Kansas State’s secondary just got a much-needed boost-and it didn’t come from the transfer portal. Instead, it came from within.
Cornerback Donovan McIntosh, who briefly entered the portal earlier this month, has decided to stay in Manhattan. And he didn’t just quietly withdraw-he made it clear he’s all in.
Shortly after the Wildcats announced Jordan Peterson as their new defensive coordinator, McIntosh quote-tweeted the news with a simple but telling message: “Let’s work!!” He tagged Peterson directly, signaling not only his return but his buy-in.
The original portal announcement? Deleted.
Message received.
For a defense that’s already seen its fair share of offseason turnover, keeping McIntosh in the mix is a quiet but meaningful win. He might not have headlined the stat sheet last season, but he showed up every Saturday, logging snaps in every game and holding his own against Big 12 competition. That kind of consistency is hard to replace-especially when you’re already trying to patch holes in a thinning secondary.
McIntosh’s decision to stay also speaks volumes about Peterson, who followed Collin Klein from Texas A&M to Kansas State. Peterson’s arrival is already making an impact, and McIntosh’s response suggests there’s a belief in the new direction on that side of the ball. Even with limited experience as a defensive coordinator, Peterson clearly made a strong first impression.
There was no dramatic farewell from McIntosh-just a short detour, some reflection, and now, a recommitment. It’s not always the way these stories go in the portal era, but when a player takes a step back, evaluates his options, and still chooses to return, that’s a win for the program. Especially when that player already knows the system, the culture, and what it takes to compete in the Big 12.
McIntosh isn’t going to be the face of the defense, and that’s fine. He’s the kind of guy every coaching staff wants in the rotation-reliable, experienced, and ready to go.
There’s no projection here. You know what you’re getting: a steady presence who’s already done the work and is ready to do it again.
Kansas State didn’t need to scour the portal for a replacement. They kept one of their own. In today’s college football landscape, that kind of retention is just as valuable as any new addition.