Which Rutgers Players Will Miss Rate Bowl Vs. Kansas State?

PHOENIX — As it was for most of the 2024 season, Rutgers will be shorthanded for its final game of the campaign.

Between multiple injuries, three transfers and an opt-out, the Scarlet Knights (7-5, 4-5) will be down more than a dozen players for their meeting with Kansas State (8-4, 5-4) at that rate . Bowl on Thursday. The Big Ten didn’t release an availability report for Rutgers, but here’s what NJ Advance Media noted in the build-up to the game:

Rutgers will be without starting cornerback Eric Rogers and one-time starting safety Desmond Igbinosun. The secondary members were undressed during warm-ups, wearing street clothes as they cheered on their teammates.

Star running back Kyle Monangai, an NFL draft hopeful, opted out of playing in the game, but will be on the sidelines coaching his teammates along with position coach Damiere Shaw. He also helped train the unit in warm-ups.

Of course, Rutgers will be without the many players who suffered season-ending injuries earlier this season — including tight ends Kenny Fletcher and Logan Blake, left guard Bryan Felter, running back Samuel Brown and linebackers Mohamed Toure and Abram Wright — and those who transferred out under the transfer portal window, including defensive end Wesley Bailey, safety Thomas Amankwaa and wide receiver Chris Long.

Rutgers will look to remain undefeated against the Wildcats in their second ever meeting. The Scarlet Knights previously defeated Kansas State, 37-10, in the 2006 Texas Bowl.

No matter who is on the court, the Wildcats expect a fight.

“(When I think of Rutgers), I think of a well-coached, physical discipline team,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said earlier this week at Rate Bowl media day. “I think it’s a great challenge and I think it’s fun.”

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Brian Fonseca can be reached at [email protected].