Florida State Football

HEIGHT: 6'6"

WEIGHT: 231

HAND: 10"

ARM: 35⅜"

WINGSPAN: 84½"

---

40-YARD DASH: 4.52

3-CONE:

SHUTTLE: 4.11

VERTICAL: 37"

BROAD: 10'8"

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POSITIVES

— Rare size and length for the position.

— Above-average long speed. Can be useful down the field when he really gets to stride out.

— Good foot speed and change of direction for his size. Surprisingly smooth.

— Great route-running technique and intelligence. Understands how to attack DBs and use length to his advantage.

— Above-average blocker. Plays with some energy.

— Flashes outstanding ability to snag throws well outside his frame.

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NEGATIVES

— Below-average stop/start explosiveness. Too lanky to be twitchy.

— Inconsistent ability to finish acrobatic catches.

— Below-average ability to work tight spaces may limit him to outside WR alignments only.

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2023 STATISTICS

— 10 G, 41 REC, 617 YDS (15.0 AVG), 2 TD

---

NOTES

— Born Apr. 3, 2001

— 4-star recruit in Arizona State's 2020 class, per 247Sports

— Transferred from Arizona State to Florida State in 2022

— 26 career starts

— 2022 second-team All-ACC, 2023 third-team All-ACC

— Missed four games in 2023 with undisclosed injuries

---

OVERALL

Johnny Wilson is a skyscraper-sized wide receiver with surprising movement ability and impressive polish.

Wilson is 6'7" and 237 pounds, and he sports outrageously long arms. His size alone makes him difficult to bully at the line or throughout his routes, but he supplements that with crafty use of his length and impressive power to run through physical defensive backs.

As a route-runner, Wilson has much more to him than his ball-winner frame suggests. He plays with surprisingly quick feet and smooth hips. Wilson is able to throttle down and burst out of his route breaks with relative ease for a player his size.

Wilson is also an exceptionally smart route-runner. He does an awesome job of setting up his route breaks by attacking defensive backs' shoulders and making them open up one way before cutting back the other. Wilson also generally does well to make himself friendly to the quarterback.

The drawbacks with Wilson are mostly related to him being too big for his own good at times.

For example, Wilson does not have much immediate stop/start ability. He takes a few steps to get rolling off the line of scrimmage, and he does not have the shiftiness in space to make defenders miss consistently. Wilson's limited ability to quickly function in tight spaces will likely exclude him from playing in the slot very much.

Wilson is also inconsistent on high-difficulty catches. He flashes incredible ability to snag the ball outside his frame, but he sometimes struggles to maintain coordination while attacking the ball. It's more of an inconsistency than something he just can't do, but it's worth noting.

Wilson is a standard X receiver with one-of-a-kind size. His combination of length, relative mobility and advanced route-running ability could make him an immediate contributor. Wilson would fit best in an offense that emphasizes true dropback concepts and allows him to work the 8-to-20-yard range outside the numbers.

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GRADE: 7.0 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 82

POSITION RANK: WR17

PRO COMPARISON: Plaxico Burress

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Derrik Klassen

Visit B/R's NFL Scouting Department hub for scouting reports on all of the top prospects.

The ACC amended its lawsuit against Florida State to allege the school committed "serial breaches of critical legal promises and obligations," according to Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde.

Per the Associated Press, the ACC is also alleging that Florida State disclosed "trade secrets" between the league and ESPN, a television partner.

Both sides filed separate litigation in December amid Florida State's bid to challenge the ACC's grant of rights, which effectively binds the two parties together through 2036.

Forde reported the ACC's amended complaint is not only seeking to deem the grant of rights "irrevocable" but also includes an allegation that Florida State "committed a breach of duty as a league member and may need to be excluded from ACC business."

The ACC is contending Florida State violated a confidentiality clause in the grant of rights as well by publicizing financial details of the conference's media deal with ESPN, per Forde.

ESPN's Pete Thamel provided more language from the lawsuit:

As part of this amended complaint, the ACC is seeking unspecified damages from Florida State. https://t.co/BqTS2iS5vE pic.twitter.com/aKqhPFXlIa

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 17, 2024

Key claim from the ACC in amended complaint: "This Court issue a permanent injunction barring Florida State from participating in the management of the affairs of the Conference while it has a direct and material conflict of interest with the purposes and objectives of the…

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 17, 2024

Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated last May reported a group of schools including Florida State and Clemson had met to discuss the enforceability of the ACC's grant of rights.

