
Several Ohio State players have decided to skip the Reese’s Senior Bowl, prompting a response from the event’s executive director, Jim Nagy, on social media. Nagy expressed understanding and no hard feelings toward the players who opted out.
After Ohio State’s 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff title game, several key players were initially expected to participate in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. However, multiple players, including Will Howard, Xavier Watts, Donovan Jackson, Jack Sawyer, and Ty Hamilton, chose not to take part in the event due to the physical strain from the extended season, according to Dane Brugler from The Athletic.
Nagy wasn’t surprised by the decision, acknowledging the impact of the intense playoff schedule on players’ readiness for the Senior Bowl with such a short six-day turnaround. He responded to Brugler’s tweet, noting that he had expected some players would be too banged up physically and had positive conversations with those listed, wishing them the best in the pre-draft process.
While some players withdrew, Nagy highlighted that three Notre Dame players—quarterback Riley Leonard, edge rusher R.J. Oben, and linebacker Jack Kiser—will still compete in the Senior Bowl.
Leonard, who had a standout performance in the CFP title game, seems focused on boosting his draft stock in a year with few top quarterback prospects.
Fans questioned why players from both Ohio State and Notre Dame wouldn’t attend to meet with NFL teams for interviews, even if they weren’t participating in the practices or game. Nagy clarified that players are not allowed to attend just for interviews, as NFL scouts attend the Senior Bowl to evaluate players on the field. He assured fans that there are ample opportunities for interviews through the Combine, pro days, individual workouts, and other events before the draft
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