As Kansas State gears up to bounce back from a tumultuous 2025 season, they're facing the challenge of rebuilding a defense that lost some of its biggest playmakers. With top tacklers and sack leaders like Austin Romaine, Chiddi Obiazor, Qua Moss, Ryan Davis, Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder, and Tobi Osunsanmi moving on, Coach Collin Klein has his work cut out for him.
However, there's a silver lining. Some experts have faith in the Wildcats' new defensive recruits.
ESPN recently highlighted Kansas State's defensive additions, particularly praising newcomers Wendell Gregory and Elijah Hill. This pair is expected to inject new life into the Wildcats' defense.
"Klein lost edge rushers Chiddi Obiazor and Tobi Osunsanmi to Indiana but might have somehow pulled off an upgrade in bringing Wendell Gregory (Oklahoma State) and Elijah Hill (Kennesaw State) aboard," noted ESPN. "The edge duo combined for 29.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks last season. Hill, though a bit undersized, can be creatively deployed, and together with veterans Travis Bates and Jordan Allen, plus possibly Coastal Carolina transfer Jayden Bryant, they give new defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson a solid foundation."
Wendell Gregory, the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, brings an impressive resume with 27 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and four sacks. He was a standout for Oklahoma State, leading the team in sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits. His presence is expected to bolster the Wildcats' strategy of dominating the line of scrimmage.
Elijah Hill, on the other hand, is set to make his mark by setting the edge. Last season, Hill recorded 22 total tackles (11.5 for loss) and nine sacks, leading Conference USA in sacks. Pro Football Focus ranked him among the top 50 edge rushers in college football, underscoring his potential impact.
These strategic additions aim to relieve some pressure off Coach Klein, allowing him to focus more on the offensive game plan while entrusting the defense to coordinators Jordan Peterson and Marcus Woodson. With these fresh faces and seasoned veterans, Kansas State is poised to make a defensive statement in the upcoming season.