About two weeks ago, there was widespread speculation in the college football (CFB) community about the future of Bowl games. Many believed that the expanded playoff system might render these games obsolete or insignificant. However, as the season progressed, the Bowl games have turned out to be some of the most entertaining matchups of the year, providing a fun, lighthearted diversion before the College Football Playoff (CFP) reaches its conclusion. The action from the weekend’s Bowl games helped restore some excitement following a rather lackluster CFP Round 1.
For teams like Michigan and Alabama, however, the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl carries more weight than just being a source of entertainment. Both teams have had somewhat underwhelming seasons with first-year head coaches struggling to replicate the success of their predecessors. The Bowl game presents an opportunity for Michigan’s Sherrone Moore to build momentum for next year and cap off the current season. While both teams faced setbacks this season, they still boast a roster filled with NFL-caliber talent, although many of these players will opt out of the game to avoid risking injury before the NFL Draft.
A particularly intriguing development for Michigan is the status of quarterback Alex Orji. Even though Orji has entered the transfer portal ahead of his senior year, he has remained at Michigan’s training facility and is expected to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl. This decision comes as a surprise in today’s college football environment, where many players opt out of Bowl games to protect their future prospects. Orji’s willingness to play in the Bowl is a refreshing change and provides a boost for Michigan, especially with star running back Kalel Mullings sitting out.
With several key defensive players also opting out, including Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josiah Stewart—who are all preparing for the NFL Draft—Michigan’s defense will look a bit different. T.J. Guy and Derrick Moore will step in as edge rushers, while Rayshaun Benny and Trey Pierce will play at defensive tackle. Although some of the star linemen are missing, this has become a common practice in modern college football, and it has not sparked significant backlash.
In contrast to Orji’s commitment, a controversy surrounding Miami’s quarterback, Cam Ward, highlights the growing tensions over players’ decisions to opt out of Bowl games. Ward’s decision to play only the first half of Miami’s Pop-Tarts Bowl—despite his team trailing and ultimately losing—drew heavy criticism. Some argued that Ward’s decision was motivated solely by his desire to break the all-time D-1 touchdown record, with little regard for his teammates or the outcome of the game.
Orji’s choice to play despite his transfer portal status stands in stark contrast to Ward’s controversial move. While Orji still has an eye on his future, he has chosen to honor his commitment to Michigan and his teammates by playing in the Bowl. His decision serves as a reminder of the complex and often polarizing nature of college football today, where the motivations of players and their decisions regarding Bowl games can differ widely. For Orji, this game could be a way to end his Michigan career on a high note with a major win against Alabama.