The Camping World Bowl just lost significant national appeal.

West Virginia QB Will Grier has announced he won’t play in the Mountaineers’ bowl game against Syracuse to instead focus on preparing for the NFL Draft. The former Florida quarterback has set WVU and NCAA records in his two years in Morgantown.

Grier leaves West Virginia having completed 516-of-785 passes for 7,354 yards and 71 touchdowns. He threw for 300 or more yards in 19 games at WVU, a school record. Grier is the career NCAA active leader in passing yards per game (305.6).

He shared a note to West Virginia fans on the team website.

Dear Mountaineer Family:

“Since arriving in Morgantown, Jeanne and I have been welcomed into the Mountaineer Family and we, along with Eloise, have been so blessed by the support and love of so many. I hope that, in return, you know that I have given my all and worked hard each and every day to help our football program and University.

“While we did not win every time we took the field, and I shoulder that responsibility, I can assure you that we tried. After discussions with Jeanne and my family, and after receiving professional input, I have decided not to participate in our upcoming bowl game and focus on preparing myself and my family for what I hope is the next step in our journey. I want to thank Coach Holgorsen, Coach Spavital and all of our coaches for believing in me and, most importantly, to my teammates, who are now lifelong friends who taught me the true meaning of TEAM.

“It has been an honor to wear the WVU uniform, and I sincerely thank all of Mountaineer Nation for allowing my family and I to be a part of something so special. Country roads, take me home…”

Will Grier

West Virginia is 8-3 on the year, missing on regular-season game due to Hurricane Florence. WVU-Syracuse meet Dec. 28 in the Camping World Bowl in Orlando.