As Kansas State tries to revamp a defense that lost multiple stars in the portal season, the newcomers will be essential. The Wildcats' unit underwhelmed in 2025 and is only a taller task for coach Collin Klein with a roster overhaul.
Defensive ends Wendell Gregory and Elijah Hill have been lauded as the most significant additions, but linebacker Mekhi Mason is another name that Wildcats fans should also be excited about. And his opening comments about Kansas State show that he shares the program's excitement for him.
"This is an NFL-style defense," Mason said in his Thursday press conference. "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."
Mason has All-Big 12 and Butkus Award aspirations in his first year in Manhattan, KS. He led the Conference USA in tackles for loss last year with 14.5. He also had 68 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and four pass deflections. Mason says his biggest goal is to revamp the typical Kansas State defense and shift its recent direction.
"We’re trying to change the culture for sure," Mason said. "I don’t know how Kansas State defenses were, but I’m pretty sure I’m not a typical K-State defender. Adrian Maddox, Ja'Son Prevard; none of us are typical K-State players. But now with coach [Jordan Peterson], he understands we’ve gotta change the culture and we’re gonna change it for the better for sure."
With defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson and linebackers coach Nick Toth, it should be an exciting season for Mason and the incoming defensive unit. Mason will likely be tasked with replicating the production of Austin Romaine, who transferred to Texas Tech a few months ago.
"Every single guy that I'm coaching is preparing to bring a green dot," Toth said in his spring ball press conference. "We're the quarterback of the defense in my mind. As important as that quarterback is on that offense, our linebackers need to be that for us. We have to be phenomenal communicators, we gotta be able to be in the heart of that defense and run it."
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