KaTron Evans Is Eligible for NC State — For the Next 14 Days

Judge rules that KaTron Evans can only temporarily rejoin the team for summer practice unless his order is extended.

Nov 21, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack walk out prior to the first half of the game against Florida State Seminoles at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On Monday, a federal judge ruled that Marshall transfer KaTron Evans can participate in team activities until Aug. 24. 

NC State’s season opener against Virginia is on Aug. 29, and unless Evans’ order is extended, he won’t be eligible to suit up for the Wolfpack. 

With this recent ruling in Evans’ favor, he is eligible for full participation with the team until Aug. 24. 

Two Weeks’ Notice

These next two weeks of activities will be a real waste if Evans isn’t able to remain with the team during the start of the season. 

Evans played in 32 career games and was set to bring his experience to an NC State defensive line that could’ve benefited from his leadership.

The NCAA denied Evans’ hardship waiver on July 24, with NC State removing the player from the team’s roster soon thereafter. 

Ready For A Fresh Start 

Evans was seeking a sixth year of eligibility after playing two seasons at Jackson State (2021-22) and two seasons at Charlotte (2023-24). Last season, Evans played at Marshall under former NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson.  

Aug 30, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Ryan Puglisi (12) tries to escape from Marshall Thundering Herd defensive lineman Katron Evans (5) who has a hold of his inner shirt at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Evans joined the Wolfpack in January and was even a full participant at spring football and offseason training. 

But after the NCAA denied his waiver, Evans was forced to stay home while his potential teammates reported to camp. 

This was undoubtedly another setback for Evans, who sought to join NC State after experiencing tragedy in his personal life in 2023. 

Doeren Comes To Evans’ Defense

The News & Observer reported Evans’ waiver application was submitted when Evans experienced two deaths in his family and his mother was evicted from her home while he was playing at Charlotte. Joining the Wolfpack would’ve been a fresh start for Evans. 

Head Coach Dave Doeren came to Evans’ defense in a written letter to the court, as you’d expect a coach in Doeren’s position to do. 

But Doeren made a very honest and heartful plead for why Evans deserves to be at NC State. 

Evans put in the work after slipping academically during this emotionally difficult period to get himself back on track and graduate. 

Oct 25, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren looks on from the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It was a touching letter by Doeren and one that makes it easy to root for Evans, who is expected to be a major contributor to the program this season. 

However, being able to understand the NCAA’s process for approving these hardship waivers is unclear. 

And while this latest court ruling is only good for 14 days, there’s a slight glimmer of hope that Evans will see his order extended.