By ending their season now, they get extra time to focus on preparing for the transfer portal and look for staff replacements (if any staff leave or are pushed out). For the players, it doesn’t risk injury for a meaningless game (now that espn has made the playoff the only thing that matters). That is relevant for players going to NFL draft, players who will return next year, and players who might transfer. There is literally no benefit for a top level P2/P4 program to play in a bowl game anymore. They get plenty of money from other sources. Players are paid enough that schools want to protect them. And even the big bowls are just exhibition games with rosters that have multiple opt outs every year. ** Edited by HokieAl at 12/7/2025, 7:23:18 PM