The upcoming Cheez-It Citrus Bowl between the #15 South Carolina Gamecocks and the #20 Illinois Fighting Illini on December 31, 2024, has garnered attention due to key player opt-outs from both teams.
Illinois Fighting Illini:
Pat Bryant (Wide Receiver): Bryant, Illinois’ leading receiver with 54 receptions, 984 yards, and 10 touchdowns this season, has declared for the NFL Draft and will not participate in the Citrus Bowl.
Kenari Wilcher (Wide Receiver): Wilcher has entered the transfer portal but is expected to play in the bowl game.
Donovan Leary (Backup Quarterback): Leary has entered the transfer portal and will not be available for the game.
South Carolina Gamecocks:
Kyle Kennard (EDGE Rusher): Kennard, a standout on defense, has declared for the NFL Draft and will opt out of the Citrus Bowl.
Raheim Sanders (Running Back): Sanders has declared for the NFL Draft, and his availability for the bowl game remains uncertain.
Robby Ashford (Backup Quarterback): Ashford has entered the transfer portal but is expected to travel with the team to Orlando.
Both teams will need to adjust their strategies to account for these absences, which could significantly impact the game’s dynamics. Illinois will look to other receivers to fill the void left by Bryant, while South Carolina’s defense will need to compensate for the loss of Kennard.
