Penn State vs SMU opt-outs and injury report: Top players not playing in playoff game

The No. 5 Penn State Nittany Lions are set to host the No. 12 SMU Mustangs on Saturday at noon ET in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The game will be broadcast on TNT and Max.

Penn State finished the year with a record of 11-2 but lost to Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. SMU, meanwhile, is also 11-2 and lost to Clemson in the ACC Championship but got into the playoffs.

Penn State opt-outs and injuries

Penn State has one player in the transfer portal and five players out with injuries.

Beau Pribula, QB

Penn State backup quarterback Beau Pribula entered the transfer portal and won't be part of the Nittany Lions playoff run. After Drew Allar announced he'd be returning, Pribula had to enter the portal, which is open before the playoff begins.

Anthony Donkoh, T

Nittany Lions tackle Anthony Donkoh is out with an injury. Donkoh was a starting offensive tackle but suffered a knee injury in the win over Minnesota.

Andrew Rappleyea, TE

Andrew Rappleyea is out for the first round of the College Football Playoff due to an injury.

Cam Wallace, RB

Penn State running back Cam Wallace is out with an injury. Wallace rushed for 63 yards on 18 carries this season.

Kevin Winston Jr., S

Nittany Lions safety Kevin Winston Jr. is out for the first round of the playoff due to an injury. Winston recorded 13 tackles this season.

Zuriah Fisher, DE

The final Penn State player out with an injury is Zuriah Fisher.

SMU Mustangs opt-outs and injuries

SMU has four players out, while backup QB Preston Stone is in the transfer portal but will remain with the team.

Jake Bailey, WR

Jake Bailey is out due to an undisclosed injury. Bailey had 19 receptions for 275 yards and a touchdown.

Jaylan Knighton, RB

Jaylan Knighton won't play in the playoff game due to a knee injury. Knighton recorded 43 rushing yards on 12 carries while adding 42 receiving yards.

RJ Maryland, TE

SMU tight end RJ Maryland is out with a knee injury. Maryland recorded 24 receptions for 359 for 4 touchdowns this season.

Camar Wheaton, RB

The final SMU player out with an injury is Camar Wheaton who is dealing with a knee injury.