Heisman finalist unexpectedly opts out of Senior Bowl hours before kickoff

NFL scouts received a decent look at 2023 Heisman finalist quarterback Michael Penix Jr. this week at Senior Bowl practices, so much so that the former Washington quarterback has opted out of Saturday's game.

As Pro Football Talk notes, Penix Jr. isn't alone in opting out, which could cause major headaches for the Senior Bowl.

Penix was scheduled to start for the National team during the Reese's Senior Bowl, but Oregon's Bo Nix and Notre Dame's Sam Hartman will split reps instead.

Other players opted out of practice on Thursday, making them unlikely to participate in the game. Other National team members include UCLA edge Laiatu Latu, Oregon State offensive linemen Taliese Fuaga and Jackson Powers-Johnson, Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.

Florida State wide receiver Johnny Wilson, who practiced with the American squad this week, also opted out of Thursday's practice.

On Saturday morning, Reese's Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy announced Florida State defensive lineman Braden Fiske was switching from the American to the National team "due to roster attrition."