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.

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.

Quarterback Harrison Bailey wasn’t perfect, but his three TD passes and a late stop were enough to help Louisville defeat Washington in the Sun Bowl.

This is the way sports media and social media work in 2024. (And I assume in 2025, too.) A former University of Louisville punter who did

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

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

Harrison Bailey threw for three touchdowns and Caullin Lacy scored twice as Louisville hung on to beat Washington 35-34 in the Sun Bowl.

Louisville football punter Brady Hodges opted out of the Sun Bowl vs. Washington. Here's why the senior punter did not play:

Washington finished its 2024 campaign with a 35-34 loss to Louisville in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas on Tuesday. It’s the final UW football game until Aug. 30, when Washington hosts Colorado State to open the 2025 season.

Hodges posted on social media during Tuesday’s game against Washington in El Paso, Texas, that he had not been with the team since Dec. 10.

Washington senior linebacker Carson Bruener speaks with the media following the Huskies' 35-34 loss to Louisville in the 2024 Sun Bowl.