Iowa safety Kaevon Merriweather is opting out of the Music City Bowl but tight end Sam LaPorta says he is all in. The Hawkeyes play Kentucky in Nashville on New Year’s Eve.

LaPorta says they discussed the rising number of players opting out of bowl games at a team meeting before leaving for Nashville.

LaPorta had his knee scoped after tearing a meniscus in a win at Minnesota. He missed the season finale against Nebraska.

Senior corner Riley Moss says opting out was not an option for him.

Moss says after a loss to Nebraska the Hawkeyes are looking forward to the opportunity to end with a victory.