Kansas State Lands In-State Tight End Arley Morrell, Bolstering 2026 Class
Kansas State just added a key piece to its 2026 recruiting puzzle - and it didn’t take long to seal the deal. Less than a day after new head coach Collin Klein extended an offer, Arley Morrell made it official: he’s heading to Manhattan.
The 6-foot-6, 210-pound tight end out of Pratt, Kansas, flipped his commitment to the Wildcats on Monday, Dec. 15, becoming the latest addition to Klein’s first full recruiting class. Morrell had previously been committed to Iowa State, but when Matt Campbell left for Penn State, Morrell was released from his signing - opening the door for Kansas State to swoop in.
This is a significant get for the Wildcats. Morrell is rated as the No. 57 tight end in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite and ranks as the second-highest-rated player in the state of Kansas.
Kansas State hadn’t yet secured a tight end in this cycle, and with Brayden Loftin and Andrew Metzger both entering the transfer portal, the position group was in need of reinforcements. Morrell fills that gap with size, versatility, and proven production.
And he’s not just a big target - he’s a playmaker. Morrell hauled in 36 catches for 504 yards and seven touchdowns this past season, while also showing his athleticism with 46 carries for 206 yards. That kind of dual-threat ability makes him a valuable chess piece in Klein’s offensive system, which is expected to evolve under his leadership.
Morrell said earlier Monday that he’d heard from Auburn and Missouri, and was holding out hope for a potential call from Penn State. But when Klein came calling, the opportunity to stay in-state and be part of something new at Kansas State was too good to pass up.
This commitment comes just a few weeks after a whirlwind stretch for the Wildcats. On Dec. 3, the program announced 24 new signings - the same day longtime head coach Chris Klieman retired.
Klein, a former K-State quarterback and offensive coordinator, was named head coach two days later. Now, with his first major recruiting win under his belt, Klein is starting to shape the future of the program.
The next key dates on the calendar: the transfer portal opens on Jan. 2, and the next signing period begins on Feb. 4.
For now, Kansas State’s 2026 class ranks No. 50 nationally and ninth in the Big 12, according to the 247Sports Composite team rankings. With Morrell on board, that number could start trending upward.