PHOENIX — Like it was for much of the 2024 season, Rutgers will be short-handed for its final game of the campaign.

Between multiple injuries, three transfers and one opt-out, the Scarlet Knights (7-5, 4-5) will be down more than one dozen players for their meeting with Kansas State (8-4, 5-4) at the Rate Bowl on Thursday. The Big Ten did not release an availability report for Rutgers, but here is what NJ Advance Media noticed during pregame preparation:

Rutgers will be without starting cornerback Eric Rogers and one-time starting safety Desmond Igbinosun. The secondary members were not dressed during warm-ups, wearing street clothes as they cheered their teammates on.

Star running back Kyle Monangai, an NFL draft hopeful, opted out of playing in the game, but he will be on the sideline coaching his teammates alongside position coach Damiere Shaw. He helped coach the unit in warm-ups as well.

Of course, Rutgers will be without the multiple 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 during 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 what is their second-ever meeting. The Scarlet Knights previously defeated Kansas State, 37-10, in the 2006 Texas Bowl.

No matter who is on the field, 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.”

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

Brian Fonseca may be reached at [email protected].