Georgia WR Ladd McConkey confirms plan to play in Orange Bowl vs. FSU

Georgia will have one of its marquee offensive weapons available for the Orange Bowl against Florida State, with receiver Ladd McConkey set to suit up for the game.

The talented Georgia receiver confirmed he would play in the game while speaking to reporters ahead of the Orange Bowl at a media availability on Thursday.

“I told them from the get-go, if I can get out there, if I have a chance to play, I’m going to play,” McConkey said. “Any time I can play with my guys I’m going to go out and do it. Leave it all out there and whatever happens after that happens after that. I’m playing football right now, so let’s go out here and let’s go do it.”

McConkey will offer quarterback Carson Beck one of his top targets in the passing game, which could be vital with the availability of star tight end Brock Bowers still up in the air.

The veteran receiver battled through injuries in 2023 but still managed to rack up 29 catches for 459 yards and two touchdowns. Healthy again, Ladd McConkey will be looking to show what he can do in the Orange Bowl.

But while McConkey has declared his intentions to play, Bowers has not. And he’s a significant piece offensively.

There’s been no word yet that Bowers has opted out, but he didn’t travel with the team to Miami on the team flight. Coach Kirby Smart made it sound like there may still be a chance that Bowers plays.

“That’s up to Brock. Brock’s been with us the whole time and he’s been doing all the things he’s got to do,” Smart said. “It’s more important though that he’s 100%. The guy probably played earlier than he should have, came out there and competed his butt off. He’s done everything he can for Georgia. He’s not 100% so it makes it a little harder to do.”

The talented tight end totaled 2,538 career receiving yards and 26 touchdowns, while also adding 193 rushing yards and five scores on the ground. He’s a mismatch nightmare, so having him available against Florida State would be huge.

That remains to be seen.

The Orange Bowl is set to take place on Saturday with a kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.