Kansas State’s 2026 recruiting board took a hit this week as four-star cornerback S’Vioarean Martin announced his commitment to Texas Tech.
The Palestine (Texas) product had narrowed his choices to Kansas State, Texas Tech, and Houston, but ultimately chose the Red Raiders.
Martin, ranked No. 27 nationally at cornerback and No. 44 overall in Texas by 247Sports, drew widespread Power Five interest for his physicality and versatility in the secondary.
His decision leaves the Wildcats looking elsewhere to maintain recruiting momentum in the 2026 cycle.
With Martin off the board, K-State still has several high-impact prospects in play—many with the potential to headline the class. Here's a breakdown of who the Wildcats are targeting next.
Ian Premer | TE | Great Bend (KS)
Premer is the top-ranked player in Kansas and the No. 3 tight end nationally, per247Sports Composite (.9766). At 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, he checks every box for a high-major tight end: size, catch radius, blocking ability, and downfield threat.
Notre Dame, Iowa State, and in-state rival Kansas are firmly in the mix, but K-State has made him priority No. 1.
Why he matters:
Landing Premer would mark back-to-back years that Kansas State secured the state’s top prospect, following 2025’s Linkon Cure. Together, the two would give the Wildcats one of the most dangerous tight end pairings in the country.
Chase Campbell | WR | Wolfforth (TX)
Campbell lit up defenses in 2023 with 82 receptions, 1,511 yards, and 18 touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound wideout brings elite acceleration and top-tier route running.
A four-star prospect, Campbell is being pursued heavily by Big 12 foes—including Texas Tech, Baylor, Oklahoma State—and Pac-12 newcomer Utah.
Why he matters:
K-State’s receiving corps has lacked explosiveness in recent seasons. Campbell brings the kind of big-play ability that could change that narrative quickly.
Ronelle Johnson | EDGE | Blue Springs (MO)
One of the top edge rushers in the Midwest, Johnson is a 6-foot-4, 245-pound defensive disruptor who posted 60+ tackles, 14 TFLs, five sacks, and three forced fumbles as a junior. He visited Kansas State in late May and left with strong impressions.
Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin are also in pursuit, but the Wildcats are seen as the early leaders.
Why he matters:
Johnson would provide a major boost to K-State’s pass rush. His combination of frame, athleticism, and production makes him an instant-impact candidate.
Tucker Ashford | ATH/LB | Fort Worth Christian (TX)
Ashford may be flying under the radar nationally, but Power 4 schools have taken notice. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, he’s a two-way standout who logged 24 tackles, four sacks, and five touchdowns in limited action last season.
He holds offers from Kansas State, Texas A&M, Cal, Wisconsin, and others. K-State currently holds the edge in his recruitment.
Why he matters:
Ashford’s versatility makes him a fit on either on the edge or at linebacker. He brings position flexibility, athletic upside, and a physical profile that could develop into a high-level defender.
What’s Next?
K-State’s 2026 class is still coming into focus, but the pieces are there to bounce back after the Martin miss.
Securing in-state talent like Premer and adding playmakers like Campbell or Johnson would go a long way toward stabilizing the class and setting the tone for the fall.