Kansas State Loses Top 2026 Recruit as Four-Star OL Justin Morales Flips to Arizona
Just days before the early signing period, Kansas State football has taken a significant hit to its 2026 recruiting class. Four-star offensive lineman Justin Morales, the Wildcats’ top-rated commit in the cycle, has flipped his pledge and will now sign with Arizona.
Morales, a standout interior lineman from El Paso’s Franklin High School, had been committed to K-State since June. His decision to decommit and head west to Arizona marks the second time this month the Wildcats have lost a recruit to the Wildcats - the ones in Tucson, that is. Earlier in November, safety Hannibal Carter Navies, out of Grayson High in Georgia, also flipped from Kansas State to Arizona.
This one stings a bit more, though. Morales wasn’t just another name on the commit list - he was the cornerstone of the class.
As one of two four-star recruits in Kansas State’s 2026 group, he represented both talent and momentum for the program’s future along the offensive line. With Morales now out of the fold, linebacker Lawson McGraw from Blue Valley West becomes the highest-ranked player remaining in the class.
Morales had drawn attention from several Power Five programs before committing to K-State, including Oregon State, Michigan State, and Texas Tech. His early commitment was seen as a big win for the Wildcats’ staff at the time, particularly given the competition.
But recruiting is never over until the ink is dry, and with the early signing period set to open Wednesday, Dec. 3, Arizona swooped in at the eleventh hour to land a major addition to its own 2026 class.
For Kansas State, this is a tough late-cycle blow, but not an uncommon one in today’s recruiting landscape. The challenge now will be regrouping and possibly finding a replacement before the early window closes - or looking toward February for a late-cycle steal.
As for Arizona, Morales adds size, versatility, and a high ceiling to a class that’s suddenly gaining steam.