Those angling for an exit are frustrated with how the conference's revenues pale in comparison to the money flowing into the Big Ten and SEC. The fact ESPN's deal with the ACC runs for more than a decade means the gulf is only going to widen.

Florida State escalated things in August when its board of trustees met and openly expressed their dissatisfaction with the status quo.

"Our goal would be to continue to stay in the ACC, but staying in the ACC under the current situation is hard for us to figure out how we remain competitive, unless there was a major change in the revenue distribution within the conference," school president Richard McCullough said.

Then came the Seminoles' exclusion from the College Football Playoff semifinals despite a 13-0 record in the regular season. While an injury to star quarterback Jordan Travis played a role in the selection committee's decision, many viewed it as an indictment of the ACC as a whole. Those pushing for FSU to leave the conference behind had more ammunition.

"That snub, which occurred after the Seminoles completed a perfect 12-0 regular-season record before winning the ACC championship game, angered many at the university and among its board of trustees, essentially the last straw after a year spent voicing their displeasure with the conference," ESPN's Andrea Adelson reported on Dec. 19.

Along with the grant of rights, however, Florida State would be required to pay a steep exit fee based on its current agreement with the ACC.

Florida State outside counsel states the ACC has increased its withdrawal penalty from $21 million in '11 to $572 million in 2023. pic.twitter.com/Ji4qpOOCmq

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) December 22, 2023

Forde wrote Wednesday this "projects to be a yearslong battle if both sides remain steadfast and the cases proceed to one or more trials."

During the last rounds of realignment, the dominoes fell pretty quickly after they first started to wobble. When it comes to Florida State's future in the ACC, it might be a long time before a resolution is reached.

Another potential candidate to replace Nick Saban as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide can be ruled out.

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has agreed to a new contract to remain with the program amid rumors linking him to Alabama. According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, Norvell and Florida State agreed to an eight-year, $80 million contract.

Norvell also reaffirmed his commitment to Florida State on X, formerly known as Twitter:

GREAT DAY to be a FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLE!! The #CLIMBContinues grateful for to lead the #NoleFamily with our incredible staff. Appreciate @PresMcCullough @SeminoleAlford and @Seminoles for continued commitment on our journey back to the TOP! The Future is bright in Tallahassee 😎 pic.twitter.com/maUJ1uuyio

— Mike Norvell (@Coach_Norvell) January 12, 2024

Norvell has been head coach of the Seminoles since 2020, leading the program to a 31-17 record in his four seasons and back-to-back bowl game appearances in 2022 and 2023.

The 2023 campaign was Norvell's best as the Seminoles posted an undefeated 13-0 regular season before a loss to Georgia in the Orange Bowl.

Florida State likely would have earned a berth in the College Football Playoff, but a devastating leg injury to quarterback Jordan Travis seemingly ruined their chances of competing for a national title.

Norvell is the third big-name coach to pass on the Alabama head coaching gig.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian seemingly reaffirmed his commitment to the program in a post on X, and Chip Brown of 247Sports reported that the two sides are "close" to finalizing a contract extension with a raise to keep him in Austin.

Just getting started 🤘@CoachSark pic.twitter.com/YAh8mj8dTe

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) January 12, 2024

Additionally, Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning captioned a video posted to his X account, "If you're scared your coach is leaving, then come play for us. The Ducks aren't going anywhere, and I'm not leaving."

Lanning also said in the video: "I want to be here in Eugene for as long as Eugene will have me."

pic.twitter.com/NKnRYbS4u9

— Dan Lanning (@CoachDanLanning) January 11, 2024

Norvell was among those Alabama was targeting, according to Richard Johnson of Sports Illustrated. However, Washington's Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees are also being eyed by the program.

DeBoer raised even more eyebrows on Friday by canceling a scheduled radio appearance on Friday in Seattle.

Anyone who replaces Saban has some big shoes to fill.

The 72-year-old built one of the greatest dynasties in all of sports, earning nine SEC titles and six national championships, in addition to coaching four Heisman Trophy winners in Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, DeVonta Smith and Bryce Young.

