Dec. 27, 2025, 7:30 a.m. ET
Player availability for non-CFP bowl games has been a major question mark in recent years with opt-outs for players entering the transfer portal or the NFL draft, and the 2025 Texas Bowl between LSU and Houston is no different.
The Cougars are staying close to home while the Tigers make the short trip to East Texas for Saturday night’s game at NRG Stadium in Houston. If you’ve been watching these teams throughout the season, you’re set to some new faces on Saturday night.
The Tigers, who are dealing with a coaching change after firing Brian Kelly and hiring Lane Kiffin, have quite a few top players opting out. Houston, meanwhile, should have most of its roster available, but it won’t be entirely at full strength.
Here’s a full tracker of who will not be participating in the Texas Bowl.
Who is opting out of the 2025 Texas Bowl for LSU?QB Garrett NussmeierWR Aaron AndersonWR Barrion BrownOL Josh ThompsonDE Jack PyburnLB Whit WeeksLB Harold PerkinsCB Mansoor DelaneS AJ HaulcyWho is opting out of the 2025 Texas Bowl for Houston