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Jayhawks snatch WR from K-State’s grasp, fueling rivalry fire

Nebraska transfer Jaidyn Doss picks Kansas over the Wildcats, marking another recruiting blow for K-State as tensions rise in Sunflower Showdown.
ByBen Spicer|
Oct 28, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Cam Allen (10) breaks up a pass to Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Jaidyn Doss (85) during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Oct 28, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Cam Allen (10) breaks up a pass to Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Jaidyn Doss (85) during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Kansas State didn’t land Nebraska transfer wide receiver Jaidyn Doss — but the Wildcats aren’t pressing the panic button.

Despite losing the Missouri native to rival Kansas on Monday, K-State remains confident in its depth at receiver and defensive back, two key positions hit hardest by offseason departures.

Doss, a two-way player in two seasons with the Huskers, was expected to help bolster K-State’s receiving corps in transition.

The 6-foot, 195-pound former three-star recruit ranked No. 14 in Missouri per the 247Sports Composite and held 15 Power Five offers out of high school. However, he’s caught just two passes for 20 yards in his college career.

Kansas State has undergone major turnover at wide receiver this offseason, losing Keagan Johnson, Tre Spivey III, and Dante Cephus. But the Wildcats have reloaded with transfers Jerand Bradley (Texas Tech), Caleb Medford (New Mexico), and Jaron Tibbs (Purdue).

Leading receiver Jayce Brown also returns, along with tight ends Garrett Oakley, Will Swanson, Brayden Loftin, and freshman standout Linkon Cure.

Still, Doss’ decision adds to a frustrating recruiting trend for K-State — particularly in-state. Kansas has landed seven of the top 15 players in the 2026 Kansas class, including four-star DB J.J. Dunnigan (Manhattan), four-star OT Kaeden Snyder, and three-star EDGE Hunter Higgins.

Top uncommitted targets OT Maxwell Robinson (Derby, Kan.) and LB Johnmichael Fountain are also trending away. With momentum fading, K-State has shifted focus to the 2027 class.

Despite recent recruiting setbacks, expectations remain high in Manhattan. The Wildcats are ranked No. 12 in USA Today’s preseason Top 25, No. 16 in Joel Klatt’s post-spring rankings, and No. 21 in ESPN’s Football Power Index — the top Big 12 team on the list.

Quarterback Avery Johnson returns after a breakout campaign and will lead an offense featuring dynamic weapons Dylan Edwards, Joe Jackson, and Brown. Defensively, veterans Austin Romaine and V.J. Payne return to anchor an experienced unit.

Kansas State opens the 2025 season with a rare international showdown — facing Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, Aug. 23.