The NCAA announced on Thursday that an assistant football coach for Florida State received a two-year show cause order for violations related to recruiting as well as name, image and likeness rules.

The coach facilitated an impermissible recruiting contact between a transfer prospect and a booster. While the transfer prospect officially visited the campus, the coach transported the prospect and his mother to an off-campus meeting with a booster, who at the time was the chief executive officer of an NIL collective that also was a booster.

The punishment also includes a two-year probation, a three-year disassociation from the booster as well as a $5,000 fine, plus 1 percent of the football budget.

During the off-campus visit, the booster encouraged the prospect to join Florida State's football team and offered him an NIL opportunity with the collective that would be worth roughly $15,000 per month throughout his first year with the Seminoles. This is illegal under current NCAA rules, as boosters are not authorized recruiters and cannot have in-person, off-campus meetings with prospects.

The booster also contacted the prospect as well as his mother following the meeting, although the player eventually removed his name from the transfer portal and decided to remain at his previous school without accepting the offer from the booster.

According to the NCAA, the university agreed with the enforcement staff that several recruiting rules were violated. The program received additional punishments which includes a reduction in football recruiting communications for a total of six weeks during the 2023-24 academic year as well as the 2024-25 academic year. Florida State also received a reduction in the number of in-person recruiting days during the 2023-24 academic year.

This announcement comes on the heels of Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell's reported interview with Alabama regarding the Crimson Tide's current opening at head coach following Nick Saban's retirement (per Griffin McVeigh of On3.com).

The College Football Playoff Committee controversially chose to select a one-loss Alabama team ahead of the previously undefeated Florida Seminoles for the final berth in this year's playoff, in large part due to the season-ending injury to starting quarterback Jordan Travis and the offense's struggles without him.

Florida State would go on to get blasted in the Orange Bowl against Georgia, 63-3, but Travis nonetheless appeared to throw some shade in the direction of both the Crimson Tide and the CFP Committee after Michigan beat Alabama in overtime at the Rose Bowl, 27-20:

https://twitter.com/jordantrav13/status/1741999919643201716

There likely will be a variety of responses to Travis' social media post.

On one hand, Florida State didn't exactly look like a team that deserved to be in the CFP after getting absolutely demolished by Georgia. In that regard, Travis may see some shade sent back in his direction.

Florida State: “We deserved to be in the college football playoff!”

Georgia: pic.twitter.com/SJonJj6MYh

— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) December 30, 2023

The Committee to Florida State fans pic.twitter.com/HNwMYjpd3L

— B-Moe (@bmoe_careful) December 30, 2023

On the other hand, Florida State was without 29 scholarship players in the game due to opt-outs, injuries and transfers.

Florida State had nine of its best players opt out of this game because of the NFL draft, and 16 others are transferring, but by all means draw DEFINITIVE conclusions based on what happened today as opposed to all season.

— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) December 30, 2023

"People need to see what happened tonight, and they need to fix this," Georgia head coach Kirby Smart told reporters after the game, seeming to take a shot at the overall trend of opt-outs in bowl games and early transfer-portal departures. "It needs to be fixed. It's very unfortunate that they have a good football team and a good football program and they're in the position they're in."

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell, meanwhile, seemed to hint that the CFP Committee's decision to snub Florida State led to the spate of opt-outs for his team.

"It was hard choices for a lot of the young men that were on our team," he told reporters. "We were hurt. ... When you do the things that our guys did throughout the year and the way that they responded, the way they fought, the way that they just pulled together, it hurt when we were not selected."

There's also a point to be made about whether the results of either the Orange or Rose Bowls should be used as justifications at all for the CFP Committee's decisions.

Regardless of results, those opposed to the decision to keep FSU out of the playoff will argue that the Seminoles posted an undefeated season and an ACC title and should have been selected over a pair of one-loss teams in Texas and Alabama. Travis' injury or the team's corresponding offensive woes didn't matter to those folks, only FSU's overall résumé.

In case you forgot, Florida State earned the right to play in the College Football Playoff and were SNUBBED. That’s not a conspiracy theory, it’s a bonafide fact. #FSUTwitter https://t.co/9KWMv8GtHP pic.twitter.com/Q2o51b9hvv

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 30, 2023

I'd like to put it on the record that no matter the final score of the Orange Bowl, Florida State should've been in the CFP, and Georgia is the best team in the country.

