What's Happening?
NC State has bolstered its defensive line by securing a commitment from Marshall defensive tackle KaTron Evans. This move comes as the team seeks to fill gaps left by graduating players ahead of the 2026
season. Evans, who played under former NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson at Marshall, brings experience and familiarity with the program. He played all 12 games in the 2025 season, recording 12 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Evans chose NC State over Oregon after a recent visit, providing a much-needed replacement for standout nose tackle Brandon Cleveland, who is entering the NFL draft.
Why It's Important?
The addition of Evans is crucial for NC State as it addresses significant losses on the defensive line due to graduation and the NFL draft. His experience and connection to the coaching staff could facilitate a smoother transition and strengthen the team's defense. This move also highlights the strategic use of the transfer portal by college programs to quickly address roster needs and maintain competitive performance. The decision by Evans to join NC State over other programs like Oregon underscores the importance of existing relationships and program familiarity in transfer decisions.
What's Next?
With Evans joining the team, NC State will focus on integrating him into their defensive schemes ahead of spring camp. The coaching staff will likely continue to leverage the transfer portal to fill any remaining gaps and enhance team depth. Evans' performance will be closely watched as he steps into a key role, potentially influencing NC State's defensive success in the upcoming season.
