Kansas State is quietly reloading in a big way through the transfer portal, and two defensive additions in particular could be game-changers in Manhattan.
Elijah Hill, Defensive End
Let’s start with Elijah Hill - a name Big 12 offensive coordinators will want to get familiar with fast. Hill was a wrecking ball in Conference USA last season, leading the league in sacks and finishing sixth in tackles for loss.
He brings a relentless motor and an elite first step to a Kansas State defensive front that’s been gutted by departures - the Wildcats lost their top five leaders in TFLs from last year. That’s a massive production gap, and Hill is being brought in to help close it.
Pro Football Focus didn’t miss what Hill was doing either, ranking him among the top 50 edge rushers in the country. That’s no small feat, and it speaks to the kind of impact he can have in the Big 12. The Wildcats are banking on his ability to generate pressure and disrupt plays in the backfield - something they’ll need if they want to stay competitive in a league that’s becoming more offense-heavy by the year.
Wendell Gregory, Linebacker
Then there’s Wendell Gregory, who was one of the few bright spots on a struggling Cowboys defense last season. Gregory led his team in sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits - and he did it as a freshman. That performance earned him Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors and a spot on the All-Big 12 Team, right alongside some of the conference’s most dominant defensive linemen.
Gregory’s stat line tells the story: 27 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and four sacks. He’s a downhill playmaker who thrives in chaos and has a knack for finding the ball. Pairing him with Hill and fellow transfer Mekhi Mason - who led Conference USA in tackles for loss last year - gives Kansas State a rebuilt front seven with legitimate bite.
More Portal Additions: Rebuilding the Roster
Kansas State didn’t stop there. The Wildcats have been active across the board, adding depth and experience on both sides of the ball.
- Jay Harris, RB (Oregon): A versatile back who flashed in limited touches - 151 rushing yards and two scores, plus nearly 90 receiving yards and another touchdown. He’ll compete for snaps in a backfield that’s looking for playmakers.
- Rodney Fields Jr., RB (Oklahoma State): A bigger piece in the puzzle. Fields racked up over 600 rushing yards and added 276 through the air. He’s a proven contributor who can handle volume and provide balance.
- Josh Manning, WR (Missouri): Manning brings solid production with 318 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He adds size and experience to a receiver room that could use both.
- Izaiah Williams, WR (Texas A&M): A smaller sample size, but a touchdown on just seven catches shows he can be efficient when called upon.
- Adrian Maddox, S (Georgia): Limited stats, but coming from a program like Georgia means he’s been coached at a high level. A depth piece with upside.
- Koy Beasley, S (Miami OH): More proven production here - 40 tackles, six pass breakups, and an interception. He could push for a starting role.
- Ja’Son Prevard, CB (Virginia): Three interceptions and five pass breakups in 2025 - that’s ballhawk territory. He brings a playmaking edge to the secondary.
- Kaleb Patterson, CB (Illinois): A physical corner who logged 47 tackles and forced a fumble. He’s got Big Ten experience and should fit in well.
- Jacobi Oliphant, LB (Oklahoma State): Another former Cowboy who brings depth and familiarity with Big 12 speed. He had 26 tackles and a pair of sacks last year.
- Austin Ramsey (DT, Kentucky), De’Arieun Hicks (DT, Gardner-Webb), and Jayden Bryant (Edge, Coastal Carolina): All three add depth to the defensive line rotation. Hicks and Bryant, in particular, showed flashes as disruptive interior and edge defenders.
- Kamari Burns (DE, Cincinnati): A rotational piece who can help spell Hill and others up front.
- Tanner Morley (OL, Colorado State), Delvin Morris (OL, Akron), Charlie Adams III (OL, Cal Poly), Keiton Jones (OL, Missouri): Kansas State is clearly building out the trenches. None of these linemen have flashy stat lines, but they bring size, experience, and competition to a unit that’s always critical in the Big 12.
- Jaxson Duffield, LS (Oklahoma State): Special teams matter, and Duffield brings experience at a specialized position.
This portal class is shaping up as one of the most well-rounded in the country. Kansas State didn’t just go after big names - they targeted production, experience, and scheme fits. The defensive front, in particular, looks like it’s been completely retooled with instant-impact players.
The Wildcats still have work to do before spring ball, but if this group gels the way the staff hopes, Kansas State could be one of the most improved teams in the conference - especially on defense. Keep an eye on Hill and Gregory. That duo could be the heartbeat of a new-look unit that’s ready to make some noise.