The UConn Huskies had their best season since 2010, and their reward is a Fenway Bowl clash with a North Carolina Tar Heels side transitioning to an exciting new coaching staff in 2025, led by legendary NFL head coach Bill Belichick.

Between injuries, transfer portal entrants, and NFL Draft declarations, there will be several UConn and North Carolina players not playing in the Fenway Bowl.

Top UConn Players Not Playing in Fenway Bowl

Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Huskies won’t be in action in the Fenway Bowl.

• Nathaniel Wallace-Dilling, P, UConn (transfer portal)
• Reggie Akles, CB, UConn (transfer portal)
• Durrell Robinson, RB, UConn (transfer portal)
• Jarvarius Sims, CB, UConn (transfer portal)
• Brock Montgomery, WR, UConn (transfer portal)
• Lee Molette III, DB, UConn (transfer portal)
• Julien Simon, LB, UConn (transfer portal)
• Skyler Bell, WR, UConn (transfer portal)
• Pryce Yates, DL, UConn (transfer portal)
• Malcolm Bell, CB, UConn (transfer portal)

10 UConn student-athletes entered the college football transfer portal at the end of the season. The Huskies haven’t issued a depth chart ahead of their matchup with the Tar Heels, and with very little information on social media as to individual intentions on social media, the assumption is that all those players are not playing in the Fenway Bowl.

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Wide receiver Bell is the most notable of the UConn players not playing in the Fenway Bowl. He led the team with 783 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns this season. However, running back Robinson is also in the portal. He paced the team in yards per carry (6.8) and rushing touchdowns (8). The Huskies do have two players available with over 100 carries in 2024.

Top North Carolina Players Not Playing in Fenway Bowl

Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Tar Heels won’t be in action in the Fenway Bowl.

• Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina (NFL Draft)
• Garrett Jordan, LS, North Carolina (transfer portal)
• Howard Sampson, OT, North Carolina (transfer portal)
• Zach Greenberg, iOL, North Carolina (transfer portal)
• Andrew Rosinski, OT, North Carolina (transfer portal)
• Conner Harrell, QB, North Carolina (transfer portal)
• Jordan Louie, RB, North Carolina (transfer portal)
• Eli Sutton, iOL, North Carolina (transfer portal)

While it will be Freddie Kitchens rather than Belichick who coaches the Tar Heels in the Fenway Bowl, there’s still some excitement around the program heading into Saturday’s game. Sadly, that will be tempered by the departure of star running back Hampton, who declared for the NFL Draft in early December and opted out of the Fenway Bowl soon after.

MORE: 2025 NFL Draft Underclassmen Tracker

That deprives college football fans of one final look at one of the most explosive playmakers in the country. Hampton led the ACC in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns this fall, increasing his NFL Draft stock exponentially in the process.

Joining Hampton among the North Carolina players not playing in the Fenway Bowl is quarterback Harrell, who appeared in just six games this fall, and several offensive linemen. It’s worth noting that several of the Tar Heels players currently in the transfer portal are set to play on Saturday, including starting linebacker Amare Campbell, who tallied 11 tackles for loss in 2024.

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