Kansas State Football Preview: Nose guard

No offense to the rest of the room that is directed by assistant Mike Tuiasosopo, but it is the Eli Huggins show this season for Kansas State. There's a reason why some in the league thought he was the best nose guard in the Big 12 last season and will be again this season.

In many ways, the Wildcats are fortunate that he chose to take advantage of the extra year of eligibility afforded to him due to the pandemic-riddled season of 2020. Without his presence on the interior of the defensive line, the upside for K-State is far less this season.

Just like how the addition of Adrian Martinez raised the barometer for the season, Eli Huggins returning to the defense did the same thing.

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I'm not sure that the depth is a concern. Robert Hentz has played a lot of football and is as healthy as he's been since he stepped foot in Manhattan. There's some belief that Uso Seumalo can shoulder part of the load behind Huggins as well.

However, what do we know about what will happen once Huggins and Hentz depart after this season? I'm not sure we have enough answers.

Will Seumalo ascend enough to be the unquestioned starter? Can Damian Ilalio flash enough this year to provide some promise and bust onto the scene for the 2023 season? More than likely, the solution will have to include the transfer portal.

1: Eli Huggins
2: Robert Hentz
3: Uso Seumalo