After a disappointing 2025 season, Kansas State has undergone an overhaul with coach Chris Klieman retiring and program legend Collin Klein taking over. However, a series of significant losses occurred during the first transfer portal window, leaving several star positions vacant for Klein to revamp.
Here are KStateRountable's four most impactful losses:
Jayce Brown, Wide Receiver
NEW TEAM: LSU
2025 STATS: 41 REC, 712 YDS, 5 TD; 7 CAR, 116 YDS, 1 TD
The Wildcats' biggest game-wrecker: there's no deep dive needed to explain why this loss hurts the program. Brown was the team's No. 1 receiver and one of the Big 12's most dynamic weapons. As quarterback Avery Johnson's primary target, Brown's loss was a significant blow to the offense. His speed and downfield presence were the exact things the Wildcats needed to offset Johnson's typical short-yardage attack.
Austin Romaine, Linebacker
NEW TEAM: TEXAS TECH
2025 STATS: 66 TOT TKLS, 7 TFL, 2 PD
If Brown was the heartbeat of Kansas State's offense, consider Romaine the heartbeat of the defense. The junior linebacker anchored the middle of the field, leading the team in total tackles and tackles for loss until his late-season injury. Romaine's departure to Texas Tech leaves a huge void on that side, while fueling an already-dominant Wildcats rival.
Tobi Osunsanmi, Defensive End
NEW TEAM: INDIANA
2025 STATS: 20 TKLS, 6 TFL, 4 SACKS
A career season that could've been even more dominant if Osunsanmi hadn't gotten injured midway through. Osunsanmi led the team in sacks and tackles for loss until he was ruled out, a crushing loss to an already-struggling defense. But now the loss is even greater as the former Wildcats star heads to Indiana. Kansas State is left without its primary pass-rusher in addition to losing several defensive linemen.
Qua Moss, Safety
NEW TEAM: TENNESSEE
2025 STATS: 41 TOT TKLS, 5 TFL, 2 INT, 3 PD
Moss was a fan favorite for a reason. He earned a 76.4 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) after allowing zero touchdowns in coverage all season. His highlight moment was the jaw-dropping interception against UCF, one of the most breathtaking moments last season, helping seal a Wildcats victory that reversed their devastating 1-3 start.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Ryan Davis, Defensive End
NEW TEAM: BAYLOR
2025 STATS: 14 TOT TKLS, 5.5 TFL, 4 SACKS, 4 PD
Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder, Defensive Tackle
NEW TEAM: SMU
2025 STATS: 17 TOT TKLS, 3.5 TFL, 1.5 SACKS