As Kansas State fans await the new season, they are looking at spring ball as the possible foundation for what is anticipated to be a bounce-back year in 2026.
Well, Kansas State coach Collin Klein has some insight that they may enjoy. When asked about the positions that have collectively improved, Klein lauded the linebacking core as the names to watch.
"I think the linebackers and how hard they’ve played collectively as a unit have been really impressive," Klein said in his spring ball press conference. "I think we got a lot of competition there with Rex Van Wyhe, Gabe Powers, Darien Whitaker, and Mekhi [Mason]. All of those guys are going at it every day; they’re flying around every day. I think that’s a little bit of a snapshot of what we’re trying to do at every position. It’s about getting every single one of those guys better and competing with each other."
The Wildcats lost Austin Romaine and a good chunk of their pass rush to the transfer portal, so many want to see how the program reciprocates.
According to Klein, so far, so good.
"I think as they grow and mature as players, they understand that it’s all for the betterment of the football team in its entirety, not just for my playing time or this outcome," Klein said. "This makes us all better, and that’s happening in a lot of positions. But I think the linebackers stood out that way."
The biggest name of the bunch has been senior Mekhi Mason, who played at Louisiana Tech last season. He had a conference-leading 14.5 tackles for loss, 68 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and four pass deflections. In his spring ball press conference earlier this month, Mason said he believes the Wildcats have a pro-level defensive unit.
"This is an NFL-style defense," Mason said. "That’s another reason why I came over here. The playbook is very detailed and stacked. If everyone does their job, it’s guaranteed to be a play made."
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