Iowa State DB T.J. Tampa Opting Out of Liberty Bowl
While the growing trend of top prospects opting out of bowl games is continuing to affect the product of college football bowl season, Iowa State is the most recent team affected as star defensive back T.J. Tampa is electing to opt out of the 2023 Liberty Bowl.
Tampa was named to the All-Big 12 Team in back-to-back seasons with second-team honors in 2022, and first-team honors in 2023 as a senior.
While Tampa did not make an official announcement regarding his status for the Liberty Bowl, Iowa State Head Coach Matt Campbell confirmed to the Des Moines Register that the team would be without Tampa for their upcoming matchup against Memphis.
Campbell spoke on the decision for Tampa to opt out saying, “The higher you are to being a high-end draft pick, you’ve really got to make a smart decision on what’s best for you and your future.”
Tampa was a massive part of Matt Campbell’s defense in 2023 as the team’s top corner recorded 44 total tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups.
Despite the loss of Tampa for the 2023 Liberty Bowl, the team will kickoff against Memphis on Friday, December 29th at 2:30 PM CT at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