Which is why the "deserving vs best" argument holds no weight with the four teams chosen.

— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) December 31, 2023

And those in support of the decision will continue to argue that, at the time of the selection, both Texas and Alabama were superior teams playing superior football, in large part because of the Travis injury.

It’s important to note that this is not the Florida State team that would’ve been playing in the Playoff.

That team would’ve also gotten its ass kicked. But it’s still important to note.

— Brandon Walker (@BFW) December 30, 2023

Please, tell me again how much more Florida State should’ve been in this game instead of Alabama, and try to do it with a straight face.

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 2, 2024

Florida State got beat by 135 https://t.co/Szfp64mNyt

— Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) January 2, 2024

Classic game but I boycotted because Florida State didnt have the chance to lose 60-0 to one of these teams

— Subscribe to the You Know Ball Patreon (@TrillBroDude) January 2, 2024

You can say whatever you want about Florida State having players opt out, transfer, etc

There is no version of Alabama that gets beat like this to anyone at any time

The right team got in the Playoff

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) December 30, 2023

You be the judge. Travis clearly felt a certain way about Monday's result, and it's hard to blame him or any other FSU supporter.

But really, the only correct answer to this debate is that the 12-team playoff format will be immeasurably better than this current debacle. This entire situation would have been solved on the field with an expanded playoff field. Next year can't come soon enough.

HEIGHT: 6'0"

WEIGHT: 216

HAND: 9¼"

ARM: 31½"

WINGSPAN: 76⅜"

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40-YARD DASH: 4.39

3-CONE:

SHUTTLE:

VERTICAL: 33.5"

BROAD: 10'2"

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POSITIVES

— Great long speed. Can find that fifth gear to separate with each step.

— Very good burst and acceleration, especially downhill.

— Great strength and balance. Violent runner who uses his frame effectively.

— Vision improved over his two seasons as a starter.

— Above-average pass-catcher. Natural hands.

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NEGATIVES

— Below-average hip flexibility. Can sometimes be an issue when trying to make people miss in space.

— Magnet for contact. His no-nonsense rushing style can sometimes bleed into carelessness and reckless abandon.

— Poor pass protector. Largely untested, but struggled when asked to.

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2023 STATISTICS

— 13 G, 156 ATT, 906 YDS (5.8 AVG), 14 TD; 20 REC, 227 YDS (11.4 AVG), 1 TD

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NOTES

— Born July 23, 2002

— 3-star recruit in Oregon's 2020 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings

— Transferred to Florida State in 2022

— Two-year starter

— 2022 and 2023 second-team All-ACC

— Terrible knee injury in 2020; tore his ACL, MCL, lateral meniscus, medial meniscus, and a tendon in his hamstring all at once

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OVERALL

Trey Benson is a violent runner with all the explosive potential you want out of an RB1.

At 6'1" and 223 pounds, Benson has a sturdy frame and isn't afraid to weaponize it. He is an aggressive, relentless runner who easily shakes off arm tackles and doesn't often go down on first contact. He's the type of runner who always falls forward and tends to require more than one tackler to shut him down.

Benson is a good athlete, too. He isn't just a bruiser. Benson explodes downhill when he sees a lane, and he has enough lateral burst to him to make defenders miss occasionally. He can have issues sinking his hips and making sharp changes of direction, but the rest of his athletic tools often make up for it.

Best of all, Benson has serious home run speed. He can cut through the second level with ease, and he's extremely tough to catch once he starts striding out at the third level. That's extra valuable in an RB class that doesn't offer much of that.

Benson also worked on himself as a runner between 2022 and 2023. Early in 2022, Benson's vision and decision-making was lackluster, but he's grown to understand angles and follow blocks properly with more reps. While he still runs himself into contact a little too often, the improvement is a good sign moving forward.

On passing downs, Benson is a mixed bag. He has the speed and hands to be a very useful pass-catcher, especially on flat routes, wheel routes and screens. Benson probably won't be an effective option runner, though, and he might not be able to flex out to WR in the NFL the way he sometimes did at Florida State. Benson is also a lackluster and largely unproven pass protector at this stage.

