SDSU defenders Trey White and Owen Chambliss are ‘opt-ins’ for New Mexico Bowl

The term “opt-out” has become as much a part of the college football vocabulary in recent years as sack, screen pass or interception.

It is not uncommon to see teams missing a couple dozen players, who choose not to play in a bowl game in order to prepare for the NFL Draft or head for the transfer portal.

“Opt-out” extended to entire teams this year, with 10 schools turning down bowl bids. That explains why three 5-7 teams are party to the postseason.

San Diego State (9-3) has been minimally impacted by opt-outs heading into Saturday’s New Mexico Bowl against No. 23 North Texas (11-2).

The Aztecs will be missing backup edges Jared Badie and August Salvati, who both announced they will enter the transfer portal. All-American starting cornerback Chris Johnson, a potential second-day draft pick, has not practiced while healing from a lingering foot injury but could still play. At this point, Bryce Phillips, who is preparing for the draft, is the only starter who has chosen not to play.

Starting quarterback Jayden Denegal and starting wide receivers Jacob Bostick and Jordan Napier are all out following injuries that required surgery. Backup quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. will start for Denegal.

Two SDSU players who may have chosen to skip the bowl game are defensive standouts — junior edge Trey White and sophomore linebacker Owen Chambliss — who will have Power Four schools interested in them if they entered the portal.

Both have opted-in for the bowl game, however.

“Oh, I’m playing,” said White, who leads the Aztecs this season with seven sacks and 16 quarterback hurries. “I want to play with my guys. We started something here, and I’m going to finish it.

“Got to get that 10th win. That’s huge. Only nine other teams in this program’s (Division I) history have gotten 10 wins, so I think that’s a huge landmark that we can get as a team. I just feel like there’s some unfinished business here that we’ve got to take care of.”

Chambliss has a team-high 106 tackles, which ranks 27th in the country, and is eager for more against the Mean Green’s high-powered offense.

“For me, personally, when there’s an opportunity to play football, I’m going to play football,” Chambliss said. “So, obviously, I’m going to play in this bowl game. … First of all, I love this game. But I also love my teammates. You’ve got to respect the game and everything it’s given you.”

White said he’s not surprised that a majority of the Aztecs chose to participate.

“It’s just how we were coached and everything through the offseason that’s been instilled in us throughout the training,” he said. “We’ve worked too hard not to play in a ballgame.”

Even at the risk of injury? In White’s case, especially, it could be costly given the financial opportunities that are sure to present themselves after the season.

“I’m not thinking about the money,” White said. “Anyone could get hurt at any given moment. I’m blessed by God to have had a healthy season, and, hopefully, he continues to keep me healthy. I would do anything for this team. I love this team and can’t wait to play with these boys again.”

Both White and Chambliss were asked if they’re definitely returning to SDSU for the 2026 season.

“That’s a decision for a later time,” White said. ”I’m not too focused on that right now. I’m focused on finishing the season out. I’ll make that decision when the time comes.”

Said Chambliss: “I’m just focused on the bowl game. I love it here.”