Kansas State Faces Major Roster Shake-Up as Over 30 Players Exit via Transfer Portal
The winds of change are blowing hard in Manhattan.
Following a 6-6 season that fell short of expectations, Kansas State football is undergoing a full-scale roster overhaul. With Collin Klein stepping in as head coach after Chris Klieman’s departure, the Wildcats have seen more than 30 players enter the transfer portal this offseason - a staggering number that reflects both the shifting college football landscape and the program’s desire to reset under new leadership.
Some of those exits were expected. Others, not so much.
A few players were informed they wouldn’t have a spot on the 2026 roster, while others are simply looking for a fresh start or a better fit elsewhere. Either way, the message is clear: Klein is reshaping this team in his vision, and the portal is playing a central role in that process.
Klein has been aggressive in replenishing the roster, already bringing in more than 20 new faces via the portal. But the list of departures reads like a who’s who of recent contributors - including starters, key depth pieces, and promising young talent.
Let’s take a closer look at where these former Wildcats are headed.
Notable Departures and New Homes
Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder, DT
One of the most significant losses, Alcorn-Crowder was a starting defensive tackle last season. He’s now headed to SMU, where his experience in the trenches should be a valuable addition.
Callen Barta, WR
The former Seaman High standout is staying in-state, committing to Emporia State.
Jayce Brown, WR
This one stings.
Brown led the Wildcats in receiving last season and is now set to play under Lane Kiffin at LSU. His speed and route-running will be missed in Manhattan.
Jake Clifton, LB
Clifton made his mark in 2022 and 2023 before stepping away for a mission trip. Now he’s back and will suit up for BYU.
Teagan Cobb, K
The Rose Hill product is transferring to Southeast Missouri State.
Daniel Cobbs, DB
Cobbs is reuniting with former K-State defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman at Baylor - a theme you’ll notice with several Wildcats.
Jemyri Davis, WR
Davis is headed to Memphis, where he’ll look to carve out a bigger role.
Ryan Davis, EDGE
Another defender following Klanderman to Baylor, Davis brings versatility off the edge.
Dylan Edwards, RB
The former Derby star is returning to his home state, committing to Kansas after two seasons in Manhattan.
Amarion Fortenberry, DB
Fortenberry is taking his talents to South Florida.
Truman Griffith, DE
The Mill Valley product is moving on to North Dakota State.
Will Kemna, OL
Kemna is staying in the SEC footprint, committing to Missouri.
Brayden Loftin, TE
Loftin is headed west to UCLA, joining a program known for utilizing athletic tight ends.
Antonio Martin Jr., RB
Martin is bound for Middle Tennessee, where he’ll look to earn more touches.
Kaedin Massey, OL
The Lyndon native is transferring to James Madison.
Colby McCalister, S
Yet another Wildcat defender linking back up with Klanderman at Baylor.
Andrew Metzger, TE
Metzger is heading to Ohio, where he could see more opportunities in the passing game.
Qua Moss, S
A key piece of the secondary, Moss is moving on to Tennessee - a big pickup for the Vols.
Chiddi Obiazor, EDGE
Obiazor is joining the reigning national champions at Indiana, a major stage for the disruptive edge rusher.
Ralph Ortiz, LB
Ortiz is transferring to Tennessee Tech.
Tobi Osunsanmi, EDGE
Like Obiazor, Osunsanmi is also heading to Indiana, giving the Hoosiers a strong infusion of pass-rushing talent.
DeVon Rice, RB
Rice is taking his game to Hawaii, trading the plains for the islands.
Maguire Richman, LB
The Blue Valley product is staying close to home, signing with Northwest Missouri State.
Austin Romaine, LB
Romaine is joining Texas Tech, adding depth to the Red Raiders’ linebacker corps.
Jayden Rowe, DB
Another defensive back following Klanderman to Baylor, Rowe brings size and athleticism to the Bears’ secondary.
Kanijal Thomas, DB
Thomas is headed to North Alabama.
Asher Tomaszewski, DT
The big man in the middle is transferring to South Dakota.
Devin Vass, OL
Vass is joining West Virginia, continuing his career in the Big 12.
Still on the Market
While many former Wildcats have already found new homes, a few remain in the portal as of now:
- Terrence Enos Jr., OL
- Garrett Harstad, WR
- Hudson Hutcheson, QB
- JB Price, RB
- Jacques Spradley-Demps, WR
- Amos Talalele, OL
It’s possible some of these players are weighing their options, waiting for the right fit, or even considering a return to Manhattan if circumstances change.
What This Means for K-State
Roster turnover is nothing new in college football, especially in the transfer portal era. But losing over 30 players in one offseason - including starters like Jayce Brown, Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder, and Qua Moss - is significant.
For Collin Klein, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is obvious: replacing that much production and experience in a short window.
But the opportunity lies in building a roster that fits his vision from the ground up. With over 20 incoming transfers already, Klein is clearly not wasting time.
The portal cuts both ways. And while the Wildcats are saying goodbye to some familiar names, the next wave of talent is already on its way in. This is a new era for Kansas State football - and it’s starting with a clean slate.