Kansas State Football Eyes Key Portal Additions as Collin Klein Era Begins
As Kansas State gears up for its first offseason under new head coach Collin Klein, the Wildcats are staring down a long to-do list - and the transfer portal window opening Jan. 2 couldn’t come at a better time. With significant roster turnover looming, particularly on defense, and key holes to fill on offense, this portal cycle will be pivotal in shaping the future of K-State football.
Let’s break down where the Wildcats need reinforcements the most - and why each move could define Klein’s early tenure in Manhattan.
Defensive Line: A Full Rebuild Required
Let’s start with the most urgent issue: the defensive front. Kansas State has taken a massive hit here, losing four defensive ends and its most productive interior lineman to the portal. That’s not just a dent - that’s a crater.
Edge rusher is especially thin after the exits of Tobi Osunanmi, Chiddi Obiazor, and Ryan Davis. All three brought pressure off the edge and were key in disrupting opposing quarterbacks.
Replacing that kind of production won’t be easy, but the good news is this year’s portal class is deep at pass rusher. The challenge?
Everyone’s looking for the same thing, and the competition - and NIL bidding - will be fierce.
Klein and his staff need to be aggressive here. Not just to plug holes, but to re-establish a defensive identity that’s long been a staple in Manhattan.
Wide Receiver: Help Wanted for Avery Johnson (or Whoever QB1 Is)
Jayce Brown’s decision to enter the portal leaves a glaring need at wide receiver. Right now, Jaron Tibbs returns as the most proven pass catcher - and while Derrick Salley Jr. and Adonis Moise have shown flashes, this group needs more firepower.
Whether it’s Avery Johnson under center or someone else, K-State’s quarterback will need more than just potential targets. They’ll need playmakers who can stretch the field, win contested catches, and create separation. Expect the staff to target wideouts with experience and versatility - guys who can contribute from Day 1.
Offensive Line: Depth and Experience Needed
The offensive line is another group in flux. So far, only Devin Vass has officially hit the portal, but the bigger issue is graduation - which has left this unit short on experience and consistency.
The Wildcats have struggled in the trenches at times over the past couple of seasons, and this is a chance for Klein to reshape the unit in his image. How aggressively they pursue linemen in the portal will tell us a lot about what the staff thinks of the current roster. At minimum, expect K-State to chase a couple of plug-and-play starters to stabilize the front.
Running Back: Joe Jackson Returns, But Depth Is a Must
Joe Jackson’s return is a bright spot - and a big one. After racking up 435 yards and six touchdowns over the final two weeks of the season, he’s clearly earned a featured role heading into 2026.
Still, Jackson can’t carry the load alone. The Wildcats lacked consistency at the position for much of 2025, and adding another back - ideally someone who can complement Jackson’s style - should be a priority. Whether it’s a power runner to grind out tough yards or a home-run threat in space, expect K-State to explore options that can share the backfield and keep defenses guessing.
Linebacker & Secondary: Thin and Getting Thinner
The second level of the defense also needs attention. With Des Purnell graduating and Austin Romaine expected to transfer, linebacker depth is suddenly a concern. Rex Van Wyhe and Asa Newsom bring some experience, and there’s promise among the younger players, but more is needed - especially if the Wildcats want to maintain a physical, downhill presence on defense.
In the secondary, the loss of Qua Moss stings. Donovan McIntosh’s decision to return, along with Zashon Rich’s expected return, gives the cornerback room a bit of a foundation. But reinforcements are coming, and likely more than one.
Klein’s coaching hires tell the story here: three veteran assistants with secondary expertise. That’s a clear signal that rebuilding the back end of the defense is a top priority.
Quarterback of the Future: Is the Heir Apparent in the Portal?
Avery Johnson remains committed to K-State - and that’s huge. But if 2026 is his final season in Manhattan, the Wildcats need to start thinking about the future now.
There’s no rush to land a successor this cycle, but the opportunity is there. Several quarterbacks with ties to Klein’s past recruiting efforts are now in the portal, including Zane Flores (Oklahoma State) and Alex Manske (Iowa State). Blake Barnett, another familiar name, has already announced his intent to stay in purple.
Whether it’s a developmental prospect or someone ready to compete down the line, this is a chance for K-State to set the table for life after Johnson - and do it on their own terms.
The Road Ahead
There’s no sugarcoating it: Kansas State has work to do. The portal window from Jan. 2 to Jan. 16 will be one of the most important stretches of the offseason. With holes across the roster and a new coaching regime looking to make its mark, this is a defining moment for the Wildcats.
Collin Klein doesn’t just need bodies - he needs difference-makers. And if K-State can land the right pieces, this could be the foundation of something special.