With many stars choosing to opt out of postseason trips in favor of entering the transfer portal or preparing for the NFL draft, matchups like Thursday's Pop-Tarts Bowl between No. 19 North Carolina State and Kansas State essentially become showcases for younger players and those older ones relishing an opportunity to take the field one more time. “I am going to enjoy one last ride with my teammates,” Kansas State All-American guard Cooper Beebe said.
The Wolfpack recorded the 14th nine-win season in program history and their second in four seasons. Kansas State is looking to win its fourth bowl game in six seasons and is appearing in a bowl game in the state of Florida for the first time.