The Kansas State Wildcats added another key piece to their 2026 football recruiting class on Friday, landing a commitment from linebacker Dejon Ackerson.
The announcement came via Ackerson’s social media, marking the Wildcats’ third verbal pledge for the 2026 cycle.
Ackerson, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound linebacker from Oklahoma City, brings both size and athleticism to the Wildcats' future defensive unit.
Blessed to be home… let’s work🤍💜 #commited #EMAW #EMAW26 pic.twitter.com/J6O372ScQU
— Dejon “DJ” Ackerson Jr. ✯ (@DejonAckerson11) April 25, 2025
He chose Kansas State over several notable programs, including Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Pitt, Boston College, and Tulsa. His decision further solidifies the Wildcats’ growing presence in the region.
According to recruiting service On3, Ackerson is ranked as the No. 28 overall prospect in the state of Oklahoma and the No. 5 linebacker. His combination of speed, instinct, and tackling ability has drawn praise from scouts and coaches alike.
Ackerson made an unofficial visit to Manhattan earlier this month, where he met with coaches and toured the facilities. That visit appears to have played a major role in his decision to commit.
He joins cornerback Brandon Ford of Crowley, Texas, and offensive lineman Lemarcus Barber of Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, Kansas, as early commitments in the 2026 class. Barber announced his commitment earlier this week, giving K-State three foundational recruits heading into the summer.
The Wildcats are riding momentum from a successful 2024 season, in which they finished 9–4 and capped the year with a dramatic 44–41 win over Rutgers in their bowl game.
Kansas State will open the 2025 season against Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland—a high-profile international showcase.
READ MORE: Top 2023 Kansas WR Recruit Andre Davis Leaves K-State
READ MORE: Three K-State players featured in ESPN's latest NFL mock draft
READ MORE: Sneh exits stage left — Kansas State’s o-line search rolls on