequently sent on blitzes and run stunts and should frequently flash in the Old Dominion backfield.

Old Dominion: Wayne Matthews III LB — 121 TKL, 8.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 2 PD

The nation’s leading tackler Jason Henderson will miss this game, and it will be up to his running mate to fill the hole he leaves. Matthews was no slouch himself, still going well over 100 tackles on the year. However, he will take on a much bigger role with Henderson’s absence. This is a good chance to establish himself as one of the premier linebackers in the country with a strong performance.

Tuesday, Dec. 19

Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl

UTSA: Rashad Wisdom SAF — 58 TKL, 2 TFL, 2 sacks, 5 PD

Friend of the show Rashad Wisdom should put on a show in what is likely his last game as a Roadrunner. The safety led UTSA in tackles and is never afraid to lay the boom. He seems to have a highlight hit in almost every game he plays, so he should be fun to watch in a game that Marshall should be trying to keep the ball on the ground.

Marshall: Rasheen Ali RB — 1,043 YDS, 14 TD; 213 REC YDS, 1 TD

With starting quarterback Cam Fancher set to miss the game, Marshall will likely rely on its run game and quick pass game. Both of those call for a big dose of Rasheen Ali. The shifty back is a dual threat who is liable to take one to the crib at any time. He is one of my favorite backs in the country to watch.

Thursday, Dec. 21

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl

South Florida: Byrum Brown QB — 3,078 YDS, 23 TD; 745 RUSH YDS, 11 TD

The redshirt freshman quarterback played a few games last year toward the end of the season, but nothing he showed then could’ve prepared the Bulls for what was coming this season. He was electric, leading USF to its first bowl in five years. Syracuse is undergoing a coaching change, so USF has a chance at its first bowl victory since the 2017 Birmingham Bowl.

Syracuse: Caleb Okechukwu EDGE — 33 TKL, 7 TFL, 3.5 sacks

One of the leaders of The Mob for the Orange had a big of a down year after his seven-sack season in 2022. He still is a constant threat to the quarterback and is coming off two straight games bringing down the passer. 

Friday, Dec. 22

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl

Georgia Tech: Jamal Haynes RB — 931 YDS, 7 TD; 151 REC YDS, 1 TD

The two Haynes were the cogs that made Georgia Tech’s offense click this year. Jamal came from playing almost no snaps last year, to taking the lion’s share of the team’s carries this year. The converted wide receiver is a threat in the passing game as well. His shiftiness should cause problems for a Knights defense that struggled against the run.

UCF: John Rhys Plumlee QB — 2,073 YDS, 13 TD; 473 RUSH YDS, 5 TD

I try to avoid using too many quarterbacks on this list where I can, but JRP is one of the most exciting players in the country. The versatile multi-sport athlete is electric to watch. He has a gunslinger’s mentality when dropping back to pass, willing to rip almost any pass, while running like he thinks he’s Derrick Henry. He missed a few games this year, but he should be at full health to take on Tech.

Saturday, Dec. 23

76 Birmingham Bowl 

Troy: Javon Solomon EDGE — 52 TKL, 17.5 TFL, 16 sacks, 3 FF

Solomon is currently the nation’s leader in sacks, nabbing 2.5 in the Sun Belt Conference Championship Game to take the lead. With his closest competitor out for the season, he has a good chance to extend that lead against a Duke team that should be experiencing heavy turnover. He is leaving for the NFL after this year, so this is his last chance to put some tape on film before heading to Mobile.

Duke: Jordan Moore WR — 59 REC, 794 YDS, 8 TD

There’s a clear top two in Duke’s passing game: Moore and Jalon Calhoun. I went with Moore as the player to watch as he built a better connection with presumed starting quarterback Grayson Loftis. He ended the season strong with three straight games over 80 yards, so he’ll look to continue that against a stout Troy defense.

Camellia Bowl

Arkansas State: Thurman Geathers BOX — 47 TKL, 12 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 1 FF

The former Louisville Cardinal is not only a candidate for the all-name team, but he is a versatile monster for Butch Jones. He lines up everywhere; from down lineman, to stand up edge rusher, to Mike linebacker, he does it all. No matter where he plays, there is one constant: he is a menace in the backfield. Northern Illinois will be on high alert for him all day.

