Bowl Game Opt-Outs Skyrocket as Seven Teams Reject Birmingham Bowl Invite

The landscape of college football’s postseason is shifting dramatically. Multiple programs are now choosing to skip bowl games entirely. This trend was highlighted by a chaotic search for an opponent in the Birmingham Bowl.

Notre Dame set a notable precedent earlier this season. The school formally declined a Pop-Tarts Bowl invitation after missing the College Football Playoff. According to reports from On3, their decision signaled a broader, growing disinterest in non-playoff bowls.

Birmingham Bowl Scrambles After Seven Straight Rejections

The issue became starkly clear for the Birmingham Bowl. Organizers needed a team to play Georgia Southern on December 29th. They faced an unprecedented wave of rejections from eligible schools.

At least seven teams with 5-7 records said no. This list included Auburn, Baylor, and Rutgers. Kansas, UCF, and Temple also declined the opportunity.

The eighth offer finally found a taker. Appalachian State accepted the bid to face Georgia Southern. Brett McMurphy of On3 first reported the lengthy search process.

This situation underscores a new reality for mid-tier bowls. Finding willing participants is becoming a real challenge. The prestige of simply making a bowl game is fading for many programs.

CFP Expansion and Transfer Portal Fuel Opt-Out Trend

Experts point to two major factors driving this change. The expanding College Football Playoff is the primary cause. Teams that miss the playoff now see lesser bowls as consolation prizes.

The transfer portal and early NFL draft entries also play a huge role. Rosters can be decimated by departures after the regular season. Coaches would rather start rebuilding immediately than coach a depleted team.

This trend is likely to accelerate. The playoff will expand to 12 teams next year. More programs will feel their season truly ends with a playoff snub.

Fans and sponsors are left to grapple with the consequences. Bowl games may feature less recognizable names and talent. The entire traditional bowl system faces an uncertain future.

The rising tide of bowl game opt-outs is reshaping college football’s December calendar. As the playoff grows, the traditional bowl model may need a complete overhaul to survive.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why did Notre Dame opt out of its bowl game?

The team was not selected for the College Football Playoff. Notre Dame officials decided their season was effectively over, leading them to decline a Pop-Tarts Bowl invitation against BYU.

Q2: Which teams rejected the Birmingham Bowl?

At least seven schools declined, including Auburn, Baylor, Rutgers, Kansas, UCF, and Temple. All had 5-7 records and were offered the spot before Appalachian State accepted.

Q3: How does the transfer portal affect bowl participation?

Players often enter the portal immediately after the regular season. This can leave teams with skeleton crews for a bowl game, making coaches less interested in participating.

Q4: Will this opt-out trend continue?

Yes, analysts believe it will accelerate. The College Football Playoff expansion to 12 teams next year will make non-playoff bowls seem even less significant to many programs.

Q5: What was the final Birmingham Bowl matchup?

After seven rejections, Appalachian State agreed to play. They will face Georgia Southern in the game on December 29th.