Kansas State Faces More Defensive Attrition as Safety Daniel Cobbs Enters Transfer Portal; Jayce Brown Draws Interest from Texas A&M
Another key piece of Kansas State’s defense is on the move. Safety Daniel Cobbs, one of the Wildcats’ most productive defenders in 2025, has officially entered the transfer portal, becoming the fifth defensive back to depart the program this offseason.
Cobbs was a difference-maker on the back end for Kansas State, especially down the stretch. He racked up 39 total tackles, including three for loss, and led the team with three interceptions.
Add in five pass deflections, and it’s clear Cobbs wasn’t just filling a spot-he was making plays. His performances against Texas Tech and Oklahoma State stood out as turning points in his season, showcasing his ability to read the field and disrupt opposing offenses.
Among Kansas State’s safeties, Cobbs finished third in total tackles and was the top ballhawk in the secondary. For a defense that’s already seen significant turnover, his departure adds another layer of concern heading into the offseason.
Head coach Collin Klein has already started reshaping the defensive side of the ball, bringing in a wave of experienced coaches in hopes of stabilizing what’s quickly becoming a depleted unit. The challenge now? Replacing not just the bodies, but the production and leadership players like Cobbs brought to the field.
Jayce Brown Eyes Next Chapter; Texas A&M Emerging as a Top Suitor
On the offensive side of the ball, Kansas State is also bracing for the loss of one of its most electric playmakers. Wide receiver Jayce Brown, who announced his intention to transfer on December 16, is drawing serious interest from Texas A&M-a program now in need of a new No. 1 target after KC Concepcion declared for the NFL Draft.
Brown’s résumé speaks for itself. Over three seasons in Manhattan, he hauled in 115 receptions for 1,972 yards and 13 touchdowns.
He was a consistent deep threat, averaging 17.4 yards per catch in 2025-good for third-best in the Big 12. His ability to stretch the field made him a nightmare for opposing secondaries, and when he was healthy, he was the heartbeat of the Wildcats’ passing game.
His chemistry with quarterback Avery Johnson was a highlight of Kansas State’s offense last season. When the Wildcats needed a big play, more often than not, it was Brown who delivered. Unfortunately, his season was cut short by injury just before the team’s matchup against Utah-a blow that was felt immediately on the field.
Now, with his name in the portal, Brown becomes one of the most coveted wideouts available. Texas A&M, fresh off a disappointing postseason exit and looking to retool its offense, has emerged as a likely landing spot.
The connection makes sense-not just because of need, but because of the growing ties between the two programs. With former Aggies offensive coordinator Collin Klein now leading the Wildcats, the overlap is hard to ignore.
Brown kept his farewell classy, thanking Kansas State and its fans for their support over the past three seasons.
“To my Kansas State family, I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have called Kansas State University my home,” Brown wrote in a social media post. “Wildcat Nation, I can't thank you enough for your support over the past three seasons. I will never forget my time in Manhattan, KS, and playing for all of you.”
The Road Ahead for Kansas State
Between the defensive departures and Brown’s exit, it’s a pivotal moment for Kansas State. The Wildcats are losing production on both sides of the ball, and while the coaching staff is already working to rebuild, the margin for error is shrinking.
There’s no sugarcoating it-this offseason will test the program’s depth, recruiting pipeline, and ability to adapt quickly. But with Klein at the helm and a fresh group of defensive minds on board, there’s still a chance to steady the ship.
Losing players like Cobbs and Brown hurts. But in today’s college football landscape, turnover is inevitable. The question now is whether Kansas State can reload-and how fast.