Homegrown Power: Mill Valley’s Barber joins K-State’s 2026 class

The Kansas State football program continues to build its future, picking up its second commitment for the class of 2026 with in-state offensive lineman Lamarcus Barber joining the fold.

Barber, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound interior lineman from Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, Kansas, announced his commitment to the Wildcats over offers from Iowa State and Arkansas State.

Known for his physicality and toughness, Barber projects as a guard or center at the next level. His tenacity and ability to win battles at the line of scrimmage make him an ideal fit for K-State’s power-run scheme.

FAMILY…………….#EMAW @CoachBrianLepak @CoachKli @spedbraet @MVJagRecruiting @ChrisGomez54 @On3Recruits @Rivals pic.twitter.com/6JPcMNKW1Y
— lamarcusbarber (@LBarber2008) April 22, 2025

Coaches have praised Barber for his work ethic and strength in the trenches. His play style should complement the Wildcats’ ground game, which has been a consistent strength under head coach Chris Klieman.

Mill Valley has become a reliable pipeline for Kansas State in recent years. Current Wildcats offensive linemen Gus Hawkins and Sam Hecht are also Mill Valley products, giving Barber familiar faces when he arrives in Manhattan.

Barber is the second verbal commitment in K-State’s 2026 recruiting class, joining cornerback Brandon Ford out of Crowley, Texas.

Kansas State is coming off a strong 2024 campaign, finishing 9–4, highlighted by a thrilling 44–41 victory over Rutgers in their bowl game.

Looking ahead, the Wildcats will open the 2025 season in a high-profile international matchup against Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland, showcasing the program on a global stage.