Northern Illinois: Antario Brown RB — 1,164 YDS, 10 TD; 52 REC YDS, 1 TD

With the Huskies likely to be missing a few wide receivers this game, they’ll likely turn to their run game to keep the offense moving. Luckily, they have a fantastic back in Brown. He is pound for pound as strong as any back in the country, and he runs with violent intent every time he gets the ball.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

James Madison: Reggie Brown WR — 51 REC, 1,010 YDS, 9 TD

The Jordan McCloud breakout also had the benefit of giving JMU two 1,000-yard receivers. Reggie Brown and Elijah Sarratt were a nightmare for defenses all year long and will likely be the same against Air Force. Brown is a savvy route runner and a threat to make a big play. His 19.8 yards per reception was one of the best numbers in the country.

Air Force: Trey Taylor DB — 67 TKL, 4.5 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 3 INT, 4 PD

The Jim Thorpe Award winner will be a crucial factor in shutting down JMU’s big play passing game. Like the namesake of the award he took home this year, Taylor is a versatile athlete who started as a running back at Air Force. He went full time on defense pretty early though and is now reaping the rewards after an excellent year.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Georgia State: Talique Williams WR — 46 REC, 581 YDS, 5 TD

The Panthers will be without a fair chunk of their top skill position players, and Williams will be one of the names they expect to step up and fill the void. The second-leading receiver on the year, he will look to have a big game to establish himself as the top target on the team next year. He is a ball of energy and a big play waiting to happen, evidenced by his two touchdowns of 70+ yards this year.

Utah State: Ike Larsen SAF — 92 TKL, 4.5 TFL, 4 INT, 6 PD

Larsen was the linchpin for the Aggies defense this year. Whether it was getting in the box to shut down the run or finding his way into passing lanes, he was the man for the job. A bit smaller than your average safety, he makes up for that with great burst and closing speed. He should be around the ball all day long.

68 Ventures Bowl

South Alabama: Quentin Wilfawn OLB — 81 TKL, 15 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 2 FF

There was no consensus on who was going to be the starting outside linebacker for the Jaguars this year, but Wilfawn grabbed that job and never let go. He turned in a sensational year, leading the Jags in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. He should have plenty of opportunities to add to his numbers with Eastern Michigan expected to play a fairly run-heavy game.

Eastern Michigan: Samson Evans RB — 635 YDS, 12 TD; 89 REC YDS

Samson Evans shared the load running the ball a bit more this year after his bellcow season in 2022. He was still the top dog by the end of the season and one of the better goal-line backs in the country. He should be fairly fresh this game and will likely be one of the main focal points of the offensive game plan.

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl

Utah: Bryson Barnes QB — 1,517 YDS, 12 TD; 267 RUSH YDS, 3 TD

Barnes was solid if not spectacular in relief duty for the Utes this year. He played well enough that some team will likely give him a shot to at least get in a competition for a starting job next year. He has entered his name in the transfer portal, but he wants to finish the season with his teammates. This game could be a showcase for him to show potential suitors what he can do.

Northwestern: Xander Mueller LB — 102 TKL, 10.5 TFL, 5 sacks, 3 INT

The media’s All-Big Ten Third Team selection is the player who clinched bowl eligibility for the Wildcats with his pick of Purdue’s Ryan Browne. Bowl-eligible Northwestern is not something most people would have expected coming into the year, but the Wildcats exceeded expectations behind a defensive turnaround. Mueller was one of the architects of that revolution, leading the teams in sacks and tackles for loss.

EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl

Coastal Carolina: Clayton Isbell SAF — 86 TKL, 4.5 TFL, 1 sack, 3 INT, 5 PD

The Utah transfer quickly established himself as a major factor in the Chanticleers defense. He started off the season red hot with three interceptions against UCLA. After that he was still in passing lanes, but he wasn’t able to wrangle another pick. He was still a big factor in the run game, however, leading the team in tackles and being a thorn in the opponent’s side.

San José State: Kairee Robinson RB — 1,127 YDS, 18 TD; 197 REC YDS, 2 TD

On a play-by-play basis, Kairee Robinson was one of the most effective backs in the country. His 7.1 yards per carry was good for fourth among players with over 100 carries, and his 20 total touchdowns was tied for third in the country. He will look to end the year with a bang and lead San José State to its first bowl victory since 2015.