They look the same as my Prilep last year. I watered when the soil was less moist, rather than dry. Which was a mistake. I overwatered, even knowing better. They should dry out between waterings. When I transplanted, the root ball was mostly in the upper half of the soil in the cells, rather than filling the cell with roots. If they always have moisture, the roots have no need to put down deeper roots in search for moisture. I did better this year. My Prilep stalk were also tiny right at soil level and just flopped around and had no strength. Not positive why the stalk looked like that but I suspect too much water and not enough air current resistence. Moving them outside in warm but windy days (on a shady porch to avoid sunburn) forces the stalk to resist that air current and become stronger and tougher. A fan is a good substitute. (I suspect they also strengthen lateral roots) Clipping your leaves also strengthens the stalk because it triggers a defense mechanism against attack like a leaf eating insect. They strengthen the stalk and increase nicotine.
While hardening, stop the fertilizer and only water (straight water) when you see the leaf start to wilt. That is part of the hardening process, to help in turning over their care to Mother Nature.
At transplant, just snip off some of the lower leaves and bury the root and stalk deeper. They are going to be fine. They all look healthy.
