The Rate Bowl features the Rutgers Scarlet Knights from the Big Ten against the Kansas State Wildcats of the Big 12. Each team had a rather disappointing end to their regular seasons but can end it on a high note with a win in the Rate Bowl.
How many opt-outs are set to miss the game from each team, though?
Top Rutgers Players Not Playing in Rate Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Scarlet Knights won’t be in action in the Rate Bowl.
- Chris Long, WR (transfer portal)
- Wesley Bailey, EDGE (transfer portal)
- Timmy Hinspeter, LB (transfer portal)
- Thomas Amankwaa, S (transfer portal)
The Scarlet Knights weren’t quite the most pass-happy team in 2024, but Long does represent a decent loss for Rutgers. He finished with 163 receiving yards on 11 receptions, both of which ranked fourth on the team.
On defense, Rutgers is set to only miss Bailey off the edge as he appeared in a rotational role this past season. Bailey recorded a single sack while Hinspeter and Amankwaa contributed even less.
Top Kansas State Players Not Playing in Rate Bowl
Similarly, thanks to CFN’s Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, the Wildcats expected to miss the game are easy to find:
- Ta’Quan Roberson, QB (transfer portal)
- Tre Spivey, WR (transfer portal)
- Justin Wolf, TE (transfer portal)
- Carver Willis, OT (transfer portal)
- Donovan Rieman, EDGE (transfer portal)
- Alec Marenco, LB (transfer portal)
- Terry Kirksey, LB (transfer portal)
- Kam Sallis, LB (transfer portal)
- Jordan Dunbar, CB (transfer portal)
- Dante Thomas, S (transfer portal)
Unlike Rutgers, Kansas State was hit a bit harder by the transfer portal. But that doesn’t mean this Wildcats’ team can’t make it a game.
Spivey hauled in 14 receptions for 160 yards and a receiving touchdown his season, each of which ranked fifth on the team. But in a move bigger than Spivey’s exit is Kansas State RT Carver Willis.
Willis started every game at right tackle this season but hit the portal. His exit will pave the way for a new pass protector in front of Avery Johnson in the backfield. Considering his lack of poise under pressure, this could be a battle to watch.
Other than Willis, however, KSU’s losses on defense shouldn’t be an issue. Neither of the Wildcats’ six defensive transfer portal additions were major contributors.
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