Benson isn't a perfect back, but he's a tough, explosive runner who continues to improve his vision and has useful pass-catching traits. That's a recipe for success at the NFL level.

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GRADE: 7.4 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 53

POSITION RANK: RB2

PRO COMPARISON: Todd Gurley

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Derrik Klassen

Visit B/R's NFL Scouting Department hub for scouting reports on all of the top prospects.

Oregon State transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has made his decision on where he will play his final college football season.

Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, Uiagalelei has committed to play for Florida State in 2024. He has one year of eligibility left after spending the first three seasons of his career at Clemson.

Thamel reported on Sunday that Uiagalelei was Florida State's "top target" in the transfer portal this year. He took a visit to the school in early December but was still deciding between staying in school or declaring for the NFL draft.

In his lone season at Oregon State, Uiagalelei led the team to an 8-4 record while throwing for a career-best 2,638 yards with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions, good for a passer rating of 145.0. He also added six rushing touchdowns.

Uiagalelei will help Florida State replace quarterback Jordan Travis, who completed his sixth college football season this year and will be moving on to the NFL. An injury to his lower left leg ended Travis' 2023 campaign after 11 games, but he was one of the catalysts for the Seminoles' stellar season.

Florida State went 13-1 with its lone loss coming in the Orange Bowl against Georgia this past Saturday. The Seminoles were the biggest snub from the College Football Playoff, as they had an undefeated regular season and won the ACC championship.

Uiagalelei will be tasked with getting Florida State back into contention for a national title next year.

Oregon State transfer quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei is reportedly expected to choose between transferring to Florida State or going to the NFL Draft.

Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, Uiagalelei has emerged as the top target for Florida State in the NCAA transfer portal. He has not made a commitment yet, but Thamel said he and Florida State are expected to engage soon. If he doesn't land with Florida State, he's expected to enter in the NFL Draft. Uiagalelei visited Florida State in December.

Uiagalelei recorded 2,638 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Beavers this year, leading Oregon State to an 8-5 record before entering the portal following the conclusion of the season.

Uiagalelei spent his first three collegiate seasons with Clemson before transferring to Oregon State ahead of the 2023 season. Uiagalelei announced he was transferring shortly after Beavers' head coach Jonathan Smith was hired as Michigan State's head coach.

As a transfer prospect, Uiagalelei is considered to be a 4-star prospect and the No. 13 quarterback in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports.

If he joins Florida State, he'll be joining a team fresh off an undefeated regular season and an ACC Championship. The Seminoles lost their star quarterback Jordan Travis late in the season, which was a major factor in why they missed out on the College Football Playoff. Florida State took on Georgia in the Orange Bowl earlier this week, but lost in embarrassing fashion 63-3.

Uiagalelei certainly has draft potential, but if he opts to stay in college he'll be looking to lead Florida State to glory.

A Georgia-Florida State postseason matchup appeared likely earlier in the season, although probably not in the context that it was played in.

The then-undefeated Seminoles took on the one-loss Bulldogs in this year's Orange Bowl in a New Year's Six Bowl that was not involved with the College Football Playoff. This meant that nothing beyond the bowl victory was on the line and unfortunately the play on the field reflected that.

https://twitter.com/OrangeBowl/status/1741254936501862426

The largest margin of victory in bowl game history‼️#GoDawgs | #CapitalOneOrangeBowl pic.twitter.com/t7uOwvzfMY

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) December 31, 2023

Georgia obliterated the Seminoles 63-3 and improved to 13-1 on the season. That is the record that Florida State ends its season with as well as the sour taste in the Seminoles mouths continues from its snubbing from the College Football Playoff.

This game was not reflective of the Seminoles team that completed an undefeated regular season. Star quarterback Jordan Travis was obviously absent with the leg injury that prematurely injured his season, but Florida State also had significant opt-outs from that team, including backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker, star receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, tight end Jaheim Bell and defensive difference makers Trey Benson, Jared Verse, Fabien Lovett and Akeem Dent.

Third-string quarterback Brock Glenn was under center for the second game in a row and he was certainly overmatched against the Georgia team that had just won consecutive national championships. Georgia were onto backups by the second half as the prestige of the event went down significantly.

