Why Bo Nix is playing for Oregon, didn't skip Fiesta Bowl

Several players have elected to opt out of bowl games to avoid injury ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft or to pursue other opportunities in the transfer portal, but Oregon quarterback Bo Nix is not among them.

A Heisman Trophy candidate who was arguably just one game away from bringing home the honor instead of LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, Nix's draft stock has soared since he transferred from Auburn to Oregon.

Despite the fact he's considered to be an early-round draft pick, in the same category of players who have opted out, Nix has chosen to play in the Fiesta Bowl. 

Here's a look into why.

Why Bo Nix is playing for Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl

There are many who could argue Nix should sit out of the Fiesta Bowl in order to decrease the chances of injury before he officially goes on to the NFL — especially since Oregon ultimately did not edge its way into the College Football Playoff.

There is, for some players though, a strong sense of loyalty in that they should play for their team through the very last game. Late Mississippi State coach Mike Leach was among those who spoke out the most strongly on the topic.

“You’ve got an obligation to the place that helped build and develop you and finish it out in the bowl,” Leach said. “That’s part of it. You owe it to your team, you owe it to your fans, you owe it to your coaches and it’s the most bizarre thing in the world to me."

When Nix was asked about making the decision, he made clear that he hardly viewed it as one at all.

“It wasn’t really a decision, to be honest,” Nix said in a report from AZCentral.

And that mindset serves as motivation for those around him, including Oregon running back Bucky Irving.

“Some guys didn’t follow that lead, but it’s all based on how you feel and what you want to do,” Irving said. “Seeing (Bo Nix) play after what he had, like going to the Heisman and all these awards, and deciding to be here gave me a chip on my shoulder. I got his back, and I know he got my back.” 

Bo Nix 2023 stats

Nix's play between Auburn and Oregon is practically night and day as he established much more consistency and experienced a meteoric rise with the Ducks.

Here's a look at how Nix has performed statistically over the course of the 2023 season, which he finished out with a 77.2 percent completion rate, 4,145 passing yards and 40 touchdowns with three interceptions.