Kansas State’s Defense Takes Another Hit as Chiddi Obiazor Enters Transfer Portal
The hits keep coming for Kansas State’s defense this offseason. Sophomore edge rusher Chiddi Obiazor is the latest Wildcat to enter the transfer portal, continuing a wave of departures that’s reshaping the unit heading into 2026.
Obiazor was one of the more disruptive forces on K-State’s front seven this past season. While his stat line - 28 tackles and two sacks - might not jump off the page, the impact went far beyond the box score.
He led the team with 19 quarterback hurries and 30 total pressures, consistently creating chaos in the backfield and forcing opposing offenses to adjust. For a defense that leaned on its front to generate pressure, Obiazor was a key piece of the puzzle.
Now, he becomes the latest name in a growing list of defensive departures. Fellow edge rushers Tobi Osunsanmi and Ryan Bates are also expected to move on, further thinning the Wildcats’ pass-rushing depth. And it doesn't stop there - linebackers Austin Romaine and Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder, along with defensive back Qua Moss, are also on their way out.
That’s a lot of production, leadership, and experience walking out the door in one offseason.
The timing of the turnover adds another layer of complexity for Kansas State. Just days ago, the program officially brought on Jordan Peterson as its new defensive coordinator. Peterson, who previously served as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Texas A&M, replaces Joe Klanderman, who left to take the DC job at Baylor.
For new head coach Collin Klein, the challenge is clear: rebuild a defense that’s losing not just talent, but identity. With the transfer portal set to reopen on January 2, the next few weeks will be pivotal. Kansas State will need to be aggressive in identifying and landing replacements, especially in the front seven, where depth is quickly becoming a concern.
Obiazor’s departure stings, no question. He was a young, ascending player with the kind of motor and upside that’s hard to replace.
But in today’s college football landscape, roster turnover is part of the game. The key now is how quickly the Wildcats can adapt - and reload.