Knowing what they were likely to face mass opt-outs, I'm curious if FSU ever considered just declining the bowl invite and moving forward with portal work for next season. This did not benefit FSU fans or players, college football fans in general or TV advertisers.

— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) December 31, 2023

This dreadful showing had fans on social media speaking about the state of bowl games in the current landscape. Many shared the opinion that they were basically useless, as the playoff games are the only ones really worth tuning into.

Anyone using today’s performance by this depleted roster to claim FSU “didn’t belong” in the CFP is making a bad-faith argument.

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) December 30, 2023

One thing that we have learned during the Orange Bowl:

Georgia had more of a right to be pissed off at the CFP committee. But even then, their players still decided to show up and care about this game.

— Jonathan Williams (@Dr_JWill) December 30, 2023

Don't want multiple guys elect to to get their offseason surgeries before the bowl game? Don't leave out an undefeated P5 team. Seems simple.

— Bud Elliott (@BudElliott3) December 30, 2023

https://twitter.com/alex_kirshner/status/1741233472994496997

Is it me or do these bowl games just have no intensity?? Looks like nobody cares?? Nobody wants to get hurt. I get it.

— Mark Calcavecchia (@MarkCalc) December 30, 2023

The Bowl games played up until this NY’s 6 calamity in Arlington were really fun to watch, but as you can see tonight, the layoff and opt outs are a problem for both of these teams. Couldn’t help laughing hearing the Studio guys bemoaning how “we were all looking forward to the…

— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) December 30, 2023

Bowl games suck. Used to mean something

— Garrett Wilson (@GarrettWilson_V) December 30, 2023

Either eliminate the bowl games or fix the opt out issue. This has been the worst bowl season I can remember. To each their own but opt outs and the portal are out of control.#NoIntegrity

— Tyson Moore (@CoachTysonMoore) December 30, 2023

Those kids opted out and embarrassed their team mates. #CultureProblem

I wouldn’t be surprised if people stopped watching bowl games in the future. NCAA needs to fix the transfer portal to after bowl games or they are going to lose a lot of money and viewers.

— Devin Robinson (@DevinRobinson37) December 30, 2023

While many were pessimistic about the state of bowl games, others pointed to events like the Pop Tarts Bowl and the Dukes Mayo Bowl as examples of games that matter as a result of positive promotion.

There is a simple truth during bowl season.

The more a bowl game leans into its sponsor, the better that bowl game is. https://t.co/AUz5CoXZdH

— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) December 28, 2023

I never want to hear that the bowl games dont matter again https://t.co/BkT9Iab8c5

— Trill Withers (@TylerIAm) December 29, 2023

Someone didn’t watch the @PopTartsBowl or @DukesMayoBowl https://t.co/m2Gg4vLoP5

— T-ravis (@T_Ravis_Trying) December 30, 2023

If bowls games can work in their sponsor’s products into the post-game celebration, the meaningless college bowl games may mean just a tad more.

It won’t work in every bowl. I have no desire to watch the Gator 🐊 Bowl champions, “Slay their taxes.” #Taxslayer #DukesMayo #PopTart https://t.co/x8oB5PVykU pic.twitter.com/bBIvnHkZIZ

— Zaddy Warbucks (@beaugbowden) December 30, 2023

Folks.

The @PopTartsBowl and @DukesMayoBowl have shown you how to save the bowl system.

And it’s not about WHEN the bowls are played or who wants to participate in them; it’s about making them the kind of spectacles deserving of college football.

— Ten12 Podcast Network (@Ten12Network) December 30, 2023

https://twitter.com/ChackleMcnackle/status/1741252689269326087

Beyond this, fans speculated that adding some monetary elements to the bowl games could reverse some players decision on playing in the postseason games. Other solutions thrown out had to do with restructuring the transfer portal timeline and making Bowl Games occur during the regular season.

Sponsors pay millions to put their names on college football bowl games but unfortunately the quality of those games (and the value to those sponsors) is reduced by players choosing not to play in them. If only there was some way to pay athletes to play in sporting events

— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) December 30, 2023

Teams losing players to transfer portal before bowl games SUCKS!Here is a idea to get players to play in bowl games? You can’t get in portal til after your bowl game. If you still want to sit out. You have to pay back 25% of your NIL. Doesn’t apply to players entering NFL draft.

