Kansas State’s coaching staff continues to take shape under Collin Klein, and the latest additions bring both experience and defensive pedigree to Manhattan. The Wildcats have added Marcus Woodson as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, and Nick Toth as linebackers coach-two hires that speak to Klein’s intent to retool a defense that struggled to find consistency in 2025.
Let’s start with Woodson. With 20 years of coaching experience, he’s no stranger to big-stage football.
His résumé includes stints at SEC programs like Auburn and, most recently, Arkansas. While the Razorbacks’ defense has been near the bottom of the conference in recent seasons, Woodson’s individual track record suggests he can bring value-especially in the secondary, where Kansas State has some promising pieces.
He also reunites with new defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson, with whom he worked at Fresno State back in 2014 and 2015. That familiarity could help smooth the transition as the Wildcats implement their new defensive structure.
Woodson expressed his excitement about the move, saying, “My family and I are incredibly excited to join the Kansas State family. I am grateful for the opportunity to pour into our players and help build something special here in Manhattan.” That mindset-focused on development and culture-aligns well with what Klein is trying to build.
Then there’s Nick Toth, who brings a different but equally valuable skill set. A coaching veteran since 2000, Toth most recently served as safeties coach at Air Force, a program known for its discipline and defensive fundamentals. His new role coaching linebackers at Kansas State will be critical, especially given the recent shake-up at that position group.
Toth is clearly energized by the opportunity, saying, “Jen and I are fired up and blessed to be a part of Collin and Shalin's Kansas State football family. Kansas State has a standard of excellence that Gene Taylor has pushed to the highest level, and the championship tradition that legendary coach Bill Snyder created is what all coaches strive to be a part of. We can't wait to get to work.”
These additions come at a pivotal time. Kansas State’s defense didn’t live up to expectations in 2025, and Klein is clearly intent on changing that narrative. But the road ahead just got a little steeper with the departure of linebacker Austin Romaine.
Romaine, the emotional and statistical leader of the Wildcats' defense for the past two seasons, has entered the transfer portal. That’s a significant blow. His production speaks for itself: 96 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles in his breakout sophomore campaign, followed by another strong showing in 2025 with 66 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, and two pass breakups-despite missing the end of the season due to injury.
Romaine wasn’t the flashiest athlete on the field, but his instincts and ability to read plays made him a consistent disruptor at the second level. He was the kind of player who always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, and his presence in the middle of the defense gave the Wildcats a level of stability they’ll now have to replace.
Even with the late-season injury, Romaine earned All-Big 12 Second-Team honors and has drawn NFL attention for his production across his first three seasons. His departure leaves a sizable hole-not just in terms of on-field performance, but also leadership.
So what does this all mean for Kansas State moving forward? The hires of Woodson and Toth suggest a clear direction: Klein wants a defense that’s smarter, faster, and more cohesive.
The loss of Romaine hurts, no question. But the foundation is being laid for a unit that can grow into something more formidable.
It’s now up to the new coaching staff to develop the next wave of defensive leaders-and fast. With Big 12 offenses showing no signs of slowing down, the Wildcats will need to find answers quickly. But if Woodson and Toth can tap into their experience and get the most out of this roster, Kansas State could be on its way to building something special on that side of the ball.