Kansas State Reloads: Collin Klein's First Recruiting Class Brings Depth, Potential, and a Strong Foundation
It’s a new era in Manhattan, and Collin Klein isn’t wasting any time putting his stamp on the Kansas State football program. As National Signing Day wraps up, the Wildcats’ 2026 recruiting class is taking shape - and it’s clear Klein is building with both the present and the future in mind.
Klein’s first full class as head coach features over 20 signees, not including a massive haul of 27 transfer portal additions since early January. That’s a significant roster reshaping effort in just a few weeks, and while many of the incoming freshmen and JUCO players were initially recruited under former coach Chris Klieman, they’ve stayed committed to the program. That says something about the culture Klein is maintaining - and the vision he’s selling.
Let’s break down the new faces joining the Wildcats and what they bring to the table.
Trenches First: Building From the Inside Out
If there’s a theme to this class, it’s clear: Klein is prioritizing the lines. Kansas State added multiple offensive and defensive linemen with size, athleticism, and upside.
- Oliver Miller (6-6, 300, Cherry Creek, CO) headlines the offensive line additions. A three-star tackle ranked No. 43 nationally at his position, Miller brings prototypical size and a frame that could anchor the edge of the line for years to come.
- Lamarcus Barber (6-3, 280, Mill Valley, KS) and Bennett Fraser (6-4.5, 270, Kirksville, MO) are both interior linemen who fit the mold of tough, smart, and physical - hallmarks of K-State trench play.
- On the defensive side, **Carnell Jackson Jr. ** (6-3, 340, Auburn, AL) is a true space-eater in the middle.
At 340 pounds, he’s built to clog lanes and eat up double-teams. Pair him with Adrian Bekibele (6-3.5, 290, Sweden) and Kingston Hall (6-3, 267, Tahlequah, OK), and suddenly the Wildcats have a young core of big men who can rotate and grow together.
Skill Positions: Size and Versatility on the Outside
The wide receiver room is getting a boost in both size and versatility.
- **Derrick Salley Jr. ** (6-4, 220, Hutchinson CC) is a big-bodied JUCO standout ranked as the No.
1 JUCO WR in the country. He’s physically ready to contribute right away - a potential red-zone threat with the kind of frame that defensive backs will struggle to match up with.
- Kaprice Keith (6-2, 205, Omaha Central, NE) and Maxwell Lovett (6-0, 180, Cherry Creek, CO) give the Wildcats more options on the perimeter, while Julius Wilson (6-4, 185, Owasso, OK) - currently a commit - fits the mold of a developmental deep threat with a high ceiling.
At running back, Tanner West (6-0.5, 185, Katy Jordan, TX) brings speed and agility out of the backfield. He’s listed as a wide receiver in the rankings, but his skill set suggests he could be a versatile weapon in Klein’s offense.
Defensive Reinforcements: Speed and Range in the Secondary
Kansas State added several pieces to the secondary, focusing on athleticism and positional flexibility.
- **Michael Graham Jr. ** (5-11, 190, Hutchinson CC) is the No.
3 JUCO safety in the country and brings a physical presence on the back end. He’s battle-tested and could step into a rotation spot early.
- Nick McClellan (5-11, 180, St. Louis, MO) and Josiah Vilmael (6-0, 175, Richmond, TX) are both three-star defensive backs who bring length and fluidity to the cornerback room.
- Garrick Dixon (6-0, 175, O’Fallon, MO) adds more depth at corner, while Sam Dolphens (6-1, 210, Papillion, NE) is one of the top long snappers in the country - a detail that may not grab headlines, but matters in close games.
Linebackers and Hybrids: Athletic and Projectable
One of the most intriguing additions is Lawson McGraw (6-4, 205, Stilwell, KS), a four-star athlete ranked as the No. 20 linebacker in the nation. With his size and athleticism, McGraw could develop into a hybrid defender - the kind of player who can cover tight ends, rush the passer, and play sideline to sideline.
Dejon Ackerson Jr. (6-1, 190, Oklahoma City) also joins the linebacker group, bringing speed and instincts to the second level.
Tight End and Offensive Versatility
Arley Morrell (6-6, 226, Pratt, KS) is a big-bodied tight end commit who adds another dimension to the offense. At 6-foot-6, he’s a matchup nightmare in the passing game and could be a red-zone weapon down the line.
Transfer Portal Impact and What’s Next
While the high school and JUCO signings are important, the real headline might be the 27 transfer portal additions Klein and his staff have landed since early January. That’s a significant influx of experience and depth - a clear sign that Klein is looking to compete right away while building for the long haul.
With the February signing period running through Feb. 6, there’s still room for a few more additions. And while the transfer portal officially closed on Jan. 16, players who entered before that deadline can still be signed, giving K-State some flexibility to round out the roster.
Recruiting Rankings and Big 12 Standing
According to the 247Sports Composite, Kansas State’s 2026 class currently ranks 53rd nationally and ninth in the Big 12. That might not jump off the page, but rankings don’t always tell the full story - especially when you factor in the transfer portal, JUCO talent, and developmental upside of this group.
Spring Ball on the Horizon
Kansas State hasn’t announced its spring practice schedule yet, but it typically kicks off in early April. That’ll be the first extended look at how this new crop of Wildcats fits into Klein’s system - and which newcomers are ready to make an early impact.
Bottom Line: Collin Klein’s first class is a blend of long-term potential and immediate help. He’s addressed needs across the board - from the trenches to the skill spots - while keeping the foundation of the program intact.
This isn’t just a transition; it’s a reload. And if this class is any indication, the Wildcats under Klein are aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving Big 12 landscape.