How transfers and ‘opt-outs’ will change Kansas State’s depth chart at Pop-Tarts Bowl

The Kansas State football team that won eight games during the regular season will look drastically different when it returns to the field later this month for a postseason matchup against North Carolina State at the Pop-Tarts Bowl.

Over the past several weeks, the Wildcats have watched 16 players leave the roster and enter the NCAA transfer portal. Another two have announced plans to begin focusing on the NFL, which means they are “opting out” of the bowl game.

Those losses include starting quarterback Will Howard, hard-hitting safety Kobe Savage and All-Big 12 tight end Ben Sinnott.

The Wildcats are in lost in a weird state of transition. The 2023 season isn’t over, and yet some are already looking ahead to 2024.

More and more college football teams are finding themselves in this situation during bowl season, but it is a first for K-State. Fans that have long treated bowl games as a culmination of a successful season must now adjust to viewing the Pop-Tarts Bowl as if it is a springboard into spring football.

North Carolina State will be in the exact same situation, as the Wolfpack have lost 17 players to the transfer portal including top quarterback MJ Morris.

If you’re not a fan of toasted pastries, feel free to call this the Transfer Bowl.

K-State opened as a touchdown favorite over North Carolina State when both rosters were intact. That number has since shrunk to a field goal.

Add in the fact that offensive line coach Conor Riley is expected to call plays while the Wildcats search for a new offensive coordinator following the departure of Collin Klein and it’s safe to say that both teams will look much different in Orlando.

With all that in mind, here is a look at the biggest changes that will appear on K-State’s depth:

New starting quarterback

The most exciting thing about the Pop-Tarts Bowl is that it will provide fans with a nice, long look at Avery Johnson.

After spending his freshman season behind Will Howard on the depth chart, Johnson will make his first college start against North Carolina State. There shouldn’t be much of a drop-off with Johnson leading the offense. Heck, the Wildcats might even improve.

Johnson appeared in seven games this season and put up 301 yards and three touchdowns as a passer to go along with 225 yards and six touchdowns as a runner.

Most of that work came as a change-of-pace quarterback. Now he will handle every snap by himself.

K-State will hope he can stay healthy, because there isn’t much depth left at QB following the departures of Jake Rubley, Adryan Lara and Howard. Jacob Knuth is expected to serve as the backup.

How many players will step up as pass-catchers?

Don’t be surprised if Jayce Brown, Jadon Jackson and Keagan Johnson pile up targets in Orlando.

They are the only proven pass-catchers left without Ben Sinnott, Phillip Brooks, RJ Garcia and Treshaun Ward. Those four players combined for 133 catches, 1,590 yards and 14 touchdowns during the regular season.

Brown and Johnson came on strong late in the year, so they will provide reliable options for K-State on the perimeter.

Garrett Oakley and Will Swanson will get the chance to replace Sinnott at tight end.

A young receiver like Tre Spivey might also be able to make a splash in the bowl game.

Making adjustments on defense

It could be difficult for K-State to make up for the loss of Savage, but this is nothing new for the Wildcats. They had to replace him at safety late last year after he suffered a season-ending injury. Max Marsh will likely start in his place, but other defensive backs could slide in and help.

Replacing Savage’s leadership and football IQ will be the main challenge.

K-State could also miss Nate Matlack on the defensive line. His absence will open up extra playing time for pass-rushers like Khalid Duke, Brendan Mott, Cody Stufflebean and Chiddi Obiazor.

Full list of K-State’s departing transfers

• Collin Dunn, LB

• Anthony Frias, RB

• RJ Garcia, WR

• Will Howard, QB

• Adryan Lara, QB

• Will Lee, CB

• Xavier Loyd, WR

• Nate Matlack, DE

• Christian Moore, FB

• Jordan Perry, LB

• Shane Porter, WR

• Jake Rubley, QB

• Kobe Savage, DB

• Treshaun Ward, RB

• Wesley Watson, WR

• Jordan Wright, CB

Complete list of K-State opt-outs

• Phillip Broooks, WR

• Ben Sinnott, TE