Nazir Pitchford is heading to Manhattan - and he’s bringing some serious two-way potential with him.
The Palmetto (FL) High School standout announced his commitment to the Wildcats, becoming the first pledge in what Kansas State hopes will be a strong 2026 class. “Committed to The Cats! Family Business,” Pitchford posted on social media Friday night, signaling his next chapter in the purple and white.
Pitchford has been a playmaker on both sides of the ball, but his numbers as a wide receiver really jump off the page. Over the past two seasons, he hauled in 65 catches for 1,096 yards and 16 touchdowns, showing off a blend of speed, hands, and route-running polish that makes him a real weapon in the open field. On defense, he added six tackles and a pass breakup last year - a reminder that he’s not just an offensive threat, but a versatile athlete who can line up wherever needed.
While he’s not ranked yet by the major recruiting services, Pitchford had offers from Kansas, UCF, and Arkansas State, and his commitment gives Kansas State an early building block in this next recruiting cycle.
He joins a 2026 class that’s starting to take shape, even as the Wildcats continue to recalibrate after a portal season that saw more key departures than splashy arrivals. Here's a look at the latest signees who’ll join Pitchford in purple:
Arley Morrell, TE - Pratt High (Pratt, KS)
Morrell brings a hybrid skill set to the tight end room. With 39 catches for 517 yards and 7 touchdowns, plus 227 yards and 8 more scores on the ground, he’s the kind of multi-dimensional threat that can create matchup problems for defenses.
Jackson Hollie, DE - Junction City High (Junction City, KS)
Hollie is a high-motor edge rusher who fills up the stat sheet: 52 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and even an interception last season. He’s the kind of guy who fits right into the Wildcats’ blue-collar defensive identity.
Blake Jay, QB/Athlete - Mill Valley (Shawnee, KS)
Jay is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who racked up 1,531 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground, while also throwing for 862 yards and 8 scores. He’s the kind of athlete who can thrive in a system that values mobility and creativity under center.
Nash Morrison, WR - Basehor Linwood (Basehor, KS)
Morrison brings reliable hands and big-play ability to the receiving corps. With 64 catches for 1,017 yards and 13 touchdowns, he’s proven he can be a go-to guy in the passing game.
Aidan O'Neill, K - Clarkston High (Clarkston, MI)
O’Neill was nearly automatic on extra points (26-for-27) and added four field goals last season. Special teams might not always grab headlines, but consistent kicking can be a game-changer in tight Big 12 matchups.
These additions come at a crucial time for Kansas State. The transfer portal hit hard this offseason, with key contributors like wide receiver Jayce Brown, defensive end Tobi Osunsanmi, and linebacker Austin Romaine all moving on. While the Wildcats did bring in some solid defensive reinforcements, they didn’t land the kind of big-name transfers that turn heads on signing day.
That’s where development comes in - and that’s something head coach Collin Klein is betting on. In his first press conference since taking over the reins, Klein laid out a vision rooted in tradition and toughness.
“We’re gonna be the new old school,” Klein said. “We’re gonna stay true to a value system that’s been in place for a long time. We’re gonna move our program forward and take the steps necessary to chase excellence in everything we do.”
Klein knows what it takes to win in Manhattan - he’s done it as a quarterback and as a coordinator. Now, he’s setting the tone as head coach, with an emphasis on relationships, development, and culture.
“We’re gonna love our players,” he said. “We’re gonna be elite relationship builders that strive and scratch and claw to make sure that we know that we, myself, and our staff have their backs no matter what.”
It’s a message that resonates in the locker room and on the recruiting trail. With Pitchford and company on board, the Wildcats are laying the groundwork for the next wave of talent - not just to fill holes, but to become the next generation of stars in the Little Apple.