“Kansas State Football’s Thrilling Win Sparks Surprising Commitments: Who Are the Game-Changers?”

In a stunning display of grit and determination, the No. 15-ranked Kansas State Wildcats edged out their long-standing rivals, Kansas Jayhawks, in a thrilling 29-27 contest at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. This hard-fought victory not only adds another chapter to the storied rivalry but also appears to have played a crucial role in enhancing the Wildcats’ recruiting prospects. After witnessing the electrifying atmosphere and competitive spirit firsthand, two talented high school prospects—linebacker Darien Whitaker for the 2025 class and defensive back Brandon Ford for 2026—made the leap by committing to Kansas State. With Whitaker hailing from Boys Town, Nebraska, and Ford bringing his talents from Crowley, Texas, their decisions underscore the importance of on-field success in attracting emerging talent. What does this mean for the future of K-State football? Well, let’s dive in! LEARN MOREWeston Polk — 6-1, 215, linebacker, Coppell, TexasRelated: Kansas State football takes another injury hit to linebacking corpsLinebacker Darien Whitaker, one of the top-rated 2025 players in Nebraska, and 2026 defensive back Brandon Ford, from Crowley, Texas, announced their decisions on social media Monday.High school playersLinkon Cure — 6-6, 220, tight end, GoodlandRJ Collins — 5-11, 175, cornerback, Kansas City, Mo.This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State football picks up a pair of recruiting commitmentsMonterrio Elston — 5-8, 170, running back, Little Rock, Ark.

The No. 15-ranked Wildcats’ hard-fought 29-27 victory over KU Saturday night at sold-out Bill Snyder Family Stadium made enough of an impression on two visiting high school prospects — one for the 2025 class and one for 2026 — that they committed to K-State.

Kansas State football 2025 commitments

Martel Jackson — 6-2, 175, cornerback, Derby (Kan.)Brock Heath — 6-5, 260, offensive lineman, Blue Valley NW (Kan.)Will Kemna — 6-5, 260, offensive lineman, Jefferson City, Mo.The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Whitaker, a three-star prospect from Boys Town, near Omaha, is the Wildcats’ 19th commitment for the 2025 class. He also had offers from South Florida, Washington State, Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois and Minnesota State Mankato.Ashton Moore — 6-0, 200, linebacker, Louisburg (Kan.)Arne Green is based in Salina and covers Kansas State University sports for the Gannett network. He can be reached at agreen@gannett.com or on X (formerly Twitter) at @arnegreen.Noah King — 6-3, 195, safety, Hamilton, OhioRelated: Kansas State football kicker Chris Tennant answers the call with winning field goalJoJo Scott — 6-1, 175, cornerback, Lakeland, Fla.Ford, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound cornerback from the Fort Worth area, is K-State’s first commit for the 2026 recruiting cycle. He chose the Wildcats over a number of Power Four offers, including Big 12 schools Arizona, Arizona State, Houston and Texas Tech.Darien Whitaker — 6-4, 215, linebacker, Boys Town, Neb.Related: Kansas State football tickets vs Houston: Best prices for remaining available seatsDalton Knapp — 6-4, 225, defensive end, Fort Worth, TexasMaguire Richman — 6-2, 208, linebacker, Blue Valley (Kan.)MANHATTAN — Beating rival Kansas in the Sunflower Showdown may not be the biggest key to Kansas State football’s recruiting efforts, but it sure doesn’t hurt.Adonis Moise — 6-0, 180, wide receiver, Bradenton, Fla.Dominic Mitchell — 6-2, 200, safety, PhoenixDillon Duff — 6-2, 185, quarterback, St. LouisLogan Bartley — 5-11, 175, safety, Naples, Fla.2025 RECRUITING COMMITMENTSBrad Stanyer — 6-5, 235, defensive end, Grapevine, TexasSawyer Schilke — 6-3, 225, linebacker, Kearney, Neb.