As No. 12 BYU readies for its Pop-Tarts Bowl matchup against No. 22 Georgia Tech in Orlando on Dec. 27, head coach Kalani Sitake confirmed that the Cougars will play with an available roster.
The confirmation comes despite the absence of BYU’s top offensive playmaker, LJ Martin. Sitake indicated there will be no opt-outs for the bowl game, pushing back on a growing trend in which postseason contests take a back seat to the College Football Playoff, coaching movement, and player evaluations of long-term risk.
Kalani Sitake Ensures BYU’s Full Roster Competes in Pop-Tarts Bowl
Sean Walker reported on X that Kalani Sitake confirmed BYU will not have any voluntary opt-outs for the Pop-Tarts Bowl. That stance accounts for season-ending injuries, the recent surgery undergone by LJ Martin, and several players who have already announced plans to enter the transfer portal.
BYU coach Kalani Sitake said the Cougars have no opt-outs for the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Obviously, that’s with LJ Martin’s surgery/injury status and other season-ending injuries (as well as a handful of players that announced they’ve entered the transfer portal). https://t.co/pjxU4Co7aC
— Sean Walker (@ActuallyDSW) December 26, 2025
The bowl matchup carries broader implications beyond roster availability. No. 12 BYU enters the game with an 11-2 record from the Big 12 and will face No. 22 Georgia Tech, which finished 9-3 out of the ACC.
The contest offers both programs a chance to represent their leagues on a national stage, with BYU seeking to reinforce the Big 12’s standing and Georgia Tech aiming to demonstrate that its top teams can compete with elite competition from outside the conference. Sitake acknowledged the challenge ahead while emphasizing the mindset he wants from his team.
“It is not going to be easy, but I know that I really care and want to go out and have fun and enjoy the game and play tough and take advantage of the opportunities that we have,” he said.
One such opportunity is historic. A victory would give BYU 12 wins for the first time since 2001, when Gary Crowton led the program. Wide receiver Chase Roberts highlighted the significance of that possibility.
“To be able to (get a 12th win) as a senior, and with this team, and with my brothers, that will be something super special, and will go down in the history books,” Roberts said Wednesday.
MORE: Kalani Sitake Gets Major Update As Bear Bachmeier’s Status vs. Georgia Tech Confirmed
BYU will be without its top two running backs. Martin, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, opted for shoulder surgery last week to allow for full recovery ahead of either next season or potential NFL preparation. Backup Sione Moa briefly returned in the Big 12 championship game after missing nine games, but is no longer listed on the depth chart.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier’s status remains closely watched after a left ankle injury earlier this month. While Sitake did not provide specifics, expectations within the program suggest the freshman will play.
Sitake also said some players remain banged up and will be evaluated on game day, stressing that no one has opted out by choice. The Cougars have leaned on their preparation from last year’s Alamo Bowl win over Colorado as a reference point, with Roberts describing that victory as a springboard they hope to replicate.