— Cale Gundy (@calegundy) December 30, 2023

The NIL era marks the end of non-playoff bowl games.

Only way to revive it? Pay players to play in the game.

Not sure schools have motivation to do so.

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) December 30, 2023

When a player sits out a bowl game, they are abruptly stating the the risk for playing the game is not with the reward. Hard stop.

NFL money, NIL money, all the same. The juice isn’t worth the squeeze.

Want to fix it? Make the squeeze worth it! https://t.co/zqAQSE5Sb8

— having fun online (@whatisopen__) December 30, 2023

Bowls have been dead. Opt outs predate NIL by several years. Financial incentives for winning bowl games could entice more players to participate. Schools directly paying players and signing them to contracts (like every other industry) would immediately fix the transfer portal. https://t.co/VKsX5bPVP2

— Classic City Panic (@Craig_Lawson) December 30, 2023

I will say that a 12 team playoff fixes a lot of this. But the other thing that would fix this is closing the transfer portal until after the bowl games are played.

— Jeff ☩ ⚓️ (@5stringTex) December 31, 2023

You want to fix bowl games? Tie a players NIL to it.
You play full season and finish, you get it.
You skip bowl game, you owe it all back
You’re welcome America

— HowTheProsDoIt (@HowTheProsDo) December 29, 2023

How to fix college football:
1. Limit how many times you can transfer
2. Cap on NIL
3. Cannot transfer till after the bowl games #BowlGames #NCAAF

— Aberdeen Washington (@BryBryBryannnnn) December 30, 2023

Week 0 and Week 1 bowl games, an actual post season. Everyone wins

— Tyler Torborg (@TBorg33) December 31, 2023

Bowl games before the regular season...Everybody plays...12 team playoff postseason...Done

— Mark Yarbro (@MarkYarbro) December 31, 2023

Changing the transfer portal rules could be a logistical issue, considering the college semester system and players wishing to enroll at a new school in time for the Spring semester, but the ever changing landscape of college football means that anything is possible ruleswise.

The four-team playoff switching to a 12-team tournament will also likely change the dynamic of bowl games. The programs like Florida State, Georgia, Ole Miss, Penn State, Ohio State and Missouri would all be included in the tournament and the other bowl games can serve as a reward for teams that had a positive season that wasn't playoff caliber.

The final four-team playoff is set to begin on New Years Day when No. 1 Michigan takes on No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl and No. 2 Washington takes on No. 3 Texas in the Sugar Bowl.

Two of the nation's top offenses will face off in the Orange Bowl on Saturday, with No. 6 Georgia taking on No. 5 Florida State in a battle between the ACC champion and the SEC runner-up.

The Seminoles enter the contest with a perfect 13-0 record, while the Bulldogs are 12-1 with their lone defeat of the season coming against Alabama in the SEC Championship game.

Check below for highlights as the matchup between the two elite programs goes down.

3rd Quarter

Georgia continued its onslaught after taking a 39-point lead at the half, the largest halftime advantage in Orange Bowl history. The Bulldogs outscored the Seminoles 14-0 in the third quarter as their defense continued to stifle Florida State's passing attack.

This was punctuated by defensive back Daylen Everette recording his first career interception.

First Career INT for #6.

Watch Live on ESPN#GoDawgs | @DaylenEverette pic.twitter.com/I5EFtjBFOT

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) December 30, 2023

2nd Quarter

The Bulldogs continued to dissect Florida State's defense on the ground, with wide receiver Ladd McConkey taking a backwards pass 27 yards for a touchdown.

MCCONKEY MAKIN’ MAGIC 💨@GeorgiaFootball x 📺 @espn pic.twitter.com/lJ8NGQUkZs

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) December 30, 2023

Head coach Kirby Smart's squad went up 27-3 following a pair of quick scores at the start of the second quarter. Running back Daijun Edwards scampered into the end zone to put Georgia up by 18 points before a fumble by Florida State on the ensuing kickoff resulted in another touchdown.

1st Quarter

Georgia opened up the scoring as running back Kendall Milton rushed for a 15-yard touchdown with just over four minutes remaining in the opening period.

Drawing it up 🖊️

Watch live on ESPN#GoDawgs | #CapitalOneOrangeBowl pic.twitter.com/b9bXp6WViI

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) December 30, 2023