With a few weeks remaining until Rutgers football’s senior stars begin their pursuit of their NFL dreams in earnest, most of them have already made their mark on the field by putting hundreds of standout snaps in front of scouts and on tape throughout their time in Piscataway.

Many of Rutgers football's NFL-bound players are playing in the Rate Bowl against Kansas State, a chance to get critical game film for scouts to see.

Rutgers faces Kansas State in the Rate Bowl. It won’t have star running back Kyle Monangai, who has opted out of the game.

When it comes to its senior class, Rutgers will be close to full strength for the Rate Bowl — with one notable exception. Star running back Kyle Monangai will not participate in Thursday’s meeting with Kansas State at Chase Field in Phoenix,

Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai will sit out the Rate Bowl to prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Monangai, the program's second all-time leading rusher, will assist in coaching during the game. Learn more about his decision and its impact.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano said Tuesday that star running back Kyle Monangai will not play in Thursday’s Rate Bowl against Kansas State. Monangai – along with other players looking to pursue the NFL after this season – had the option to sit out the game to avoid any injury risk that could dent their draft stock.

Sitting cross legged underneath a tent blocking the bright Arizona sun and in front of a banner that reads “RUTGERS TEAM COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENT,” quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis smiles as he points to the page he is reading to a local grade school girl.