One of the clearest position battles Kansas State had to sort through in preseason camp came at linebacker, where the Wildcats needed a answer after Austin Romaine left through the transfer portal for Texas Tech.
So far, defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson likes what he’s seeing from Gabe Powers and Rex Van Wyhe.
Peterson said the two have stood out not just because of how quickly they’ve picked up the new system, but because of the way they’ve carried themselves on defense. He said their work ethic has helped them learn the scheme and bring confidence to the unit.
"They are the Bash Brothers," Peterson said. "They very much ... have mastered the playbook in the sense that they understand the what and the why. They do a phenomenal job of taking control."
Van Wyhe already has a season of production to lean on. Working in a rotation last year, he finished with 31 tackles and a fumble recovery. Powers added 21 tackles.
Kansas State also got a late boost to its roster with the addition of tight end Elias Wilson, who was originally expected to be part of the Wildcats’ 2027 recruiting class. Instead, he’s reclassifying and will join the team this season, with an arrival on campus expected this week.
"I'm super excited for this next chapter," Wilson posted on his social media account on X. "EMAW!"
Wilson brings an intriguing profile to the position. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound tight end is from Denmark and is known for his athleticism, including a 37-inch vertical leap. He impressed during the summer camp circuit, particularly at Florida State, where he earned strong reviews from several scouting services.
He now joins a tight end room that already includes seven players. Senior Garrett Oakley is projected to be the starter, while five-star recruit Linkon Cure is expected to back him up. Both are in line to be key targets for quarterback Avery Johnson, who is entering his third season as the Wildcats’ full-time starter.
In Other News...
Kansas State Defense Has An Early Answer To A Big Concern
One of the early question marks around Kansas States defense has already started to look a little clearer with the return of Jordan Allen. Defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson pointed to the defensive end as a player expected to take on a bigger role this fall, and Allens production last season gave the staff a solid foundation to build on. He finished with 17 tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, while also earning praise for the kind of football intelligence and athletic traits that can make a player more than just a stat line.
Petersons larger plan reflects where the Wildcats are trying to go defensively, with players being cross-trained across multiple positions to help them get ready for the season. In that kind of setup, having a veteran like Allen matters even more because he can help steady a group that is still sorting out roles and responsibilities. The real test will come once the games start, but for now Kansas State at least has an early answer to one concern and a promising piece to build around. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas State Has A Young Weapon Ready For A Bigger 2026 Role
Linkon Cure arrived at Kansas State with a reputation, and even through injury setbacks last season, the young tight end still managed to get into nine games while starting to show why the staff was so intrigued by him. What stands out now is how much progress he has made since then, both in how he looks physically and in the way he moves around the offense.
Cure has added muscle during the offseason and sharpened the details that matter most for a tight end, with noticeable growth as both a blocker and a receiver. Coaches and staff have been encouraged by his versatility and work ethic, and all of that has put him on a path to a much larger role when the 2026 season arrives. [Read more 🡒]
K-State Safety Battle Could Open A Bigger Role For Koy Beasley
Koy Beasley spent last season in a low-profile role after arriving at Kansas State by way of Purdue and Miami (Ohio), logging only limited defensive snaps while preserving his redshirt. Now the redshirt sophomore defensive back is trying to make his way into a more meaningful spot, and fall camp has put him squarely in the mix at safety.
Collin Klein pointed to Beasley as part of a competition that is still unfolding, which makes the next few weeks important for a player whose route to Manhattan has already included plenty of movement. If Beasley can carve out consistent work at safety, it would give the Wildcats another experienced option in a spot where depth and reliability tend to matter quickly. [Read more 🡒]