Orange Bowl Opt-Outs List: Top Florida State and Georgia Football players not playing in bowl game today

Florida State and Georgia are set to square off in the Orange Bowl after missing out on the College Football Playoff.

The two powerhouses are coming off contrasting different results. The Seminoles secured a victory against Louisville in the ACC Championship game, while the Bulldogs lost out to Alabama in the SEC Championship game.

On that note, here is a list of players who have opted out of the Orange Bowl:

Florida State's Orange Bowl absentees

Following the controversial exclusion from the playoff, a good number of Florida State players have decided against playing in the Orange Bowl.

LSU v Florida State

#1 Keon Coleman, WR

Keon Coleman arrived at Florida State from Michigan State ahead of the 2023 college football season. The wide receiver continued his brilliant form with the Seminoles, leading the team in receiving yards. He has opted out of the Orange Bowl and declared for the 2024 NFL draft.

#2 Johnny Wilson, WR

Johnny Wilson has established himself as one of the top receivers on the Seminoles roster over the last few seasons. The wideout led the team in receiving yards in 2022 and also played an important role in 2023. Wilson has opted out of the Orange Bowl and entered the draft.

Other Top Florida State's Orange Bowl opt-outs

Players	Position	Reason
Jared Verse	DL	NFL Draft
Trey Benson	RB	NFL Draft
Jaheim Bell	TE	NFL Draft
Jared Verse	DL	NFL Draft
Fabien Lovett	DL	NFL Draft
Renardo Green	DB	NFL Draft
Jarrian Jones	DB	NFL Draft
Akeem Dent	DB	NFL Draft
Tate Rodemaker	QB	Transfer Portal
Rodney Hill	RB	Transfer Portal
Patrick Payton	Edge	Transfer Portal
Dylan Brown Turner	LB	Transfer Portal

Georgia’s Orange Bowl opt-outs

Georgia was expected to win its third consecutive national championship. However, the Bulldogs missed out on the playoff after losing the SEC title game.

They've since recorded significant bowl opt-outs. It’s worth noting that no NFL draft-eligible player in the Bulldogs team has opted out of the bowl game.

Georgia v Vanderbilt

#1 Mekhi Mews, WR

Following a season where he was part of the Bulldogs wide receiver rotation, Mekhi Mews decided to move on from Athens for better opportunities elsewhere. He has entered the transfer portal and won't be playing the Orange Bowl.

#2 Jonathan Jefferson, DL

Jonathan Jefferson has over the years found himself behind a roster of highly talented defensive tackles at Georgia, including names like Jalen Carter, Devonte Wyatt and Warren Brinson. He won’t be available for the Orange Bowl after having transferred to SMU.

Other top Georgia’s Orange Bowl opt-outs

Players	Position	Reason
Mateen Ibirogba	DL	Transfer Portal
EJ Lightsey	LB	Transfer Portal
Xavian Sorey	LB	Transfer Portal
Nyland Green	CB	Transfer Portal
Jared Zikel	K	Transfer Portal
AJ Harris	CB	Transfer Portal
Logan Johnson	WR	Transfer Portal
Brock Vandagriff	QB	Transfer Portal
Jackson Meeks	WR	Transfer Portal
Marvin Jones Jr.	Edge	Transfer Portal