Louisville punter Brady Hodges said he opted out of the Sun Bowl this week because the Cardinals' NIL collective did not pay money promised to him in September.

Hodges was Louisville's primary punter and holder for two seasons. Redshirt freshman Carter Schwartz took over those duties in the Cardinals' 35-34 Sun Bowl win. Schwartz averaged 43.7 yards on six punts, with two downed at the Washington 3-yard line and another at the Huskies 16.

Capping off year two under head coach Jeff Brohm with a showdown against Washington in the Sun Bowl, the Cardinals were able to withstand a furious fourth quarter comeback attempt, coming out on top with a thrilling 35-34 victory on Tuesday at Sun Bowl Stadium.

Harrison Bailey threw for three touchdowns Tuesday and Louisville held off Washington 35-34 to win the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. Bailey was more efficient than spectacular, completing 16

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — Harrison Bailey is expected to start at quarterback for Louisville in the Sun Bowl against Washington, which means there won’t be a final trip to Texas for Tyler Shough before he pursues an NFL career.

Louisville’s Dylan Merman (87) celebrates their win against Washington in the 91st Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas. / GABY VELASQUEZ/ USA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Washington failed on a 2-point conversion with nine seconds remaining in regulation and lost the Sun Bowl 35–34 to Louisville on Tuesday. The Huskies scored a touchdown on fourth-and-1 on a fade pass from Demond Williams to Giles Jackson in the right back corner of the end zone.