Kansas State hasn't received much hype or attention for its recruiting class. The team has brought in several three-star products to help build the next group of Wildcats.
ESPN seems to think they have a solid unit, though. The popular news outlet ranked the program No. 50 in the country, narrowly trailing Big 12 rivals like Arizona State and TCU.
"The Wildcats will need to continue to hit on several under-the-radar types in this class to help build upon and perhaps reshape their identity in 2026 and beyond," the article wrote. "Tucker Ashford is a good start. The 6-foot-3, 245-pounder is one of two four-stars in the class. The Fort Worth, Texas, native has impressive tools - he's athletic enough to play tight end and even Wildcat quarterback - with the size, play strength and range that should translate well to Saturdays. Further adding to their D-line, DT Adrian Bekibele, a pickup from Sweden, can develop into a stout run defender."
ESPN notched offensive tackle Keegan Collins and defensive end Tucker Ashford as the top prospects from the new class. Collins is based out of West Plains High in Amarillo, TX, while Ashford comes from Fort Worth Christian High School in North Richland Hills, TX.
"The Wildcats have several three-star additions along the offensive line, led by high three-star OT Keegan Collins," the article wrote. "Tanner West can become an interesting weapon for new coach Collin Klein as he can be utilized at wide receiver and running back."
Kansas State will likely lean on developing the new recruits to take the mantle in Manhattan, KS. The team lost a significant chunk of its key players to the transfer portal, making it even more difficult to rebound from last year's six-win campaign. They picked up a few potentially solid players, but the lack of marquee names means they will likely be building from the inside.
Wildcats coach Collin Klein wants to relive the championship acclaim he earned as both a quarterback (2012) and offensive coordinator (2022).
"We’re gonna be the new old school," Klein said in his opening coach press conference. "We’re gonna stay true to a value system that’s been in place for a long time. We’re gonna move our program forward and take the steps necessary to chase excellence in everything we do. We’re gonna love our players. We’re gonna be elite relationship builders that strive and scratch and claw to make sure that we know that we, myself, and our staff have their backs no matter what."