Kansas State lost a good chunk of its star defensive players this last transfer portal season, making Collin Klein's job even tougher to rebound from an already difficult 2025 season.
Luckily, two of his newest additions are continuing to draw high praise from major news outlets. Defensive linemen Elijah Hill and Wendell Gregory were lauded by ESPN as two of the most significant Big 12 additions over the last few months.
"Paired with returning sophomore Jordan Allen, who flashed as a freshman in 2025, Hill and Gregory give K‑State three legitimate pass rushers to move around and hunt matchups," the article wrote. "The key will be consistency on early downs. If Hill and Gregory can rein in their games just enough to fit the run while still cutting loose on third‑and‑long, this edge group can go from question mark to strength faster than expected."
Gregory was the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year last season, with 27 tackles (12 of which were for loss) and four sacks. He led Oklahoma State in sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits, putting him in a perfect position to help be a tone-setter up front for the Wildcats.
"Gregory arrives with a different profile: Power 4 production and pedigree," the article wrote. "After redshirting at South Carolina, he transferred to Oklahoma State, exploded out of the gate with three sacks in the season opener, finishing as the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year with 32 pressures, 12 TFLs, and four sacks. The tape shows explosive burst, flexibility, and true speed‑to‑power, but also some lack of discipline against the run. This is his third move in as many years, which is a caution flag, but his tools to be a disruptive edge defender are undeniable."
Meanwhile, Hill will help Kansas State rush the quarterback, as evidenced by his nine sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss at Kennesaw State. He led the conference in sacks last season. A solidified edge rusher, he will likely be tasked with stopping the run as well.
"Hill posted nine sacks as a true freshman at Kennesaw State, flashing real pass-rush juice as a 6‑foot-2, 230‑pound edge with a quick first step and bend," the article wrote. "On the flip side, he finished with just 22 tackles and was used mostly as a designated rusher. At this level, he'll have to prove he can strike, separate, and hold the edge on early downs."
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