Kansas State isn’t done reloading just yet.
The Wildcats have added another name to their growing list of transfer portal pickups, bringing in former Memphis running back Makari Bodiford. While his numbers from last season-22 carries, 64 yards, and three touchdowns-don’t jump off the page, Bodiford brings valuable depth to a backfield that’s already headlined by Joe Jackson and Rodney Fields Jr. For a program looking to re-establish its ground-and-pound identity after a rocky 2025, every piece matters.
Bodiford joins a transfer class that’s shaping up to be one of the more aggressive portal hauls in the Big 12. Kansas State has clearly made it a priority to bolster both sides of the ball, especially in the trenches and at key skill positions. Let’s break down the rest of the newcomers:
In the Trenches: Building from the Inside Out
The Wildcats have added a wave of offensive linemen, signaling a clear intention to control the line of scrimmage. Tyler Johnson (Auburn), Chase Duarte (San Diego State), Tanner Morley (Colorado State), Delvin Morris (Akron), Charlie Adams III (Cal Poly), and Keiton Jones (Missouri) all join the room, though none posted stats in 2025. Still, these are developmental and rotational pieces who could push for playing time or provide much-needed depth.
On the defensive front, Kansas State brought in edge rushers and interior linemen who can disrupt opposing offenses. Elijah Hill (Kennesaw State) is a name to watch-he racked up 9 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss last season, showing a knack for getting into the backfield. Kamari Burns (Cincinnati), Austin Ramsey (Kentucky), De'Arieun Hicks (Gardner-Webb), and Jayden Bryant (Coastal Carolina) round out the defensive line additions, each bringing flashes of production and upside.
Second-Level Reinforcements
Linebacker has been another area of focus. Wendell Gregory (Oklahoma State) and Jacobi Oliphant (also from Oklahoma State) bring familiarity and proven production.
Gregory notched 12 tackles for loss and 4 sacks in 2025, while Oliphant added 26 total tackles and a pair of sacks. Mekhi Mason (Louisiana Tech) might be the most productive of the bunch-he tallied 68 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, showing he can be a three-down presence.
Secondary Gets a Boost
Kansas State didn’t overlook the back end of its defense either. The Wildcats added safeties Koy Beasley (Miami of Ohio) and Adrian Maddox (Georgia), along with corners Ja’Son Prevard (Virginia) and Kaleb Patterson (Illinois).
Beasley brings solid production with 40 tackles and an interception, while Prevard showed ball-hawking ability with 3 picks and 5 passes defended. Patterson led the group in tackles with 47 and added a forced fumble, giving the Wildcats a physical presence on the perimeter.
Skill Players to Watch
On offense, Kansas State added a few weapons to help stretch the field and move the chains. Wide receiver Brandon White (Hawai’i) comes in with 38 catches for 399 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Josh Manning (Missouri) posted similar numbers-29 grabs, 318 yards, and 2 scores. Izaiah Williams is a lower-volume option with 7 catches and a touchdown in 2025, but could find a niche in the rotation.
At running back, in addition to Bodiford, the Wildcats added Jay Harris from Oregon. Harris logged 151 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 42 carries, and chipped in 89 receiving yards and another score through the air-versatility that could be useful in a change-of-pace role.
And of course, there’s Rodney Fields Jr., who transferred in from Oklahoma State and looks poised to be a key figure in the offense. Fields ran for 614 yards on 124 carries and added 276 receiving yards on 28 catches. He’s a dual-threat back who could thrive in Kansas State’s system.
Special Teams Note
Long snapper Jaxson Duffield also joins from Oklahoma State. While it’s not a flashy position, consistency in the kicking game matters-and Duffield brings experience to a role that often only gets noticed when something goes wrong.
Final Thoughts
Kansas State’s transfer class is deep, balanced, and clearly built with purpose. The Wildcats didn’t just chase big names-they targeted needs. From shoring up the offensive line to injecting playmakers on both sides of the ball, this portal cycle shows a coaching staff determined to turn the page on a disappointing 2025 and return to the physical, disciplined brand of football that’s long defined the program.
If these new additions gel quickly, don’t be surprised if Kansas State is back to pushing people around in the trenches-and back in the mix in the Big 12.