Utah opts out of bowl consideration, will finish season vs. Washington State

The Utah Utes have joined the growing list of programs declining potential postseason football games for the 2020 season held amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On Friday, Utah announced that its players "collectively decided" that they will end the campaign with Saturday's contest versus the Washington State Cougars and opt out of competing in any bowl game. 

"Our number one priority is the well-being of our players, and we support the decision they have made," Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said in the prepared statement. "They have worked extremely hard since they returned to campus this summer, and they have shown tremendous resiliency in dealing with adversity and challenges. We're proud of what they have accomplished on the field and the way they have handled everything off the field. We look forward to beginning our preparations for the 2021 season when the players return to campus in January."

Utah athletic director Mark Harlan added: 

"We support our student-athletes in their decision and applaud them for the way they represent the University of Utah. We have said from the beginning of this pandemic that everything is about the health and well-being of our student-athletes. They have done everything asked of them in following the strict protocols that were established to provide them the opportunity to play a football season this fall."

Utah started the season with back-to-back cancellations and then lost two straight before notching victories over the Oregon State Beavers and Colorado Buffaloes to get to .500. Washington State, meanwhile, has lost two of three games this fall. 

The Utes follow in the footsteps of the Stanford Cardinal, UCLA Bruins, Kansas State Wildcats, Virginia Tech Hokies, Pitt Panthers and Boston College Eagles among schools that have officially declined postseason invites. 

The SMU Mustangs withdrew from the Frisco Bowl due to coronavirus issues within the team.