Kansas State coach Collin Klein has two more big additions to his growing coaching staff.
Klein added two more defensive gurus to his room: Marcus Woodson as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, and Nick Toth as the linebackers coach.
Woodson has spent two decades as a defensive specialist, working for SEC teams like Auburn (2018-19) and Arkansas (2023-25). He crossed paths with new defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson at Fresno State in 2014 and 2015. The Razorbacks have had one of the conference's worst defenses the past few seasons, but hopefully Woodson can improve with a solid Wildcats secondary.
"My family and I are incredibly excited to join the Kansas State family," Woodson said in a statement. "I am grateful for the opportunity to pour into our players and help build something special here in Manhattan."
Meanwhile, Toth brings his own experience as an assistant coach since 2000. His most recent tenure was as a safeties coach for Air Force.
"Jen and I are fired up and blessed to be a part of Collin and Shalin's Kansas State football family," Toth said upon arrival. "Kansas State has a standard of excellence that Gene Taylor has pushed to the highest level, and the championship tradition that legendary coach Bill Snyder created is what all coaches strive to be a part of. We can't wait to get to work."
Hopefully, Klein's newest additions can continue the mission revamping an underwhelming 2025 defense. Sadly, though, Kansas State will have to do so without its best defensive player for the last two seasons.
Austin Romaine, the heartbeat of the Wildcats' defense the last few seasons, has entered the transfer portal. This is arguably Kansas State's most significant loss so far, as Romaine has been the team's best defender.
Romaine rose to fame in his sophomore season, recording 96 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. He continued to anchor the defense in 2025 as the team's leading tackler (until Desmond Purnell surpassed him against Colorado) and leader in the middle. He had 66 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, and two pass breakups.
Though his speed remains a slight concern, Romaine continues to be a force upfront and make good reads to get to the line quickly. He exited the season late with injury but still made the All-Big 12 Second-Team. Romaine has even received NFL hype for his production in his first three seasons.