It was no secret entering the 2026 season that Collin Klein’s name would carry weight. What wasn’t anticipated, though, was just how much. Now, that influence is showing up on the recruiting trail, and the latest rankings are starting to reflect it.
Wildcats take massive jump in latest recruiting rankings
In the latest 247Sports team recruiting rankings, two things became apparent: Kansas State is still in the rankings at the 19th spot, and the UCLA Bruins made the biggest jump. For Wildcats fans, the latter of the two doesn't seem all that important.
Top 25 Team Recruiting Rankings 🔥🤩
— 247Sports (@247Sports) May 5, 2026
UCLA with a BIG jump over the weekend 👀
Who’s gonna finish out on top?? pic.twitter.com/zF9kT8Dwyj
But to understand how the Wildcats got here, it's important to look into the latest recruiting action. That rise starts with one name: quarterback commit Cam Kruse.
At the time of publication, Kruse committed to Kansas State just one week prior. Originally a native of Olathe, Kansas, Kruse finished his junior season at Led Page High School in Tennessee with a Class 5A State title run.
Kruse threw for over 2,200 yards, 35 touchdowns and found 376 yards on the ground. He chose the Wildcats over conference rival West Virginia, and other schools like Miami, Northwestern and Memphis.
But here's the best part: he's not the only one. Other big names, like offensive tackle Oliver Miller and four star linebacker Lawson McGraw, are also major additions.
Setting up the future beyond QB Avery Johnson
The metrics of recruiting rankings go beyond just the numbers. And while the Wildcats have the luxury of holding the second-best class in the conference, it's the future of the program that matters.
Avery Johnson is set to exhaust his eligibility after the 2026 season, coming just a year after Kansas State saw starting center Sam Hecht depart for the NFL Draft. Prospects like Kruse and Miller, among others, are could find themselves in similar roles if they continue to develop.
On the surface, that starts with elite recruiting, and it's something that Klein is already doing well. The next step is getting his recruits in, and attempting a historic run in his first season with the Wildcats.
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