Why RB Joe Jackson Is So Important To Kansas State's Offense

Kansas State Wildcats running back Joe Jackson is often overlooked at his position. 

Despite rushing for nearly 1,000 yards, his name rarely comes up in conversations about the top running back. The website College Football Report left him off their top 30 list while acknowledging his peers like Caleb Hawkins (Oklahoma State Cowboys), LJ Martin (BYU Cougars) and Cameron Dickey (Texas Tech Red Raiders). 

For now, Jackson will have to accept being under the radar but his teammates and coaches know his worth to the offense. He could be the most key player outside of quarterback Avery Johnson this season. 

Last year Jackson came out of nowhere to be the team's leading rusher and earned Third-Team All-Big 12 honors. A season that began with Dylan Edwards pegged as the starter turned into Jackson's breakout. 

The fact he was considered among the sleepers of last season is just why fans can expect Jackson to play even harder this season. The Wildcats kept the pressure on by adding transfers Rodney Fields from the Oklahoma State Cowboys and Jay Harris (Oregon Ducks). Neither of them made decisions to switch schools so they could sit on the bench. 

Jackson knows this, which is why he spent the offseason trying to improve. Among them is becoming a better receiver, with hopes of being more involved in the passing game. Last year he caught 22 passes for 119 yards. 

If he becomes more versatile, it could do wonders for the offense. 

WILDCATS WOMEN'S TEAM ADDS CENTER 

Last week it was announced the team signed center Tzoana Tampakou from Greece. The 6-foot-5 Tampakou played for Greece at the 2025 FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket Division B. She averaged 6.0 points on a 50 percent shooting with 7.3 rebounds in seven games.  

"We are excited to add Tzoana for the upcoming year," Wildcats coach Jeff Mittie. "She is a true center that has excellent skill around the basket with both hands and a great feel for the pick and roll and high-low game."

MORE KANSAS STATE NEWS 

Ex-Kansas State basketball player getting some love at new school 

Former Wildcats running back is playing catch up for Indianapolis Colts 

What's the latest with ex-Wildcat QB now in the NFL 

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]